When Margaret Thatcher passed away today, the tributes began pouring in from all over the world. Mrs. Thatcher was Britain’s first female prime minister, serving for 11 years starting in 1979. Known as the Iron Lady, she was a strong Conservative who changed England’s perspective on its economic and political life.
Despite her many impressive accomplishments, including fighting the Soviet communist regime, Thatcher said that her proudest moment was when she saved a Jewish teenager from Austria during the Holocaust.
In 1938, Edith Muhlbauer, a 17-year-old Jewish girl, sent a letter to Muriel Roberts, Edith’s pen pal and the older sister of Margaret Thatcher, asking if the Roberts family could help her escape from Austria. The Nazis had started rounding up Jews from Vienna and Edith knew it was just a matter of time before she would be among them.
Alfred Roberts, the father of Muriel and Margaret, was a grocer in a small town. They lived in a cold water flat above the grocery with an outhouse; the Roberts did not have the time or the money to bring Edith to their home. So Margaret, then 12 and Muriel, 17, decided to try raising money and asking the local Rotary club to help. They succeeded in bringing Edith to England where she stayed with several Rotary families, including the Roberts for the next two years before joining relatives in South America.
Edith slept in Margaret’s room and Thatcher later wrote in her memoir: “She was tall, beautiful, evidently from a well to do family. But most important, she told us what it was like to live as a Jew under an anti-Semitic regime. One thing Edith reported particularly stuck in my mind. The Jews, she said, were being made to scrub the streets.”
In 1995, after Edith had been located in Brazil, she told audiences, “Never hesitate to do whatever you can for you may save a life.”
Edith is now a Jewish grandmother in Sao Paolo who says that she owes her life and the life of her children and grandchildren to Margaret Thatcher’s family. When Thatcher visited Yad Vashem during a historic, first visit to Israel by a British prime minister in 1986, she was visibly shaken as she stood in front of a photo of a German soldier shooting a Jewish mother and child. She exclaimed, “It is so terrible. Everyone should come and see it so that they never forget. I am not quite sure whether the new generation really knows what we are fighting against.”
Thatcher continued to be a loyal friend to the Jews as she fought the British support for the Arab boycott of Israel, protested on behalf of Jewish refuseniks in the Soviet Union and chose several Jewish leaders to be part of her cabinet. Thatcher admired the hard work and self-reliance of the British Jewish community and frequently turned to England’s late chief rabbi, Immanuel Jakobovits for spiritual back up. She even elevated Rabbi Jakobovits to the House of Lords and he later became known as “Thatcher’s rabbi.”
Thatcher also made the following statement about Israel’s security: “Israel must never be expected to jeopardize her security; if she was ever foolish enough to do so and then suffered for it, the backlash against both honest brokers and Palestinians would be immense - ‘land for peace’ must also bring peace.”
Thatcher spoke up with such courage and strength because as she described herself, “This lady is not for turning.” When she believed in an ideal, whether it was transforming the British economy or saving a terrified Jew from Austria, she was not afraid to follow through, even if she had to stand up against popular opinions to do so.
Four Famous Quotes
Thatcher’s integrity that inspired her to save Edith when she was just 12 years old shines through four of her most famous quotes that can teach us invaluable life lessons:
Let your actions speak louder than your words: “Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.”
Stand up for what you believe in: “If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time and you would achieve nothing.”
Don’t give up: “You might have to fight a battle more than once to win it.”
We can all be leaders: “People think that at the top there isn’t much room. They tend to think of it as an Everest. My message is that there is tons of room at the top.”
There were so many reasons why twelve year old Margaret and her sister could have thrown up their hands in despair and stuffed Edith’s letter into a drawer in their tiny, freezing apartment. They had no money, no power and no idea how they would be able to rescue this terrified girl that they had never met. But they believed that they could and should do everything that they can to help. They knew even then that there was room in the world for great leaders, even if they were only twelve years old and living above a small town grocery store with no hot water.
