The happiest man on earth: 99 year old Holocaust survivor shares his story | Eddie Jaku | TEDxSydney
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- Опубліковано 17 лип 2019
- In this beautiful and moving talk, the self proclaimed "happiest man on earth", Eddie Jaku shares his story of love and survival at TEDxSydney 2019. Eddie Jaku was a Jew living in Germany at the outbreak and throughout the duration of World War II. His story of survival spans 12 years, from Hitler’s rise to power in 1933 until liberation in 1945. He saw death every day throughout WWII, and because he survived, he made a vow to himself to smile every day.
Eddie Jaku OAM, born Abraham Jakubowicz in Germany in 1920.
His family considered themselves German, first, Jewish second. On 9 November 1938, the night immortalised as Kristallnacht, Eddie returned home from boarding school to an empty house. At dawn Nazi soldiers burst in, Eddie was beaten and taken to Buchenwald.
Eddie was released and with his father escaped to Belgium and then France, but was again captured and sent to a camp, and thereafter to Auschwitz. On route, Eddie managed to escape back to Belgium where he lived in hiding with his parents and sister.
In October 1943, Eddie’s family were arrested and again sent to Auschwitz where his parents were both murdered. In 1945, Eddie was sent on a ‘death march’ but once again escaped and hid in a forest eating slugs and snails until June 1945 he was finally rescued by.
Eddie has volunteered at the Sydney Jewish Museum since it’s inception in 1992. Self-proclaimed as ‘the happiest man on earth’, he saw death every day throughout WWII, and because he managed to survive, made a vow to himself to smile every day.
Edie has been married to Flore for 73 years, they have two sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
"I do not hate anyone. Hate is a disease which may destroy your enemy, but will also destroy you in the process." Wiser words have never been spoken.
This is so true but experiencing it is the proof that it is actually true.
thanks Catey, china and russia love, but the west wants to hate
Eddie would never survive if the local Polish people would not help him... Thank God for them!
Hate is like drinking poison and expecting it to kill so one else
If only more Arabs can realize this then there would be no reason to teach children to want to kill for God.
After more than 80 years, he still remembers his beloved Dog who tried to protect him..... Beautiful man
how could he not remember. They razed his house and then shot his dog, how do you forget a day that your house is destroyed and your dog shot?
99 years actually
@@tcee5146 he wasnt 0 when it happened.
You always remember your childhood dog, it's like your first love! (Except dogs are better than humans anyway :)).
It was a wrap for me after he mentioned his dog, I can't handle hearing that stuff, they are definitely better than humans.
This is probably the healthiest looking and sharpest 99 year old I've ever seen.
RIP Eddie. 101 is a good age to get to, but we'll still miss the wisdom and joy. And thankyou for teaching us.
Che soddisfazione Eddie volevano eliminarti invece sei campato un secolo grande Eddie grazie amico mio il tuo libro è una perla da custodire!
I just finished his book. I just found he passed away
@@erincrosby9087just now I completed his book
"Please don't walk in front of me, I may not be able to follow; please don't walk behind me, I may not be able to lead; just walk beside me and be my friend."
Celtic woman.. great song my friend
😢😊
@@alexgordon951 the above quote is Albert Camus
Where is that?
It's a song, too my knowledge.
@@alexgordon951 did you say Bible?? EXACTLY Which chapter in the bible. ?? and which page Or reference passsage ?
I was there to witness this speech live in the flesh and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. Had the privilege to meet Eddie later that day also. The most inspiring and humble person I have ever met.
Wow you are so lucky...
I cried too , just listening to his unbelievable story - and his story is why being Jewish in today's world is very significant.. God bless 🙏 Eddie ❤
Wow! An example for all of us xx
@@lynnattwood1716 i
Gytuu
My grandmother was one of 3 survivors out of all the dozens of members of her family that didn't survive the extirpation. She escaped with her older sister at the age of 6, smuggled in mail bags on a truck and ended up in a camp in Russia that was still in horrible conditions. She eventually was freed and came to America at 16, only speaking German, learned 5 languages including English and became the Valedictorian of her school.
