Walter Frankenstein, a remarkable figure who survived the Holocaust by hiding in Berlin with his family, has died at the age of 100. His death was confirmed by Klaus Hillenbrand, a close friend and author of a book about Frankenstein, as well as by the foundation managing Berlin's Holocaust memorial. Frankenstein's life was a testament to resilience and the importance of remembering history's darkest chapters.
Born in 1924 in what is now Poland, Frankenstein's early life was marked by the rise of the Nazi regime. By 1936, his Jewish heritage barred him from attending public school in his hometown. With the assistance of an uncle, he moved to Berlin, where he continued his education and trained as a bricklayer. It was at the Jewish Auerbach'sche Orphanage that he met his future wife, Leonie Rosner, beginning a partnership that would see them through the horrors of the Holocaust.
Frankenstein's firsthand account of Kristallnacht in 1938, a night of widespread violence against Jews in Germany and Austria, offered a chilling glimpse into the era's brutality. From the roof of the orphanage, he witnessed the destruction of synagogues and the terror that would escalate in the years to follow. His experiences during these times, including forced labor starting in 1941, underscored the extreme measures he and his family took to survive.
In his later years, Frankenstein dedicated himself to educating younger generations about the Holocaust, ensuring that the memories of those who suffered would not fade. His passing marks the loss of a vital link to a pivotal period in history, but his legacy as a survivor and educator will continue to inspire and inform.
Italian aerospace and defense conglomerate Leonardo has taken a significant step into the cybersecurity sector by acquiring a 24.55% stake in Finland's SSH Communications Security Corporation. This strategic investment, valued at approximately €20 million, positions Leonardo as the largest shareholder in SSH, surpassing Accendo Capital, which will retain a 20.87% stake post-transaction. The move underscores Leonardo's commitment to expanding its cybersecurity capabilities in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
The partnership between Leonardo and SSH is set to leverage SSH's expertise in Secure Shell (SSH) protocol and Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions, areas critical for securing digital communications and access to sensitive systems. SSH's global reputation and technological advancements, including quantum-safe encryption technologies, align with Leonardo's strategic objectives to enhance its cybersecurity offerings. This collaboration is expected to drive innovation in protecting critical infrastructure and digital assets against evolving cyber threats.
Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo, highlighted the acquisition as a pivotal element of the company's industrial plan, aiming to establish Leonardo as a leader in the Zero Trust revolution in Europe. The deal not only expands Leonardo's international portfolio but also strengthens its position in the cybersecurity market, which is anticipated to experience double-digit growth in the coming years.
The transaction, subject to certain conditions, marks a significant milestone for both companies. For SSH, the investment by Leonardo opens new avenues for growth and collaboration in the defense sector, a market with compelling opportunities. For Leonardo, the stake in SSH represents a strategic move to bolster its cybersecurity business, reflecting the growing importance of cyber defense in modern warfare and security strategies. Together, Leonardo and SSH are poised to address the complex challenges of cybersecurity in an era of digital transformation and geopolitical tensions.