Benjamin Berell Ferencz was born on March 11, 1920 in a small town in Romania. At a young age, his family immigrated to the United States, where he would later become a prominent figure in the legal world. Ferencz graduated from Townsend Harris High School and went on to study at Harvard Law School and The City College of New York, where he developed a passion for pursuing justice and accountability.
After completing his education, Ferencz began his career as a lawyer, working on various cases before finding his true calling. Following the end of World War II, he became an investigator of Nazi war crimes, dedicating himself to bringing justice to those who had committed atrocities during the war. His work in this field would lead him to become the chief prosecutor for the United States Army at the Einsatzgruppen Trial, where he played a crucial role in holding members of the Nazi regime accountable for their actions.
Throughout his life, Ferencz was dedicated to his personal values and beliefs. In 1946, he married Gertrude Ferencz, with whom he would have four children. Their marriage lasted over seven decades, until her passing in 2019. Despite his busy career and the challenges he faced in his work, Ferencz always made time for his family and valued their support and love.
Benjamin Ferencz's contributions to the field of international law and his relentless pursuit of justice have left an lasting impact on the world. His work in prosecuting war criminals and advocating for human rights has inspired countless individuals to stand up for what is right and to fight against injustice and oppression. In 2018, he was interviewed for Michael Moore's documentary, Fahrenheit 11/9, where he shared his insights on the state of the world and the importance of holding leaders accountable for their actions.
Over the course of his long and distinguished career, Benjamin Ferencz received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the legal field and his dedication to pursuing justice. In March 2020, he celebrated his 100th birthday, a testament to his resilience and commitment to his work. Three years later, he passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations to strive for a more just and peaceful world.