Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
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Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
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Description area
Dates of existence
History
The Klement family was a wealthy Jewish family in pre-World War II Prague. They owned a large fashion house and two clothing stores, and lived in an elegant apartment in the city. Soon after Tomi was born, his parents Egon and Hedvika (Heda) purchased a house outside the city, with a large garden and staff. Within two years, Tomi was diagnosed with a nerve disease known as Sydenham’s chorea (commonly known as St.Vitus Dance), and his fragile health made him even more precious to his family. Beginning at age two, his grandmother created albums for him. In July 1943, the Klement family was deported to Theresienstadt concentration camp and fourteen months later they were shipped to Auschwitz where Anna, Heda and Tomiwere gassed. Egon was taken to a labour camp at Gleiwitz, survived a death march and returned to Prague. He eventually settled in Toronto with his new wife, Františka and her son Miro.