Leo bretholz baltimore

His loss is great but only because his presence was so profound. This man inspired me beyond any human on earth. Leo Bretholz was one of the driving factors in my decision to be a Holocaust and Genocide historian. We had lunch, I gave him a tour, and then when I walked him back to the bus, we sat and chatted.

He asked me to promise him that I would continue telling his story and the stories of all who were present that day. I agreed and never realized how much that promise meant to me. He spoke to grad and undergrad students about his story and our friendship spanning over 7 years.

We had a long somber drive reflecting on the current situation of the world, genocide, and his fear that history would repeat itself when the survivors are gone. He never stopped teaching or trying to make a difference in the lives of his students and friends. He was a beautiful neshama soul and my life is richer for knowing him. My heart, my thoughts and my prayers go out to his wonderful family. Leo and his story touched and affected so many people.

He was such a wonderful man of humor, who taught me how not to just survive, but how to truly live. He had such a profound effect on my life. He made me a witness, and because of him I will share his story until the day I die, making sure mankind never forgets the atrocities of the Holocaust.

I will truly miss him, his jokes, his warmth, and his hugs. To Leo: I hope you are at peace, my dearest friend. You changed me for the better, and you will always be in my heart, and I will see you again someday, where I look forward to seeing your smile. Scholar, gentleman, humorist, Holocaust survivor, a righteous man: Leo Bretholz was a gentle, loving man with a twinkle in his eye.

He endured separation from and loss of his family as a teenager and struggled to hide and escape from the Nazis for seven years. Leo continued this work up until 10 days before he died. The entire community mourns the loss of this unique member; I mourn the loss of a beloved friend. All six parts of his interview can be viewed here. Lori Biography of Archbishop William E. Prev Next. He died peacefully in his sleep in March of , just two days after his 93rd birthday. Though Leo spent countless hours educating about the horrors of the Holocaust, he put even more of his heart and soul into leading the way through activism and advocacy, in calling for reparations to be made by all who aided the Nazis, from governments down to corporations.

He pursued this doggedly. His family will have some comfort and will be able to get quite a substantial amount. Leo was indeed loved and admired by many.

And now, thanks to his advocacy, many families whose loved ones suffered the atrocities of the Nazi regime will see justice served. Rest in peace, Leo Bretholz. See you soon again, my friend.