NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet today announced the family of Eddie Jaku, OAM has accepted the offer of a State Memorial Service.
Mr Jaku was an author and Holocaust survivor who had been interned at four concentration camps, including Auschwitz, before moving to Australia.
He became a successful businessman and wrote the inspirational book, The Happiest Man on Earth, aged 100.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said Mr Jaku was among the state’s most treasured citizens.
“Eddie Jaku had a strength of character that could never be extinguished,” Mr Perrottet said.
“In his passing, Eddie imparted a final gift to the people of Australia, the reminder that even in times of adversity, there is always hope for a better future.
“He dedicated his life to advocating for peace and kindness. When he chose Australia after surviving the Holocaust, our nation gained a remarkable individual.”
Mr Jaku was born Abraham Jakubowicz in the German city of Leipzig in 1920.
Despite being forced from school at 13 because he was Jewish, he finished high school under an alias, graduating with a qualification in precision engineering.
Following World War II, he moved to Australia with his wife Flore and ran several successful businesses. He also helped establish the Sydney Jewish Museum and worked there as a guide for almost 30 years.
In 2013, he was awarded the medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the Jewish community.
Mr Jaku was married for 75 years and was a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He died in Sydney earlier this month, aged 101.
Details of the State Memorial Service will be released at a later date.
