The Holocaust survivor, who was the guest speaker, addressed the Jewish Women’s Benevolent Society on 1 March, where many gathered to listen to the 80-year-old sharing his stories of the unimaginable atrocities he suffered during World War II. Tomi was a young boy, aged 6 when he first witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust.
Helen Fraser, director of NCCF said, “It was emotional for Jewish and non-Jewish people. Tomi had us in the palm of his hands. One has a different understanding when hearing from a survivor what happened during the Holocaust.”
Tomi said he lived a very quiet life, which all changed in 1939. Tomi went on to say, ” I was very frightened”.
Rabbi Yosi Goldman from Sydenham Shul spoke about his father, who was a holocaust survivor. ” I only realised while growing up what my father went through; my father was a superhero.” Yosi said it is not easy for Holocaust survivors to speak about their experiences, just as Tomi only spoke about his experience six years ago.
Reichental’s intention was to spread a message of healing through forgiveness.