The Holocaust Educational Trust is deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Harry Olmer MBE.
Harry was one of the most determined and tenacious men I knew. He believed profoundly in the power of education, sharing his testimony in schools across the country for decades. He never said no to anything and there was nothing he loved more than being with people - he attended every event, arriving first and leaving last, and was always one of the first on the dance floor at the annual ‘45 Aid Society reunion. His stamina was truly unmatched. Harry was devoted to his community, guided throughout his life by a deep commitment to Judaism.
After the Nazi invasion of Poland, Harry survived horrific conditions as a forced labourer, as well as Buchenwald concentration camp, before his liberation at Terezín. He was only a teenager when he came to the UK with other child survivors known as ‘The Boys’ but he rebuilt his life, he studied at university, married and raised a family. He reluctantly retired at the age of 86 – at this point he was the country’s longest serving dentist.
Harry’s charming but cheeky smile allowed him to instantly connect with young people in ways few others could. I know how it felt when you caught his eye and his face lit up. He always had something very important to share.
Harry was in the truest sense of the word, a mensch - one of the kindest people I will ever meet. I will miss him deeply. May his memory be a blessing.