Eddie Jaku: ‘Happiest Man on Earth’ dies, aged 101

Eddie Jaku OAM defied the Nazis in Buchenwald and Auschwitz, to live a long – and yes, very happy – life in Australia.

Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku. Picture: John Appleyard

 “Life can be beautiful … It is up to you.”

So said Eddie Jaku OAM, the self-described “Happiest Man on Earth” who has died at the age of 101, having defied the Nazis in Buchenwald and Auschwitz, to live a long – and yes, very happy – life in Australia.

Jaku, a German Jew, was sent to the camps in his 20s. He had a number tattooed on his forearm, which he defiantly displayed on the cover of his book, The Happiest Man on Earth, when it came out last year.

The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku.

He was already 100 when it was published, making him one of the oldest Holocaust survivors in the world.

Having volunteered for decades at Sydney’s Holocaust Museum, he wanted to spread a message of hope.

The book resonated with millions. Rights were sold into 40 territories. Jaku had experienced unimaginable horrors. He lost many of those he loved, and his homeland, in the Holocaust.

His aim, in writing the book, was to inspire readers toward hope.

He received bucket loads of mail, and responded to many: “Your friend, Eddie.”

Just this week his publisher, Pan Macmillan, announced a fine collector’s edition of his book, with new photographs and a new chapter, in which he considers the pandemic.

“When I first sat down to put my story on paper, I had no idea the extraordinary reception it would receive in this world,” he wrote. “How could I expect so many hundreds and thousands of people who would take heart from my story in such a difficult year? It is truly a miracle, and I owe it to you. Without you, none of this would be possible.”

Jaku was born Abraham Jakubowicz in Germany in 1920. During World War II he was imprisoned in Buchenwald and Auschwitz concentration camps, and survived a death march.

He was rescued by Allied soldiers, and in 1950 moved with his family to Australia.

He had been a volunteer at the Sydney Jewish Museum since its inception in 1992, and married to Flore for 75 years. They had two sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In April, he celebrated his 101st birthday.

His death was confirmed by federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who said: “Australia has lost a giant with the passing of Holocaust survivor, Eddie Jaku, 101.

Australia has lost a giant with the passing of Holocaust survivor, Eddie Jaku, 101.

He dedicated his life to educating others about the dangers of intolerance & the importance of hope. Scarred by the past, he only looked forward.

May his story be told for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/s3HPXBoqaH

— Josh Frydenberg (@JoshFrydenberg) October 12, 2021

“He dedicated his life to educating others about the dangers of intolerance and the importance of hope. “He only looked forward. May his story be told for generations to come.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid tribute, saying: “Having survived the Holocaust, Eddie chose to make his life a testimony of how hope and love can triumph over despair and hate.

“He will be sadly missed, especially by our Jewish community. He was an inspiration and a joy.

“Shalom Eddie and thank you for your great gift to us all and our sincere condolences to all your loving family and friends.”

In statement, publisher Pan Macmillan said: “It was a great privilege and pleasure to have worked closely with Eddie on his memoir, and to share his message with readers everywhere. Eddie was an inspiration of hope, happiness and wisdom, a man who truly worked to make the world a better place. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”