❤❤😮😮 AMAZING
😊😊😊😊❤ fantastic
I have known this beautiful man for over twenty years. He is my friend, mentor and hero and I am honoured to know and love him
He doesn’t hate anyone...after all that was done to him and his family. So many people today could learn from him.
oh please
אימי ז"ל, נולדה בגרמניה ועברה את המלחמה שם... בילדותי, אמרתי שאני שונאת את גרמניה והגרמנים, אמא אמרה לי, אסור לשנוא, שנאה מולידה רק שינאה, אהבה מולידה אהבה...תודה על השיתוף! "עושה שלום במרומיו, הוא יעשה שלום על כולנו ועל כל ישראל" אמן ואמן!!!
@@junglebunny5673 oh please what??? Thats true
@@everythingisupsidedown9593 you have nothing positive to say ?
@@junglebunny5673 You dont believe a person like that exists. Well there are many
8:08 "Happiness does not fall from the sky. It's in your hands."
9:17 "Tomorrow will come, but first enjoy today."
Rest in peace, Eddie. I remember seeing him at the sydney jewish musuem on a school excursion.
His story moved our entire class to tears and I’ll never forget his message of love and peace.
"Georgie is bad"-Albert Einstein- 1921
Hey, please tell more about that. Would it be better if we connected via mail?
Rip Eddie ✡️😞
When did he pass ? I never knew of him until today , beautiful man
@@handeyecoordinationskills same , just seeing this now
99 years old, has lived to one of the world most heinous tragedies in the world and still radiates life and gratitude. I’m speechless. Bless this beautiful soul
My Uncle spent 6 yrs in a Soviet prison camp. There he was beaten and almost starved to death. He had to eat rats and saw dust to survive. In between the the beating and hard labor they tried to instill the virtues of Socialism in him. When he got out he changed. He was now more fun loving and happy than he had been before. I asked him how he could be so happy after what had been done to him. He told me: The Communists took 6 yrs of my life making me miserable and I'm not going to give them another minute being unhappy
glad he got out and was happy after that hello from Scotland
What a wonderful example he has given you! Thank you for sharing.
That last line hits hard
If only our politicians had such honesty, intelligence and compassion.
Amen
If only we ALL had such honesty, intelligence and compassion.
Si, que comentario tan acertado.
Amen!
If only their constituents did anything but complain constantly, maybe better people would want to be politicians.
RIP Eddie. The world has lost a great man today.
yes rest in peace
Aww he passed away :(
May he rest in peace
If only 😪 there were more 😪 courageous survivors to help those who could barely face another difficult day. G-D should have allowed him to continue his life until 120 years, another MOSES.
Oh Nooooo! Well, he is with his mother and father, now.
Rest in peace Sr.
This video should have millions of likes and vues... I just finished the book..I was curious to see the man.. Sad he died one year ago..desappointed..as I would never have the chance to thanks him for his kindness..but at least I'm still alive to spread his mindset and wisdom..all of us..thank your dear Eddie, thank you dear friend 🙏
❤
Я прочитала книгу и мне тоже захотелось услышать эту речь. Очень жаль, что уже не написать письмо и не разделить с ЭДДИ его радости, но я верю, что благодаря его книге, мы сможем стать лучше!
Bless you Eddie ... you make me cry but fill my heart with joy
Tony First make hamas leave, the israel will talk
Jed I concur with your sentiment. As this year comes to a close bless you and stay healthy.
Australia 7.56pm
30 December, 2020.
God bless you and keep safe
My Grandmother’s brother, John, survived the Japanese camps on the Thai Burma railway, and he had the same attitude as Eddie. When he told me about his experiences in the camps and how he had forgiven his captors, I was stunned. How can you forgive that sort of brutality and mindless violence? He said if he had held on to the hate, it would have consumed him.
