Thomas Buergenthal was born on November 11, 1934 in Slovakia. He experienced unimaginable horrors during his childhood as he was a survivor of the Auschwitz and Sachsenhausen concentration camps. His father tragically perished in the camps, but Buergenthal was fortunate enough to be reunited with his mother after their respective liberations.
Buergenthal's thirst for knowledge and justice led him to pursue higher education despite the hardships he faced. He attended Bethany College, New York University, and Harvard University where he earned various law degrees. His determination to learn and succeed despite the odds stacked against him would later shape his career as a prominent lawyer and scholar.
One of the few children to survive the treacherous three-day march from Auschwitz to Sachsenhausen, Buergenthal's resilience and strength were evident from a young age. His harrowing experiences during the Holocaust would go on to shape his dedication to protecting human rights and seeking justice for those who have suffered.
After establishing himself as a lawyer, Buergenthal delved into international law and became a renowned expert in the field. He served as a judge at the International Court of Justice and later as the President of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights from 1985 to 1987. Buergenthal's commitment to upholding human rights and promoting justice earned him accolades from various organizations and universities.
Despite the darkness of his past, Buergenthal found love and happiness in his personal life. He was married twice, first to Dorothy Coleman and later to a woman named Peggy. Together, they raised three children who would go on to be inspired by their father's resilience and perseverance.
Throughout his career, Buergenthal held prestigious positions such as the Lobingier Professor Emeritus of Comparative Law and Jurisprudence at George Washington University law school. His memoir, 'A Lucky Child,' was released in 2007 and has been translated into over a dozen languages, sharing his story of survival and resilience with readers around the world.
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