Kindertransport survivor celebrates centenary birthday in Jerusalem
Walter Bingham, the world's oldest active journalist, says he "could never have imagined that at the age of 100 I would be a witness to the horrific pogrom against Jews that took place on October 7"
Kindertransport survivor Walter Bingham today celebrates his 100th birthday in Jerusalem. The world’s oldest active journalist, he has led an extraordinary life, overcoming the challenges of the Holocaust and emerging as a decorated war hero before embarking on a distinguished career in journalism.
Born Wolfgang Billing in 1924 in Karlsruhe, Germany, Walter’s childhood took a dramatic turn as Hitler rose to power. Expelled from school during the events leading to Kristallnacht in 1938, Walter witnessed the burning of books in 1933 and the arrest of his father, who later died in the Warsaw ghetto.
Sent on the Kindertransport to Britain, Walter vividly recalls the heartbreaking farewell from his mother at the train station. In England, he served in the British Army, earning honors for rescuing soldiers in the Battle of Normandy.
Post-war, Walter became a journalist, a profession in which he still works today, recently entering the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest active journalist. He also found success as an actor, landing a role in the Harry Potter movie. Today, living in Jerusalem, Walter is a proud father, grandfather, and an enduring symbol of resilience.
Reflecting on his journey, Walter said: “I’ve always felt a deep connection to the Jewish people and our homeland. I value the moments I’ve spent fighting against tyranny and promoting the truth through journalism. I could never have imagined that at the age of 100 I would be a witness to the horrific pogrom against Jews that took place on October 7 and the terrifying resurgence of antisemitism since. As I celebrate today, I also pray for the future of the State of Israel and the Jewish people.”
Revital Yakin Krakovsky, deputy chief executive officer of the International March of the Living, said: “Walter is an inspiration. Persecuted as a child by the Nazis, he became a decorated fighter against the German army, immigrated to Israel at 80, and remains active from his home in Jerusalem. We are privileged to work with him in promoting Holocaust education and remembrance, and we look forward to marching together on Holocaust Remembrance Day in Poland this year, and for many more years to come.”
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