Eddie reminds me of John, and the world needs to listen to these people, not the ones who have a large media presence and no empathy!
If you read Eddie's book, he goes to say he doesn't forgive his captors. He doesn't understand how such a powerful people became so hateful. He lives a happy life as his own sort of revenge against them.
Sooooo accurate - I 100% agree
They show forgiveness and strength
Also a pure heart
Those attributes are so hard to come by these days . He’s such a blessing to this world - he taught me a lot in this speech.♥️
Thankyou for sharing that about your grandmother's brother. Those conditions and the treatment still defy my comprehension. I do find forgiveness quite amazing.
Where was your grand uncle from?
@@barbsmart7373 The family was from Natimuk.
I also had a friend who endured the Japanese camps after the fall of Hong Kong. He suffered lifelong health problems as a result and to his dying day he hated everything Japanese. He said he did not have permission to forgive. That was his way of remaining loyal to his many friends who died in the most appalling conditions. He was a lovely man and I could find no reason to question his attitude. He lived it, I didn't.
His auto-biography is The Happiest Man on Earth. I truly encourage you to read it. He conveys his trials and tribulation's so touchingly and his mentality is uplifting
I just finished the book 2 minutes ago, and wanted to watch this! Incredible!!!
I just finished it as well. A great read. Difficult at times because of his experience but a must read!
❤ 90% done reading this wonderfully written book where he mentions this tedx talk. ".. what I have to share is not my pain. What I share is my hope."
His book that I bought on 12 June 2022 at the airport, brought me here. What a man! A truly amazing life!
What's the name of the book?
@@mackenziefox8248 yes i'd like to know also. Going to google it.
@@mackenziefox8248 The happiest man on earth
I was given the book for my birthday. Started reading it yesterday and finished it today.
Another great book is “Man’s search for meaning” by Viktor Frankl who also survived Auschwitz. Truly inspiring and whilst these stories are difficult to hear they must never be forgotten
“Young people are always running and i wonder where they are running to”. So true. Sometimes I think that my generation is overloading itself with expectations. You can’t do and see everything in your life. Your life can only be a tiny fraction of what exists but it is YOUR tiny fraction. It’s a special unique experience and a limited one. We should not try to have it all but to enjoy the things that come our way with utter attention and dedication
“There is a time to laugh and a time to cry.” What a guy.
That is a Direct Quote from the Bible in ecclesiasties 3. "There is a time to laugh and a time to cry"
@@professionalbiologist7108 , Yes, from the Tanakh , - specifically what we Jewish People call "Kohellet " written by King Solomon
Your really not that kind of person Lauren Peters, stop acting like it
King Solomon said that
It’s in Bible. And Bible talks about forgiveness in extreme . Glory to God
Rest in Peace Legend. I read your book when I was going through a particularly dark time myself late last year, you will forever be an inspiration to myself. God Bless.
Hope you are fine now. God blesses you
@@cheowweikoay2601 Thank you for this comment, unfortunately Tobias passed away 2 months ago.
My grandfather's brother spent 6 yrs in a Soviet Prison Camp and saw many of his friends die. (And almost died himself) He also was a happy and carefree man. I once asked him how he could be so happy. He said that he did indeed suffer for 6 yrs, but that he wasn't going to give them another minute of his life being miserable.
❤
I will always keep in my mind this phrase, TOMORROW WILL COME BUT LET US ENJOY TODAY .
Sounds like something Oogway woulda said
Respect. This guy is as much of a hero as the guys who stormed the beaches at Normandy.
Not at all
When I wake up I’m always upset that I’m still me and in this life. I’m happiest before falling asleep I would say. I need help.
RIP Eddie, sending our love to the Jaku family
I want to hug this sweet adorable man.
This video made me cry for the first time in 10+ years, yet I can honestly say I’m happier- not just in a better mood, but actually happier- now than when I clicked on the video. Thank you for the tears and the enlightenment Eddie, the world owes you an immeasurable debt.
