TL;DR
Sonja Cowan, a 102-year-old Holocaust survivor known as the ‘little refugee girl,’ is confirmed to be alive and well in Melbourne. Her story has gained renewed attention during her milestone birthday, highlighting her resilience and the importance of Holocaust remembrance.
Sonja Cowan, a 102-year-old Holocaust survivor known as the ‘little refugee girl,’ is confirmed to be alive and living in Melbourne, Australia, where she remains engaged with her family and community amid renewed public interest in her story.
Sonja Cowan, born in Berlin in 1923, survived the Holocaust and now resides in Melbourne. Her story came to wider attention during her 102nd birthday celebrations, when her grandson Benjamin Preiss shared her life story, which includes her family’s tragic history during the Nazi era. Despite her advanced age, Cowan remains active within her family, sharing memories and participating in community and religious activities. Her family and close contacts confirm her health is stable, and she continues to engage with her loved ones and researchers interested in Holocaust history.
Why It Matters
This development underscores the enduring legacy of Holocaust survivors and the importance of preserving their stories. Cowan’s continued life at 102 highlights the resilience of those who endured unimaginable hardship, and her story contributes to ongoing education and remembrance efforts. Her active participation in sharing her history helps ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust remain alive for future generations.
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Background
Sonja Cowan’s story became widely known through a series of interviews and family research, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when her grandson sought to uncover her past. Her family’s history includes the murder of her mother and sister during the Holocaust, memorialized through Stolpersteine in Berlin. Her story exemplifies the personal impact of Nazi atrocities and the importance of Holocaust remembrance. Her milestone birthday in 2025 drew renewed media attention, emphasizing her status as one of the last living witnesses of that era.
“My grandmother is a living link to a past that must never be forgotten. Her stories are vital for understanding history.”
— Benjamin Preiss, grandson
“I live from day to day, grateful for every moment I have with my family and to share what I went through.”
— Sonja Cowan
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What Remains Unclear
While her current health and living situation are confirmed, details about her day-to-day activities and her full personal recollections remain limited, as she prefers to share only what she feels comfortable with. It is also not yet clear how actively she plans to participate in future remembrance events or interviews.
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What’s Next
Her family and researchers plan to continue documenting her story and may organize commemorative events or interviews to honor her experiences. Her health and willingness to participate will determine her future involvement in public remembrance activities.
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Key Questions
Is Sonja Cowan still alive?
Yes, she is confirmed to be alive in Melbourne at age 102.
What is her current health status?
Her health is reported as stable, and she remains active within her family and community, though specific medical details are not publicly disclosed.
How has she contributed to Holocaust remembrance?
She has shared her personal story with her family and researchers, helping to preserve the memory of her family’s experience during the Holocaust.
Will she participate in future memorial events?
Her participation depends on her health and personal choice; her family and researchers are considering future opportunities for her to share her story.
