Eddie Jaku
German Holocaust survivor (1920–2021)
Eddie Jaku was a German Holocaust survivor, born in 1920, who endured the atrocities of several German concentration camps during World War II. Following the war, he emigrated to Australia, where he would later share his experiences through literature. Jaku's life was marked by resilience and a strong will to survive, which ultimately inspired him to write about his wartime experiences.
Jaku's memoir, The Happiest Man on Earth, was published when he was 100 years old, achieving immediate best-seller status. The book is a testament to his remarkable life story. Jaku had a close relationship with his sister, Johanna (Henni), who also survived the Holocaust. As a tribute to her, he adopted the name Edward, or Eddie, which was an affectionate nickname she had given him. Eddie Jaku passed away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire through his literary work.