Walter Frankenstein, who witnessed and survived some of the most harrowing experiences of the Holocaust, passed away on April 21 at the age of 100 in Stockholm, where he had lived since 1956. Remembered as one of the “human U-boats,” he spent over two years hiding with his family from the Nazis in numerous makeshift shelters around Berlin. During this period, they sought refuge in a variety of locations, from bombed-out buildings to subway stations transformed into bunkers.
In a recollection shared with the Jewish Museum Berlin, Mr. Frankenstein recalled a tense encounter in 1944 when he was confronted by a military policeman demanding to see his identification. In a moment of desperation, he feigned a foreign accent, claiming to be a forced laborer who had misplaced his papers. Surprisingly, instead of reporting him, the officer let him go, only stating, “Get lost. I’m not looking for Jews; I’m looking for deserters.” His account illustrates the perilous existence of Jews in hiding and the fleeting moments of grace amid daily life-threatening circumstances.
Historian Richard N. Lutjens Jr. noted the constant need for those living underground to frequently change locations due to the threats from air raids and neighbors, highlighting the inherent danger faced by the “U-boats.” Mr. Frankenstein was among the approximately 1,700 Jews who evaded the Nazis and managed to survive the war against overwhelming odds.
Frankenstein's narrative, echoing resilience and luck during one of history’s darkest chapters, underscores the importance of remembering such stories and the individuals who lived through them. His life’s journey offers both a somber reflection and a powerful reminder of humanity's endurance in the face of severe oppression.
