Tributes paid to "extraordinary" Holocaust survivor after death aged 100

Henry Wuga made Glasgow his home after fleeing Germany in 1939

Henry Wuga spent his life in Glasgow, educating people about the Holocaust
Author: Molly TulettPublished 17th Mar 2024

Scottish leaders are paying tribute to an “extraordinary” Holocaust survivor, who has died just a month after his 100th birthday.

Henry Wuga escaped Nazi Germany at just 15, and spent decades educating people about the atrocities.

The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust announced his death, with Nicola Sturgeon leading tributes to Mr Wuga.

She said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: “Henry was an extraordinary human being. While the world is a poorer place for his passing, there is no doubt that his life made it better.

"An extraordinary human being"

"Alongside his beloved wife, Ingrid, Henry educated thousands about the horrors of the Holocaust and the lessons from it that we must never forget.

"With quiet dignity, he reminded us of the power of love and humanity. He was also full of stories and fun."

She added: "He will be so enormously missed - but his legacy will endure."

First Minister Humza Yousaf said he was “devastated” to hear about Mr Wuga’s passing, adding: “His loss will be felt by communities right across Scotland & beyond.

"His legacy will endure"

“He worked over decades to remind us of the horrors of the Holocaust, which must never be forgotten."

In a statement released on Sunday morning, HolocaustMemorial Day Trust chief executive Olivia Marks-Woldman said the group was "heartbroken".

"Henry was a gentleman: charming, dapper and above all, a force for good," she added.

"The work that he, and his late wife Ingrid, did in sharing their testimonies, made an immense impact on thousands of people across Scotland.

"Charming, dapper, and above all, a force for good"

"All of us at the HolocaustMemorial Day Trust send our deepest sympathies to his daughters Hilary and Gillian and all his family and loved ones.

"Thank you for everything, Henry. We will miss you."

Mr Wuga celebrated his 100th birthday in February, ahead of which local MSP Jackson Carlaw celebrated him during First Minister’s Questions.

Mr Carlaw posted on X: "How joyful it was just last month for us all to celebrate with Henry the reaching of his centenary.

"We owe it to his generation to share their stories"

"Today we mourn his passing & send much love to Hilary, Gillian & the family.

"In his own quiet way, Henry was a Statesman. May his memory be a blessing."

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar described Mr Wuga as "warm, charming and compassionate", adding: "We owe it to his generation to share their stories and always strive for peace."

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