The barmitzvah that was 65 years late

Polish-born Harry Olmer, 78, was interned in Plaszow, a German concentration camp in his homeland, as he turned 13. He was unable to celebrate his barmitzvah, the traditional coming of age ceremony for 13-year-old boys.

His mother and three sisters had been taken away and gassed as soon as the war started.

Throughout the war, he was moved to many camps before being liberated in 1945 and came to England suffering from Typhus.

It was there he met his wife Margaret and settled in Potters Bar to start their family, before they eventually moving to Mill Hill.

Bursting with pride, Mr Olmer said: "It was such an honour to be barmitzvahed on the same day as my grandson, Danny. It's something I've always wanted and to do it in such a special way was incredible.

"I worked so hard for that day and having my family around me and Rabbi Plancey, who made it so special it made it all worthwhile."

Mr Olmer's son, Philip, said: "It was such an emotional experience to watch both my father and my son get barmitzvahed at the same time. Something I or the rest of my family will never forget.

"We wanted to do something special for him and decided this would be the greatest honour in the world.

"When Rabbi Plancey made his sermon, he had half the congregation in tears. It was wonderful."

The Olmers' entire family from around the world were all there for the service the first time they had ever all been in one room together.

Additionally, the day was marked by the 66th anniversary of Mr Olmer's wife being liberated from a concentration camp.

Although Harry was prepared to be barmitzvahed, he wasn't expecting to be called up with his grandson Danny for the customary blessing.

Rabbi Plancey, who has lead the congregation for 30 years, said: "I have never seen anything like this before. It was an exceptional morning in that we were able to celebrate something which was never celebrated all those years ago.

"It was extremely emotional and something I will never forget."