The former interpreter for a Nazi death squad during the Second World, WarHelmut Oberlander has died ‘peacefully’ at the age of 97 in his home on Wednesday surrounded by family, according to his family.
Oberlander was born in Halbstadt, Ukraine, in 1924. He declared that he was just 17 when he was forced on pain of execution to join the Nazi death squad Einsatzkommando 10a, known as Ek 10a.
In 1954, he came to Canada becoming a citizen six years later.
Ronald Poulton, Oberlander’s lawyer read the statement sent to the press, “Notwithstanding the challenges in his life, he remained strong in his faith, He took comfort in his family and the support of many in his community. He gave generously to charity, supported his church, and was a loving family man. He will be dearly missed.”
Oberlander faced an admissibility hearing by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada about whether he could remain in Canada earlier this month.
The federal government argued Oberlander lied to Canadian authorities about his wartime activities despite no evidence he took part in any atrocities.
A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada mentioned in a statement, “While this case is now over, the government is determined to deny safe haven in Canada to war criminals and persons believed to have committed or been complicit in war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide.”