We remember Eddie Jaku (1920-2021)

Holocaust survivor and beloved German-Australian author Eddie Jaku has died aged 101. Despite the many hardships he faced throughout his lifetime, Eddie proudly proclaimed himself to be the ‘happiest man on earth’.

Born Abraham Jakubowicz in Germany, 1920, to a Jewish family, Eddie Jaku was arrested and taken to Buchenwald camp on 10 November, 1938 — the day after Kristallnacht. After his release, Eddie attempted to flee to France but was captured and eventually sent to Auschwitz. Before arriving at the deadly camp, however, Eddie escaped to Belgium and lived in hiding with his family. Sadly, peace continued to evade them and they were arrested and sent again to Auschwitz, where Eddie’s parents were killed.

Eddie’s escape occurred on a death march in 1945, when he hid in a forest and was eventually rescued by Allied soldiers in June. His incredible experience of survival left him determined to appreciate life, and he vowed to himself that he would smile every day.

Eddie came to Sydney, Australia, in 1950 with his family and became a keen volunteer at the Sydney Jewish Museum upon its opening in November, 1992. There, he shared his life story with the Museum’s visitors, one that would come to be shared with countless people across the world in a TED Talk. He later wrote down his life story in the bestselling memoir, The Happiest Man on Earth.

Eddie is survived by his wife of 74 years, Flore, his 2 sons, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His astounding legacy of resilience and hope will be remembered by countless Australian readers.

No comments Share:

About the Contributor

Olivia Fricot

Olivia Fricot (she/her) is Booktopia's Senior Content Producer and editor of the Booktopian blog. She has too many plants and not enough bookshelves, and you can usually find her reading, baking, or talking to said plants. She is pro-Oxford comma.

Follow Olivia: Twitter