Holocaust survivor Tomi Reichenthal is presented with a bog oak clock by Mary Hynes, librarian at Banagher, 18th May 2010
A holocaust survivor detailed his harrowing experience of World War II Europe from his birth in Slovakia to imprisonment in Belsen concentration camp in Germany.
Tomi Reichenthal recounted his shocking experiences to students from Colaiste na Sionna on 18th May 2010 at Banagher Library.
Tomi and his family were arrested by the Gestapo in Bratislava in October 1944. They were sent by trains in deplorable conditions to various concentration camps. Tomi was sent to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. 35 of his relatives died in the Holocaust.
Tomi’s detailed story gave a grim insight into the harsh reality of the Holocaust and he held a captive audience for the duration of his presentation. A question and answer session followed and then Tomi was presented with a bog oak clock to commemorate his visit to Banagher. Tomi expressed his appreciation for the respect with which he was treated at Banagher.
Tomi’s autobiography is due to be published by O’Brien Press in late 2010. He also was the subject of an RTE programme, I Was a Boy in Belsen.