Ben Ferencz, the last surviving prosecutor from the Nuremberg trials, has passed away at the age of 103. The announcement made by his son on his Facebook page on April 6, 2023.
Ferencz was born in Transylvania, Romania, in 1920, and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was 10 years old. He attended Harvard Law School and became a lawyer, but his career took a dramatic turn when he drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II.
As a young Army lieutenant, Ferencz assigned to a team that was responsible for collecting evidence of Nazi war crimes in Europe. He shocked by what he saw, and he vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Nuremberg prosecutor
After the war, Ferencz appointed as one of the prosecutors in the Nuremberg trials, which were held from 1945 to 1949. The trials were a series of military tribunals that held to try prominent leaders of Nazi Germany for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Ferencz played a key role in the trials. He also was responsible for the prosecution of 22 Nazi officials who charged with crimes against humanity. His work helped to establish the principle that individuals, not just states, could be held accountable for war crimes.
Ferencz’s work on the Nuremberg trials had a profound impact on international law and human rights. He continued to advocate for justice and accountability throughout his life. He was also a vocal critic of war and violence.
After the war, he returned to New York to practice law. But he quickly recruited to assist in the prosecution of Nazis at the Nuremberg trials, despite having no prior trial experience.
He served as chief prosecutor in the trial of members of the Einsatzgruppen. Mobile SS death squads that operated across Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe. And were responsible for the deaths of over a million people.
Following WWII, accusations brought against 24 key Nazi officials.Nineteen people convicted, with three people acquitted. Twelve people sentenced to death, and ten executed.
Role in forming the International Criminal Court
Ferencz, who was fluent in six languages, including German. He remained in West Germany after the trials concluded and assisted Jewish groups in obtaining a reparations settlement from the new government.
In his later years, he became a professor of international law and advocated for an international court. To punish leaders of nations found to have committed war crimes, authoring several books on the subject.
The International Criminal Court established in The Hague, Netherlands, in 2002. But its efficacy has hindered by the refusal of some important countries, notably the United States, to participate.
In 2009, Ferencz gave a TED Talk in which he called for the establishment of an International Criminal Court to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity. He argued that such a court was necessary to prevent future atrocities and to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Honors and awards of Benjamin Ferencz
Presidential Medal of Freedom: In 2015, Ferencz awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama for his work as a “tireless advocate for peace and justice.” This is the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Criminal Court: In 2017, Ferencz received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Criminal Court for his contributions to international justice.
Advocacy Award from the American Bar Association: In 2015, Ferencz awarded the American Bar Association’s Advocacy Award in recognition of his lifetime of work as an advocate for justice.
Raphael Lemkin Award: In 2012, Ferencz awarded the Raphael Lemkin Award by the Institute for the Study of Genocide for his work in advancing the cause of international justice.
Order of Merit from the Federal Republic of Germany: In 2006, Ferencz received the Order of Merit from the Federal Republic of Germany. For his work in promoting reconciliation between Germany and the United States.
Grawemeyer Award for Ideas Improving World Order: In 2005, Ferencz awarded the Grawemeyer Award for Ideas Improving World Order. For his work in promoting international justice.
Hungarian Order of Merit: In 2004, Ferencz received the Hungarian Order of Merit for his contributions to international justice and human rights.
He was also the subject of a documentary film, “Prosecuting Evil: The Extraordinary World of Ben Ferencz,” which released in 2018.
Quotations of Ben Ferencz
“War makes murderers out of otherwise decent people. All wars, and all decent people.” – The Guardian
“It is not enough to punish the individual crimes; we have to attack the roots of evil.” – The New York Times
“We must find alternatives to war and killing, and we must make them work.” – The Washington Post
“The aim of war is to kill people, and we have to stop killing people to resolve conflicts.” – The Independent
“The rule of law has to maintained, even in times of war. Because it is the foundation of human rights and democracy.” – The Globe and Mail
“I believe that peace only can achieved through justice, and justice can only be achieved through law.” – The Irish Times
“We must have the courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.” – The Times of Israel
These quotes reflect Ferencz’s commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law, as well as his belief that war and violence are not the answer to conflicts. They serve as a reminder of his lasting legacy as a champion of international justice. And a tireless advocate for peace.
Ferencz’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come and his commitment to justice and human rights never be forgotten. His passing marks the end of an era. But his contributions to the pursuit of justice and accountability will live on.
