Holocaust survivor Tomi Reichental dies aged 90

Holocaust survivor Tomi Reichental has died at the age of 90.

Born in Czechoslovakia in 1935, Mr Reichental and his family were deported to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1944.

He lost 35 close family members in the Holocaust.

Mr Reichental moved to Ireland in 1959 and settled down to raise his family and build a new life in Dublin.

He dedicated much of his life ensuring that future generations would learn from the Holocaust.

In 2011, he published his autobiography 'I Was a Boy in Belsen'.

He is also the subject of two documentaries on his experiences as a holocaust survivor in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp during 1944 and 1945.

In a statement, the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland said it was deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Reichental.

It described him as was one of Ireland's "most remarkable voices of remembrance, education, and humanity".

"Having survived the horrors of Bergen-Belsen as a child, he dedicated much of his later life to ensuring that future generations would learn from the Holocaust and understand the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and indifference," it said.

In the statement, Chairperson Maurice Cohen noted that for decades, Tomi Reichental shared his testimony with students, communities, and audiences across Ireland, touching countless lives with his honesty, dignity, and unwavering belief in the importance of memory and reconciliation.

"Tomi was not only a survivor; he was a teacher, a witness, and a cherished member of Irish society. His contribution to Holocaust education and to the fight against antisemitism and racism leaves a lasting legacy," it added.

The Taoiseach has said he was "deeply saddened" to learn of the passing of Mr Reichental.

Micheál Martin said Mr Reichental was someone who dedicated his life to teaching new generations about the evil of The Holocaust.

"As a cherished member of Ireland's Jewish community, Tomi leaves a lasting legacy of dignity, courage and enlightenment of others about the dangers of hatred and antisemitism," he said.

A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Former minister for justice and member of the Jewish community Alan Shatter described it as a very sad day.

In a statement, he said Mr Reichental was a gentle man in the true meaning of the term.

"An inspiring man of courage, decency, insight and an unforgettable kindness. A Holocaust survivor, teacher and truth teller. His passing is an immeasurable loss at this difficult moment. My thoughts are with his bereaved family. May his memory be a blessing," he said.

The Chair of the Muslim Council of Ireland Dr Umar Al-Qadri described Mr Reichental as "a remarkable human being whose life journey embodied both the tragedy of humanity's darkest moments and the hope that can emerge from resilience, forgiveness, and compassion".

In 2015, Mr Reichental visited the Islamic Centre of Ireland in Blanchardstown where, according to Dr Al-Qadri, he shared his powerful message of remembrance, tolerance and mutual respect.

"I was also privileged to welcome him and his beloved partner into my home. These encounters deepened a friendship that I treasured greatly," he said.

Dr Al-Qadri said Mr Reichental stood firmly against all forms of racism, discrimination, and intolerance.

He also pointed out that Mr Reichental was a passionate supporter of Syrian refugees in Ireland.

"His compassion for refugees was a testament to his belief in our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to care for the vulnerable," he said.