Irish President Catherine Connolly pays tribute to Tomi Reichental, a Holocaust survivor who passed away at 90 years old. Mr. Reichental, who was sent to the Bergen-Belsen Nazi concentration camp at the age of nine from Slovakia, lost 35 members of his family during the Holocaust. In 1959, he relocated to Ireland where he became an educator on the Holocaust’s atrocities.
President Connolly extended her condolences to Mr. Reichental’s loved ones, praising his significant impact on Irish society by raising awareness about the Holocaust and promoting peace and understanding. Taoiseach Micheal Martin expressed sorrow over Mr. Reichental’s death, highlighting his lifelong commitment to educating future generations about the horrors of the Holocaust.
Oliver Sears, the founder of Holocaust Awareness Ireland, acknowledged Mr. Reichental’s ability to share his story with honesty and humanity, emphasizing his vital role in Holocaust education and fostering interfaith relations. Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, the Founder of the Irish Muslim Council, described Mr. Reichental as a remarkable individual who embodied resilience, forgiveness, and compassion, standing against hate and advocating for refugees, showcasing empathy and belief in our shared humanity.
The passing of Mr. Reichental is mourned by people of all backgrounds, commemorating his life’s journey marked by tragedy and hope, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of many.