A beautiful and inspiring story. Thank you Eddie ❤️💜💖🙏
I agree with you, I cried too what a beautiful man.🙏
May God Bless you man !
Your lying you did cry before did you even watch the video correctly???
What do you mean you didn’t cry for 10 years I was just crying in the bathroom for hours you must have an easy life
"May you always have love to share, may you always have health to spare and may you always have friends that care" - wise words from a beautiful soul. May God bless you and keep you. Thank you for reminding us of what is truly important. Best TedTalk I have seen in a long time.
Very good
This man is a true inspiration to human kind. Highly recommend his book too.
No thanks
Pls share the book title.
@@patriceabad305 The Happiest Man On Earth
@@cure-clashofclans5958 Yeah stick with clash of clans no worries
He was a rare gem who walked on this earth and left a legacy for us.. making promises to himself and keeping every one of them
God bless you Eddie. You will see your family again. Thank you for a wonderful testimony and congrats on your wonderfully long marriage!
I am so glad you wrote this. I was thinking of what a beautiful reunion awaits him when its meant to unfold. Just a beautiful vision.
i am an atheist so i don't think there will be a reunion .............that's why i think this one life we know we have is so precious
Thank you for sharing your timeless wisdom. I also want to say that I can't believe you are 99 year young. You look amazing.
He is in good shape still, probably for not being angry about the world. He's inspiring.
Кт мм оо 6тть
9
This is the kind of video I would like to like 10 times instead of just once
I just finished reading his book today. RIP Eddie😢❤
Wow he's strong at 99 .May the Almighty GOD continue to give you strength and good health.
I cried all the way through this wonderful testimony; my mother was also a camp survivor and met my Dad after immigrating to Canada. She was a Berliner, like Eddie Jaku, and judiciously avoided the revenge mentality she perceived among extreme Zionists in the State of Israel. This talk did me so much good, I can't express it in words.
What a brilliant man he was. To call His book ‘The happiest man on earth’ extraordinary is an understatement. I’m so sad I only found out about him after he passed. I would have loved to shake his hand, I don’t know if I’ve ever respected someone so much before.
Just ordered his book from the Sydney Jewish Museum to find that Eddie had signed it.I didn’t purchase a signed copy at any extra price but out of the kindness of his heart eddie signed the book i managed to purchase. One of my most treasured possessions. RIP to a great man
Happiness does not fall from the sky......it is in your hands😊
Yes I've learned that in my own experience. Life hands you nothing on a silver platter and toil might get you nowhere but no one can steal your joy - you either guard it or allow it to be taken
Happiness, Peace, Inspiration, Will, Success etc all are inside in us
@@susie9893 If I may, I agree with you except for one thing. I used to say for people not to let anyone or anything steal their joy. I had a lot to learn. You phrased it to not allow it to be taken. In that instance it is still "taken". I think to many, even though I understand your statement and basically agree, would feel that you are not getting it stolen if you allow them to take it. The way I say it now....Don't give your joy away!!!... It has been a huge part of why I have been able to live with peace over the past few years. No one can take it without your permission. Stealing is doing that very thing - taking without permission. But if you hold strong to your faith and to any sliver of faith in humanity, retaining your joy can truly become second nature.
Beautiful! Beautiful man! Beautiful spirit! Beautiful truth! God bless you, Eddie Jaku, and everyone who recognizes the truth of what he shares here, and to all who may come to recognize this truth!
Your'e not that guy Norm
Which is what?
@Hello Norm how are you doing
@@cure-clashofclans5958 why u so spiteful? Go get laid
Come to check this video after reading his book (the happiest man on earth). It is unfathomable how much pain Eddie has been through. what a strong man!! Long live my friend.
I was fortunate to hear and meet him there at Sydney. Today ,watching the same video made me cry
Long may you live, in good health together with all your family and friends.
I love you my friend. I would say "God bless you" but He already did and so.did you bless.him too. You pass the love on. Now, it's my turn!