We pay tribute to Margaret Thatcher for her friendship and work with the Jewish people. For her wise words and inspiring courage. And for teaching us, that above all else, the greatest achievement in life is sometimes not one that earns you a trophy or money or even a powerful position. Sometimes it’s the quiet, determined accomplishments that no one hears about until years later.
(56) josiah ihimodu, April 18, 2013 11:34 AM
rest in peace madam.
may her soul rest in perfect peace.
(55) david C Corp, April 18, 2013 12:04 AM
as an Israel lover and Brit,I am Now a fan of Margaret!
This is new to me as I did not know so much about our ex PM,
Lady Thatcher.
Thank You,
David C Corp
(54) candlewitness, April 16, 2013 2:46 PM
Margaret Thatcher deserves to have her memory protected
A great article. There is so much to learn about her life and years as Great Britain's Prime Minister. People entering into public life will be held to a higher calling then those who prefer to have a smaller footprint. I admire her. She wasn't only a great PM. Her inner being was excellent her entire life! My prayer is that children are taught decency, and greatness. These qualities begin young and I pray that Margaret Thatcher is used as an example.
(53) SHELLY, April 14, 2013 7:53 PM
disrespect to THATCHER
HOW HER COUNTRYMEN TURNED ON HER AFTER HER DEATH IS A OUT RIGHT INSULT TO ALL PEOPLE WITH ANY DECENCY TOWARDS THEIR FELLO HUMANS. WE ARE NOT ANIMALS AND EVEN THEY RESPECT DEATH.
(52) Sue, April 13, 2013 4:57 PM
Good article
Thank you for your comments regarding Margaret Thatcher. I am a "fan" of Thatcher's, being true blue Tory, although I appreciate that others loathe her. However, whatever one's political views may be, she cannot be doubted for her tenacity, courage and conviction. Margaret Thatcher and Golda Meir are two strong women whom I admire immensely.
(51) , April 12, 2013 6:56 PM
Margaret thatcher was a woman of strength,compassion, and decency. She was a friend to our Jewish Nation. And has great merit for intervening on behalf of Jews in need of her May she have great rewards in the heavenly heights May she be. An example for all of us Sincerely Faiga Chava
(50) Emily Rudd, April 12, 2013 1:31 PM
Inspiring story
An inspiring story which shows that her character as a young adolescent was consistent with her adult character.
(49) Reb Mordechai, April 12, 2013 12:24 PM
Margaret Thatcher was a great person.
Very nice article Sara. Mrs Thatcher (as we called her) was one of my greatest heroes when I was growing up.
One negative comment. Please stop making the mistake of using "England" when you should be using "Great Britain".
(48) Sands, April 12, 2013 7:10 AM
A good friend to the Jewish people, strong, fair, the best P.M this country had after the War, she saved this country from the loony left, the Unions, and put this country back on its feet..We bless her memory.
(47) mike diamond, April 11, 2013 11:21 PM
margaret tatcher was a blessing,she will be missed.what a dear lady!
(46) Karpule, April 11, 2013 11:14 AM
THank You this inspirative and very instructive story! She was a blessed woman!I honor her accomplishments and I share this article in hungarian.
Karpule,Hungary, Budapest
(45) Sarah Bulus, April 10, 2013 7:37 PM
Great article with great lessons
This story has further endeared me to Margaret. Thatcher
(44) Jong, April 10, 2013 12:39 PM
Great article
Thank you so much for this touching and inspiring article!
(43) Anonymous, April 10, 2013 12:18 PM
Ask the Irish people...
Paul, April 10, 2013 4:14 PM
Ask the Irish people...she did
not only the majority northern Irish Unionist majority but was the first PM to open talks with the Irish Republic which paved the way to the peace talks!
(42) Tatyana Solovey, April 10, 2013 7:58 AM
Margaret Thatcher
Thank you for the article.
