Walter Frankenstein, Holocaust Survivor and U-Boat, Passes Away at 100

Tue Oct 21 2025 15:43:52 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Walter Frankenstein evaded Nazi terror during the Holocaust, hiding in Berlin's shadows—he passed away on April 21, 2025.

Walter Frankenstein, one of the last remaining survivors who evaded the Nazis during World War II, passed away at the age of 100 in Stockholm. For over two years, he and his family lived as 'human U-boats,' hiding in various locations across Berlin to escape persecution. His extraordinary stories of survival have served as poignant reminders of the Holocaust, where approximately 1,700 out of 6,500 Jews like him managed to survive under extreme circumstances.

For much of the conflict, Frankenstein concealed his identity by taking refuge in unlikely places, including an opera house, an abandoned vehicle, and even a converted subway station. In a notable incident, he evaded detection when approached by a military policeman, who was more interested in tracking down military deserters than apprehending Jews. Frankenstein recounted this harrowing experience years later to the Jewish Museum Berlin, showcasing the unpredictable nature of survival during such perilous times.

According to historian Richard N. Lutjens Jr., the average U-boat had to change locations a dozen times during the war due to constant air raids and the threat of discovery, making survival a continual challenge. Frankenstein's story is a testament to resilience in the face of unimaginable horror, leaving behind a legacy of courage and hope.