Renowned Journalist Ruth Weiss Dies at 101, Leaving Legacy of Courage and Justice
Ruth Weiss, a renowned journalist and author, passed away on September 5 at the age of 101. Despite her exile, she returned to Germany regularly and visited the Ruth-Weiss-Realschule often. Her life was marked by courage and commitment to justice, fighting against the apartheid regime and meeting figures like Nelson Mandela.
Born in Fürth in 1924, Weiss spent much of her childhood in Aschaffenburg. As a Jew, she emigrated to South Africa in 1936, where she became a prominent journalist and author. She fought against the apartheid regime, meeting notable figures like Nelson Mandela. Weiss was honored many times for her commitment against racism and apartheid, receiving the Federal Cross of Merit in 2014 and the Great Cross of Merit in 2024.
In 2010, the Girls' Realschule was renamed after her, carrying on her message of humanity and reconciliation. The Ruth-Weiss Society, founded in 2019 by her circle of friends, maintains her work and values. Principal Sandra Finnegan and the society promise to keep her memory and message alive.
Ruth Weiss' life and work serve as an impressive example of courage and commitment to justice. Despite her exile, she returned to Germany regularly and visited the school named after her. Her legacy lives on through the Ruth-Weiss-Realschule and the Ruth-Weiss Society, ensuring her message of humanity and reconciliation endures.