Admire!
eddie, April 12, 2013 3:28 AM
AS a Jew I am pleased to hear that Maggie Thatcher helped save one of my people, but as an Irish-American,I am saddened to report that many Irish folk had their lives taken and brutalized under Thatchers regime ,in northern Ireland, in the Balkans and elsewhere, Befpre we build a monument and make speeches, let us make sure that the steps to the monument are not built on the bones of others. Shalom
(41) The Jew, April 10, 2013 6:31 AM
A moment of truth
Truth helps us get on the road to success. Mrs. Thatchers' parents really taught their children well. What mattered to her was a request never went unanswered. G-d of Abraham, Issac, Jacob has made us the apple of His Eyes!
(40) marilyn, April 10, 2013 4:41 AM
a great story...inspiring.. all Jews should vote and be active and interested in chosing our representatives in US government who embody such nobel ethics.
(39) Sophia, April 10, 2013 2:40 AM
question
What's the source for Margaret Thatcher saying that saving Edith was her private moment? I'm interested in learning more. Thanks so much for the article.
Regina Desiree Ntolo, April 10, 2013 11:29 AM
@Sophia
What she meant was that if ever she were asked about which deed and which moment in her entire life she' consider one to be privately proud of, without the need of seeking for praise for that deed, was when she and her sister helped save that girl. You'd admit there are times when we glow privately for having done a good deed, a great favour, or a charitable act for which we had requested nothing in return. At that moment, the knowledge that we have done something decent and commendable is our only reward, and one we are truly, privately proud of. So on this instance, that was her moment. her private moment of feeling happily proud of herself.
(38) mgoldberg, April 10, 2013 1:26 AM
fiscally conservative but....
I thought she was as a fiscal conservative and a political opponent of communism to be admisred but.... on Israel she was a failure and with the arabs she was a bought off failure who allowed all that immigration to come into England and destroy it and prevent it from ever recovering. She was a supporter and demander of negotiations to give up judea, samaria and dealing with Arafat. As Debbieschlussel.com noted: she urged Reagan to open dialogue with the PLO, she stood against Begin, and her legacy is one where Britain is beset with Sharia forging muslims making England no longer a place for jews and she saw none of what she brought forth. She fought communism, and fought for the free market and failed to see how the eurabian alliance would destroy england as it is clearly happening, and as england is no particular friend to Israel she did nothing to prevent this.
(37) jenni peardon, April 10, 2013 12:41 AM
Margaret Thatcher
Not a perfect human being, like the rest of us, but her strength and effort to save the life of an Austrian Jewish girl, at such an early age and despite her own circumstances of powerlessness, is enough to silence the critics.
(36) Drusie Buduan, April 9, 2013 11:48 PM
On reading this article, I admire her more.
(35) Raoul Salpeter, April 9, 2013 11:19 PM
Individual act of humanity weighed against majority of nastiness
Whilst Margaret Thatcher is to be applauded for her actions in 1938 that does not mean that somehow she should be absolved from the bad times she brought to Britain. She revelled in dividing society and in pursuing her right wing agenda in a dogmatic way.
(34) Terry, April 9, 2013 11:05 PM
Thatcher was the best British PM since Churchill
I wonder how many lives have, or ever will, be saved by the savages celebrating her death? Indeed, were any of these savages to attain power, they show every sign of taking life in the manner that mao, stalin, pol pot and *itler did. Their achievements are zero. Thatcher reached for the dream, her detractors want to be given it at public expense.
(33) Jonathan Levy, April 9, 2013 9:55 PM
IRON LADY? ABSOLUTELY!!
The world has lost a person who had the courage of her convictions - and was not scared to stand up and say what she felt. To us Jews she was a rare non-Jew - one who fought for us on many occasions....and who won. The world needs many more of her calibre. It is sad to lose her....a great loss to this world. May she rest in peace knowing that she did more than any person is expected to do - but that is what made her one of Britains greatest PM's - indeed, akin to Churchill but in different times with different challenges. Thank you for what you did for this world.
(32) Iohanan, April 9, 2013 9:16 PM
Hip hip Maggy
Good common sense and a conscience ...
(31) Harvey Sinclair, April 9, 2013 9:06 PM
A National Treasure
We must treasure people like her, people who have a vision to see the truth about Israel and the Jews. People like Margaret who hold their head high holding honest principles, instead of pandering to the miserable masses. We need more people like her. May God reward this good woman's principles and may he comfort her family.
