Final answer:
Eliezer's father's statement is an example of dramatic irony because it unknowingly suggests a 'safer' path for Eliezer that, in the context of the Holocaust known to readers, would have likely led to his death.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement by Eliezer's father is an example of dramatic irony because it carries a deeper, more tragic meaning than is understood by the characters themselves. The father regrets that Eliezer did not go with his mother, believing it would have been safer for him, as many children accompanied their mothers. However, the audience or reader, aware of the historical context of the Holocaust, understands that going with his mother would likely have led Eliezer to his death in the gas chambers, which is what the father unwittingly suggests as a safer option. This difference between the character's understanding and the actual context creates a sense of dramatic irony.