Holocaust Eye-witness and SNP Participant Simko Dies Aged 101

Bratislava, 10 February (TASR) - Otto Simko, one of the last Holocaust eye-witnesses and a participant in the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) in 1944, died at the age of 101 on Monday night, the Central Union of Jewish Religious Communities has announced on a social network. "Otto Simko was a 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 bowed to anyone or anything, which is why he commanded respect and instilled fear in dishonest people," the union has posted on the 'Jews in Slovakia' website. It recalled the story of the late native of Topolcany (Nitra region), who managed to avoid deportation to extermination camps during WWII thanks to fake documents and selfless help. In August 1944, Simko actively joined the fight against fascism as a member of the 9th Liptov Partisan Unit. After the war, he studied law at Comenius University in Bratislava and later 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 under the greatest threat," emphasised the union. ko/df