(30) Dovid, April 9, 2013 9:00 PM
Another view
Before we gush too much over the late Margaret Thatcher, I wish to add that here in the UK she is regarded as one of the most divisive leaders in British history; a friend to Latin American dictators such as Galtieri, arrested in UK for War Crimes and Pinochet before the Falklands. Her governments dessimation of the UK's mining communities and the starving of resources for the inner cities are still being played out today. Her elevation of Jewish policians, far from being a kiddush Hashem and unwise support by the then Chief Rabbi led to one of the worst anti-semitic backlashes in the British press and popular consciousness for decades, and contradicts the teachings of the Avos. Her support of Israel did not prevent her from being reluctant to meet the "terrorist" Begin by the way during his only state visit to Britain. Finally yesterday in poor and damaged communities in Britain people danced in the streets and held partes. This is unheard of here. A misguided leader with misguided support from the UK Jewish community.
Kelly Rebekah ben Maimon, April 12, 2013 2:05 AM
"Wish to add here in the UK she is regarded as one of the most divisive leaders in British history"
Now, now Dovid, think it is essential to have a balanced view to your contribution. Before I start, need to declare that I have lived in the heart of central Brixton, London (on an ex-council estate for many years). An area you presumably make reference to as "poor damaged communities". Was out and about with other observers, in the early hours viewing despicable actions. Concluded that a 'sinister element' had descended in our neighbourhood. By all means, peaceful protest is a basic right but one would draw the line, where violence is involved and people get hurt. This leads on to the following: There is only one adjective to describe the tasteless 'celebrations' in Brixton, Liverpool and elsewhere: DIVISIVE!... And unsuccessfully so. Like the Holocaust Deniers, here we see exposed the wannabe re-writers of history, who seem to have no memory of the per-Thatcher days of Ted Heath's 3-day week, the Miner's Strike of 1973/4, Barbara Castle's unsuccessful attempt to do business with the real dividers - "In Place of Strife". Her failure in 1970, led to Ted Heath's victory over Harold Wilson. Two truths we should think about. First of all Churchill's divisiveness in 1940 when he refused to accept a United Europe. The allied invasions of Italy at Anzio and later in Normandy were also divisive as any German citizen or Vichy French politician will tell you. The second truth is surely this: If Tony Blair is credited with the creation of an electable Labour Party, surely the person who laid the foundations and made new Labour possible was Margaret Thatcher, not to mention the Social Democrats who gave such a boost to the unelectable Liberal party. We have yet to see the UK media draw attention to these lasting changes in Britain's other political parties. As to the authors - brilliant contribution, having checked sources, one will reproduce to reach a wider audience in United Kingdom. Keep writing more articles. Kelly Rebekah ben Maimon London, England
(29) ted skuse, April 9, 2013 8:17 PM
A LIGHT that drove out Socialist Darkness.
Margaret Thatcher embodies all the qualities and courage that make her a showcase of God's excellence in creating mankind !
Graham, April 11, 2013 6:58 AM
A LIGHT
You obviously never lived in Britain while this tyrant was PM.
Reb Mordechai, April 14, 2013 5:40 PM
I did live in Britain during the 70s and 80s
I remember before she became our PM, the unions holding Britain to ransom. The power cuts in the winter. The destruction of industry. Britain was called "the poor man of Europe". She modernernised UK's industry, encouraged economic growth and innovation and stood up to tyrants inside Britain as well as outside. The person you should blame for the plight of those who lost their jobs is Arthur Scargill. She put pride back into Britain. The greatest peacetime PM the UK has ever had.
(28) Barbara Roberts, April 9, 2013 7:29 PM
Margaret Thatcher
Thank you for making me aware of her accomplishments...She was a blessing and an inspiration. May her deeds be remembered by all.
Rest in Peace...
