About
Simon Wiesenthal was an Austrian Holocaust survivor, Nazi hunter, and writer. Born in 1908, he studied architecture before his life was dramatically altered by World War II. He endured the horrors of several concentration camps, including Janowska, Kraków-Płaszów, Gross-Rosen, Buchenwald, and Mauthausen. After surviving the Holocaust, Wiesenthal dedicated his life to tracking down Nazi war criminals and bringing them to justice. His tireless efforts and unwavering commitment made him a prominent figure in Holocaust remembrance and justice.
Career Timeline
Architectural Studies Completed
Completed his architectural studies before his life was disrupted by World War II.
Holocaust Survival
Survived multiple concentration camps, including Auschwitz, Buchenwald, and Mauthausen, fundamentally altering his life's course.
Documentation Center Founded
Established the Jewish Historical Documentation Center to gather evidence of Nazi war crimes.
Eichmann Capture Assistance
Played a crucial role in the capture of Adolf Eichmann, one of the major architects of the Holocaust.
The Sunflower Publication
Published "The Sunflower", a philosophical reflection on morality and the Holocaust.
Continued Pursuit of Justice
Continued to advocate for justice and remembrance of the Holocaust, despite his advanced age.
Passed Away at 96
Simon Wiesenthal passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of Holocaust remembrance and justice.
Legacy as Nazi Hunter
Wiesenthal's work is remembered, although his methods have sometimes been debated, and his specific achievements are less widely known by younger generations.
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Last updated: February 21, 2026