Harry Olmer

Harry Olmer (born Chaim Olmer; 15 November 1927 – 15 January 2026) was a Polish-born British Holocaust survivor, dentist and educator. He survived Nazi forced-labour and concentration camps, including Płaszów, Skarżysko-Kamienna, Buchenwald, Schlieben, and Terezín. After the war he was brought to the United Kingdom as one of The Boys, a group of child survivors rehabilitated in the Lake District. In later life he became a prominent speaker on Holocaust education and was appointed MBE for his work.

Early life Harry Olmer was born in Sosnowiec, Poland on 15 November 1927, the fourth of six children. After the Invasion of Poland in 1939, antisemitic persecution intensified. In 1940 the family fled to the village of Miechów-Charsznica, where Jews were subjected to forced labour.

Olmer lived initially near Windermere in the Lake District, learned English, and completed his education. He qualified as a dentist in 1950 and later served in the British Army. .

Olmer died 15 January 2026, at the age of 98.

Honours Olmer was recognised in the King's first New Years Honours list 2023, with an for his service to Holocaust education.

Year Honour Honours list Notes 2018 British Empire Medal 2018 New Year Honours For services to Holocaust education.

Legacy Olmer is remembered as one of the most active Holocaust educators in the United Kingdom. His testimony is preserved by the Holocaust Educational Trust, the Lake District Holocaust Project, and the MyVoice initiative.