Irish President Catherine Connolly pays tribute to Tomi Reichental, a Holocaust survivor who passed away at 90 years old. Reichental, who was sent to the Bergen-Belsen Nazi concentration camp at the age of nine from Slovakia, lost 35 family members in the Holocaust. Following his survival and liberation in 1945, he immigrated to Ireland in 1959, dedicating his life to educating others about the Holocaust.
Connolly expressed her deepest condolences to Reichental’s loved ones, highlighting his significant impact on Irish society by raising awareness about the Holocaust and promoting peace and understanding. Taoiseach Micheal Martin also mourned Reichental’s death, recognizing his lifelong commitment to educating future generations about the horrors of the Holocaust.
Oliver Sears, the founder of Holocaust Awareness Ireland, praised Reichental’s ability to share his story with honesty and humanity, emphasizing his crucial role in Holocaust education and interfaith relations. Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, founder of the Irish Muslim Council, described Reichental as a remarkable individual who exemplified resilience, forgiveness, and compassion in the face of adversity. Al-Qadri noted Reichental’s advocacy against hate and dehumanization, as well as his empathy towards Syrian refugees, showcasing his belief in shared humanity and collective responsibility.
The passing of Reichental has deeply impacted people of all backgrounds, with many mourning the loss of a beloved figure who dedicated his life to advocating for peace, understanding, and compassion.
