OYOGIST has learned that Australian Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku, who became known for his bestselling memoir The Happiest Man on Earth, has passed away at the age of 101.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced his death earlier today, Tuesday (October 12), 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.
“First captured in 1938, Jaku was beaten by Nazis on the infamous Kristallnacht – the Night of Broken Glass – in November 1938, before being transported to Buchenwald concentration camp.
He escaped to Belgium and France but was recaptured and sent with his parents to Auschwitz, unfortunately, his parents perished in the gas chambers in 1944.
