Ben Ferencz Autograph

Profession:
(1920-2023) American lawyer. He was an investigator of Nazi war crimes after World War II and the chief prosecutor[1] for the United States Army at the Einsatzgruppen trial, one of the 12 subsequent Nuremberg trials held by US authorities at Nuremberg, Germany

Year of Birth: 1920

Benjamin Berell Ferencz was born on March 11, 1920, in Transylvania, which is now part of Romania. He was the youngest of four children of Jewish parents, Isidore and Rosa Ferencz. His father was a lawyer and his mother was a homemaker.

As a child, Ferencz was exposed to anti-Semitism and violence. In 1944, his family was deported to Auschwitz. Ferencz was the only one to survive the concentration camp. After his liberation, he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 46th Infantry Division. He was sent to fight in the Battle of the Bulge and eventually helped liberate concentration camps in Germany.

After the war, Ferencz attended law school at Harvard University, graduating in 1948. He then began his career as a prosecutor. He was appointed as Chief Prosecutor in the Nuremberg trials and was responsible for prosecuting 22 Nazi officials for crimes against humanity. Ferencz and his team secured convictions in all 22 cases.

Ferencz was a prominent voice for global justice and human rights. He used his experience as a war crimes prosecutor to push for a more effective system of international justice. In 1997, he founded the International Center for Transitional Justice, a non-profit organization that works to create justice and accountability for victims of human rights abuses.

Ferencz has been a vocal proponent of the International Criminal Court, which he believes is the best way to ensure accountability for war crimes. He has also advocated for international laws to be enforced, believing that these laws will help prevent future atrocities. In recognition of his efforts, he has been awarded numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Throughout his life, Ferencz has been a tireless advocate for human rights and justice. He has dedicated himself to the pursuit of international justice and has been a major influence in the development of global laws and institutions. He is an inspiration to many, and his legacy will continue to live on.