As political and racial tension reaches boiling point in the United States this week, a simple, but hard-hitting message written by an elderly woman has stood out among the countless placards denouncing Neo-Nazis.

Following the tragic death of 32-year-old Heather Heyer at a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, thousands have taken to the streets to condemn the violence exhibited by Neo-Nazis groups in the States.

And among them was a 90-year-old woman named Marianne Rubin.

Clutching a sign which read: "I escaped the Nazis once. You will not defeat me now", Marianne cut a striking figure among dozens of other protesters in New York City's Union Square.

Catching the attention of reporters, Marianne explained that her family was forced to flee Germany in the 1940s and expressed heartfelt dismay over the current situation in the States.

"It's sad. It's terrible. All I can say it it's so bad that they don't want… that they voted for him," she said.

Marianne's proud granddaughter shared a photo of her passionate grandmother, writing: "90-years-old and my beautiful grandmother is still out here fighting & inspiring (and reminding the world what happens when we're silent)."

"This is phenomenal. The world needs more people like your grandmother. Thank you for sharing," wrote one.

"This image is so strong and inspiring, keep strong America," added another.

"Thank you Marianne Rubin, we need people like you to remind us of the horrors of the past," wrote another Instagram user.

"There are evil people who are holocaust deniers. It is shameful that there are people who want to walk in USA and Europe with Nazi flags."