Famous Jews in History: Eddie Jaku (1920–2021)

Eddie Jaku was born in Leipzig, Germany, in 1920. As he came of age, he saw his world collapse under Nazi rule. He was arrested on Kristallnacht in 1938 and sent to Buchenwald concentration camp.

He was later transferred to Auschwitz, where he endured years of forced labour, starvation and constant danger. In early 1945, as the Nazis evacuated camps, he was forced on a death march back toward Germany. He eventually made his way back to Buchenwald, where he was liberated by American forces in April 1945.

He had lost his parents and much of his family.

After the war, he spent time in Europe rebuilding his strength and beginning again. In 1950, he migrated to Australia by ship, arriving in Sydney as part of the post-war wave of Jewish survivors seeking a new life far from Europe.

He settled in Sydney, married his wife Flore, and built a life grounded in family, work and community. He became a successful businessman and lived what he described as a good, full life. For many years, he rarely spoke publicly about his experiences.Later in life, he began sharing his story, especially with young people. He spoke about kindness, friendship and the importance of how you choose to live.

At the age of 100, he published his memoir, The Happiest Man on Earth. It became an international bestseller, translated into dozens of languages and read by people around the world.

He did not deny what happened and he did not forget it.

But he refused to let it define how he lived the rest of his life.After everything, Eddie chose happiness.

Learn more: Pan MacMillan - 3 lessons I learnt from Eddie Jaku, survivor of Auschwitz, by Connie Roff