A dedicated couple, inseparable in their bond, peacefully passed away at a Swiss assisted dying facility after informing their loved ones via email. Michael Posner, aged 97, and his wife Ruth, aged 96, chose to end their lives together despite not having terminal illnesses. They had been married for 75 years and wished to remain united in death.
Residing in Belsize Park, North London, the couple shared a heartfelt message with their family and friends, revealing their joint decision. They expressed that their choice was mutual, free of external influence, and stemmed from a desire to avoid a prolonged existence marred by declining health.
Ruth, a Holocaust survivor, and educator, received a touching tribute from the Campaign Against Antisemitism following her passing. The statement hailed her as an inspiration and highlighted her impactful efforts to combat antisemitism and educate future generations about the atrocities of the past.
Chief Executive of The Holocaust Educational Trust, Karen Pollock CBE, praised Ruth’s resilience and determination, emphasizing her remarkable journey from surviving the horrors of the Holocaust to becoming a beacon of hope and knowledge for young audiences.
Ruth’s remarkable life story began with her escape from the Warsaw ghetto at the age of 16, using a forged passport to elude capture. Arriving in the UK with limited English proficiency, she pursued a career in dance, later transitioning to theatre arts and gaining recognition for her performances in various productions.
Married to Michael in 1950, Ruth embarked on a global adventure alongside him, benefiting from his career as a chemist that allowed them to travel extensively. Her legacy as a multifaceted artist and advocate for remembrance lives on, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.