The German National Library’s German Exile Archive mourns the loss of Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer. The famous US-American sex therapist died on 12 July 2024 in New York City. She was 96 years old.

Born Karola Ruth Siegel in 1928 to Jewish parents in Germany, she grew up in Frankfurt am Main. From there, her parents sent her on a so-called Kindertransport (children’s transport) to Switzerland, thus saving her life. She talked about this in her autobiography and also at the event “An evening for Dr. Ruth” as part of our exhibition “Child emigration from Frankfurt”.

Dr. Ruth had her own display with material she provided in the exhibition. She hosted us twice in her New York City apartment, showed us her parents’ letters, her diary and a special memento, and generously supported us with information and interviews for our exhibition.

Dr. Sylvia Asmus, Head of the German Exile Archive, wrote about her unforgettable visits to Dr. Ruth in a blog post.

The German Exile Archive is grateful for the collaboration with this impressive personality and mourns this great loss. Rest in peace, Dr. Ruth. We will not forget you!