A WonderCare Podcast

The Blue Print for Hate with Tomi Reichental

In this episode, Sheena interviews Tomi Reichental, a Holocaust survivor, who shares his harrowing story of being incarcerated at the Bergen Belsen concentration camp at the age of nine. Tomi recounts the persecution inflicted upon Jewish families in Slovakia under President Josef Tiso's regime, the dehumanising experiences faced by Jews, and the horrors of life in the concentration camps. Despite the immense suffering, Tomi represents hope, teaching valuable lessons on humanity, empathy, and the importance of remembering history to prevent future atrocities. His conversation with Sheena highlights the dangers of propaganda and the critical need for kindness in a world filled with conflict and hate.00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning00:20 Meeting Tomi and His Story Begins02:18 Life in Slovakia Before the War02:49 The Rise of Anti-Semitism and Persecution05:49 Impact of the Jewish Codex11:06 The Role of Propaganda and Community Response16:43 Family's Struggle and Acts of Bravery26:28 Tomi's Father's Arrest and Escape28:02 The Family's Attempt to Escape31:18 Arrest and Detention32:54 Transport to Extermination Camp33:45 Life in the Cattle Cart36:00 Arrival at Bergen Belsen37:12 Life in Bergen Belsen40:31 Memories of Loss43:25 Speaking Out About the Holocaust49:32 The Importance of Remembering53:23 Reflections on Modern Conflicts58:10 Final Thoughts and GratitudeTomi's book is available here - https://obrien.ie/tomiMany thanks to DW Classical Music for snippets of music.More information about the Holocaust is available from the Irish Jewish Museum - https://jewishmuseum.ie/jews-of-ireland/ireland-the-holocaust/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.