Heiress with Holocaust-Tainted Family Wealth Joins Flotilla Against Israel

Marlene Engelhorn, a heiress from a family with ties to the Holocaust-era industrial giant IG Farben, has joined a pro-Palestinian flotilla aiming to challenge Israel's presence in Gaza. Engelhorn, who inherited $27.1 million from her grandmother in 2021, is part of a group seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, though the mission was ultimately intercepted by the Israeli Navy.
Engelhorn, whose family profited from IG Farben, which produced Zyklon B used in Nazi extermination camps, has been vocal in her criticism of Israel. She claims her family did not invent Zyklon B but acknowledges their financial ties to its production. Engelhorn has also been an advocate for higher taxes on the wealthy, founding the activist group "Tax me now" alongside other ultra-wealthy individuals.
Despite her efforts, the flotilla failed to reach Gaza, with Engelhorn and her crew remaining in international waters. Jewish American activist Bob Suberi, who participated in the mission, claimed the operation was a success in raising awareness about Gaza, though it achieved no tangible results. Engelhorn's participation has drawn criticism, with some noting the irony of her using Holocaust-tainted wealth to support efforts aimed at undermining Israel.

Published: 8/10/2025