Holocaust survivor Tomi Reichental dies aged 90

Tomi Reichental at his home in Dartry. Picture: Moya Nolan.

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

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

Mr Reichental lost 35 close family members in the Holocaust.

In 1959, he moved to Ireland where he settled down in Dublin with his family, 14 years after the camp was liberated.

Mr Reichental dedicated most of his life to ensuring future generations would learn from the past.

His biography, 'I Was A Boy in Belsen', was published in 2011.

He was the subject of the documentary “Till The Tenth Generation”, which gave his account of being imprisoned as a child at Belsen concentration camp.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin paid tribute to Mr Reichental.

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tomi Reichental, someone who dedicated his life to teaching new generations about the evil of The Holocaust," he said in a statement.

"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," Mr Martin added.

In a statement, The Jewish Representative Council of Ireland said it is “deeply saddened” by his passing, and described him as one of the 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,” read the statement.

The statement read Mr Reichental “touched 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.” A memorial service will be held at a future date for Mr Reichental," it added.

A memorial will take place in memory of Mr Reichental.