(27) Mawloud Ould Daddah, April 9, 2013 7:19 PM
tribute to a great figure
great lady,will be missed,rip,amen,
(26) Tony Jacobs, April 9, 2013 5:09 PM
Margaret Thatcher is my hero
Margaret Thatcher was my hero, along with Winston Churchill, before I read this incredible story. Now she may have just nudged Churchill into second place. Please G-d, send us more like them.
(25) Alon Frank, April 9, 2013 5:07 PM
G-d bless her memory
May G-d bless her memory.
I always admired her.
(24) Anonymous, April 9, 2013 4:48 PM
Mrs Thatcher was a divisive character in British politics. You can sense it in her text "evidently from a well to do family. But most important," "Well to do" mattered to her. Too much.
Anonymous, April 9, 2013 7:11 PM
What are you talking about?
Your comment is incomprehensible. Nothing in this article leads one to believe that this young woman's coming from a well-to-do family meant anything to Margaret Thatcher, except that this fact only brought home to her how everyone Jewish was being persecuted, even the "well-to-do".
sonia, April 10, 2013 5:28 AM
Where are leaders like Margaret Thatcher - we need them so much today!
Exactly representing the leadership so sorely lacking in today's world English not least at all. A grocer's daughter who lived in a cold water flat and whose family was obliged to use an outhouse - yet saved a Jewish girl from the Nazis is a hero forever! Don't allow low-information ill-educated and indoctrinated lost souls ever, ever try disinformation on you! Only truth will set us free from anti-Semitism and bigotry no matter its trolls wherever they roam against the very freedoms which allow them their role!
(23) Rochelle Benson, April 9, 2013 4:21 PM
Fabulous Lady
I think Margaret Thatcher was a real human being and such a good friend to us and Israel. We are very lucky to have had such a pro Israel Prime Minister when there are so many who hate us just for being Jewish.
(22) Selma Soss, April 9, 2013 4:11 PM
On Margaret Thatcher
She was such an inspiration. We need more
Margaret Thatchers in todays world. Have you
noticed that when she was forced to resign, the
United Kingdom was not the same.
Anonymous, April 9, 2013 7:07 PM
May G-d bless her memory
I Margaret Thatcher was a real Gods child
(21) Gerry Brennan, April 9, 2013 4:08 PM
Maggie Thatcher
This is a wholly inaccurate picture of Mrs.Thatcher.
Her huge support for Suharto of Indonesia,whom we all can agree was a monster to his people and her endless attempts to ameliorate the crimes of mass murderer and torturer,Pinochet, whilst labelling Mandela as a terrorist is breathtaking hypocrisy by Thatcher -if we care about truth and justice we have to acknowledge those who condone such tyrants.No use us pointing out all the flaws with a tyrant like Chavez yet ignoring them with the Pinochets of this world which is what Mrs.Thatcher spent her entire career doing.
(20) David Keen, April 9, 2013 4:01 PM
Margaret Thatcher was a hero
Bravo. Unlike so many pro-Arab anti-Jewish British politicians, Margaret Thatcher stood up for us. Rest in Peace, Mrs. Thatcher
(19) Anonymous, April 9, 2013 3:59 PM
Bravo!
Awesome and inspiring! My condolences to her family. We should all have the convictions to save a life that she had.
(18) Anonymous, April 9, 2013 3:59 PM
2 sides to every story!
I appreciate that Maggie was possibly good for the Jews and Israel. BUT for those of us living in Britain, we remember that she famously said 'there is no such thing as society.'She was for the rich against the poor (much like our current PM David Cameron).It's interesting that the TV coverage in the UK is describing her as 'divisive'. She divided and ruled.Internationally, not bad. Nationally - a disaster!
(17) Dee, April 9, 2013 3:56 PM
A hero!
Margaret Thatcher was indeed the 'Iron Lady'....and holding a fun raiser to bring this obviously frightened Jewish out of the line of death under evil Hitler's regime, put her in the front row of all heroes to me. RIP Margaret and thank you for being an 'iron lady' but definitely not having an 'iron' heart!
(16) eliahu addy cohen, April 9, 2013 3:48 PM
what a "mensh"!!!
