Otto Šimko, one of the last living direct witnesses of the Holocaust and a participant in the Slovak National Uprising (SNP), died on Tuesday night at the age of 101. The Central Union of Jewish Religious Communities (ÚZ ŽNO) in the SR informs about his death on the social network.
“Otto Šimko was the voice of memory – not only for those who survived the Holocaust, but also for future generations, so that the horrors of the past would never be repeated. He never shied away from anyone and anything, which is why he aroused the respect and fear of dishonest people.” stated ÚZ ŽNO on the Jews in Slovakia website.
He recalled the fate of the deceased native of Topoľčany, who managed to avoid deportation to extermination camps during the Second World War through false documents and selfless help. In August 1944, Šimko actively participated in the fight against fascism as a member of the 9th Liptov partisan unit. After the war, he graduated from the Comenius University in Bratislava and worked as a lawyer, journalist and editor.
“His life was a testament to perseverance, courage and unwavering human dignity at a time when human rights and freedom were most threatened,” emphasized ÚZ ŽNO.