I persoanlly met her when she was honored at the Weizman Institute at Rehovot (Israel), I was struck by her humility. I thanked her for making an unpublicized visit to my closest friend Amb.Argov, whose attempted assasination ended a most promising carreer. A"mensh".
(15) J Fleming, April 9, 2013 3:48 PM
What a beautiful piece!
You were obviously inspired by Mrs. Thatcher and it is reflected in your wonderfully written article. Poignantly proves the value of the efforts of a single person on the life of future generations, in a time when one could feel so powerless. Proving also that humble beginnings don't have to yield humble results. Thank you for sharing what many of us didn't know about the "iron lady" with a heart of gold. A truly strong and caring leader. It is so true that if you are being a leader that is focused on popularity you are probably not as effective as you think you are or as you should be. Heads of state make unpopular decisions, as the heads of a family do, decisions hopefully made with much forethought and wisdom, guided by principles that coincide with what God wants for us too. Thank you again.
(14) Yaakov, April 9, 2013 3:45 PM
She new what she stood for
Thou I am not in of Tory Government but I must say she was one of her kind. She showed others that standing up to your believes is possible. Not everyone liked her, but she will be remembered for being able to say what she thought despite others so called "common" opinion.
(13) Gillian, April 9, 2013 3:35 PM
Amazingly Moral Lady
I recently watched the movie Iron Lady, and was impressed by the way it portrayed Margaret Thatcher as a very moral lady; but I had no idea about her support of the Jews. Her & her sister's rescuing of Edith brought tears to my eyes!
(12) Myron Frank, April 9, 2013 3:34 PM
Thank you for posting this
This is like my family story. If not for righteous Gentiles , my parents would have never been able to emigrate to America in 1938, and I certainly wouldn't be here at all, Baruch HaShem !
(11) Sally, April 9, 2013 3:33 PM
Margaret Thatcher, A Great Lady!
I enjoyed this article on Margaret Thatcher. She was a leader who lived by her principles & was a force for good in the world. I wish we had that kind of leaders today.
(10) Ana M. Rivera, April 9, 2013 3:28 PM
Congratulations
Thank you for this excellent article. God bless Israel; peace for Jerusalem.
(9) Beth, April 9, 2013 3:26 PM
Margaret Thatcher was a great leader and she helped save England from a desperate economy.her sense of justice inspired many.
(8) Melissa Epperly, April 9, 2013 2:54 PM
One less hereo
So sorry to hear of Ms Thatcher's passing. What a wonderful woman the world lost today.
(7) Angela May, April 9, 2013 2:45 PM
My father served in WW ll in Austria and Italy. I felt so proud of him all my life. He was a good man, a loving husband to my mother.
(6) Paul, April 9, 2013 2:39 PM
Left Celebrating
I read this after watching liberals, progressives (such nice names) celebrating Thatcher's death by drinking champagne. Wonder how many of them were Jews?
(5) Anonymous, April 9, 2013 2:24 PM
unity
One cannot have faith without unity. Margaret thatchers family united to help others and despite her age she knew what was the right thing to do. she never forgot. I hope unity prevails for both sides in the Israeli conflict
(4) Dikeledi, April 9, 2013 1:53 PM
Wow
someone pass me some more tissue..a life well lived
(3) Jessica, April 9, 2013 1:15 PM
Great article
This is a super article - I didn't know about Margaret Thatcher's efforts to save a young woman from the Holocaust or her friendship with Israel and the Jewish community. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I also loved the four quotes you chose to highlight. Thanks again for this inspiring article.
(2) Anonymous, April 9, 2013 11:18 AM
Thank you for writing this article. While I often disagreed with Margaret Thatcher's conservative politics, I admired her overall courage. I had no idea what a hero she REALLY was!
joel gold, April 9, 2013 3:34 PM
a lady and a fighter
a very brave woman who knew no obstacles.she didn't care about money or prestige she was interested in helping all regardless of race, creed or color. MRS Thatcher was not only a Lady but one to be admired by all..
(1) harold, April 9, 2013 10:02 AM
Such people only once a genreation
We need more Maggie's in today's world
Condolences to you and your family, sleep well!