Today it is December 4th, 2022 I started reading the book "The Happiest Person in the World" yesterday and read it through in one go. I don't know when was the last time I cried so much.
I'm German, rather conservative, you could also say right-wing
But this book shook me. I was in Dachau as a teenager that was 30 years ago and had no major connection to the subject
but my friend Eddie as he calls me personally in the book
has described things that one cannot or could not imagine
the time between Buchenwald and Ausschwitz is described in such a way that it drives tears of anger and shame into the body it is a shame what people (German) can do to other people. hate and resentment described here are devastating
If I hadn't known the book had a happy ending, I wouldn't have read it
i have learned a lot in my life today and will also implement a lot of what i have learned today
I admire Eddie for what he was able to endure and whenever he met Kurt again I was happy for both of them
thank you for writing this book
Stefan with Google translator
Right wing? Please contact the compassion within yourself and let go of right wing ideology, which is always focused on the wealth and well being of the few, not the many.
Sehr mutig und ehrlich von dir, danke!
If you enjoyed reading our friend Eddie's experiences you may feel moved to read measure of a man: from Auschwitz survivor to presidents tailor. I've just finished reading Eddie's story and couldn't put it down until I had finished, you will do the same with Martin greenfield' story.
@@phill2141 sorry. the book its only in english...but thanks for the story
The secret of human happiness is revealed here in touching words supported by his agonizing life experience A big salute ,sir.
What a wonderful man. What wonderful words.
May he enjoy more years with his wife, children and grandchildren. May they learn much from him, he has much to teach.
L’chaim
Shalom
Israeli ?
Go away
His book gives depth to the brief speech he gave. It’s inspiring how he is full with so much grattitude despite going through what he did
Pridez - Agreed. Eddie's book, The Happiest Man on Earth," reflects upon in some detail of his turmoil, grief, and gruesome horror he experienced. Instead, Eddie chose to find strength of character, a willingness to persevere and to share love, rather than hate with and among his fellow man. Hug, your Mom.
I finished your book 15.12.2022. May your story, memory and energy live on for eternity my friend Eddie ❤ “what I have to share is not my pain, what I share is my hope” 🙏
What a fabulous man. If only we could all be like him 🙏🏼
"Please, do not walk in front of me, I may not be able to follow. Please, do not walk behind me, I may not be able to lead. Just, walk beside me and be my friend" That's the most sophisticated yet concise definition of compassion. From a 99-year-old man who just made not only my eyes watery but a new friend - by giving such a precious present to me. I am humbled. 😶
I also consider Eddie as the happiest man on earth the reason is that a person who has seen death everyday and escaped from it and is still smiling is a big achievement in itself.. God bless u eddie
Wonderful...you made my day! Thanks for the good wishes.
I implore everyone seeing this comment to read his book “happiest man on earth”. I’m not one to read much but I finished it in about 3 hours. For someone who went through what even the word tragedy can’t describe, his outlook is amazing. Hearing the horrors of the reality of what happened to millions is unimaginable. What stuck out to me the most is the final stages of the book and his great pieces of advice on your outlook on life. RIP to my new friend Eddie.
I’m 13 and I’m one of eddies kind I’m a dying breed of caring loving 🥰 and gentle
What a beautiful heart may others learn from you. 99 years old and you look as though you are 60. Thank you for your story and your strength to tell it. Bless you
“Do not walk in front of me because I may not be able to follow. Do not walk behind me because I may not be able to lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” Wow just wow! Such wisdom and honesty these are words to live by
What a delightful gentleman
Everyone in the world could learn something from him.
God bless you my dear, gentle new friend and all Jews in the world... May the prejudice against your people end..
AP Rao 🙏Amen
@PanBaniški Let me guess, you're a fanatic of the Germany, its history, and its features?
one must learn from a man like this. He must have suffered so much . G-d Bless him.
May God bless you. I admire your courage , strength and love for everyone..
Bless you, your wife Flore, your brave dog Lulu, your family and your entire family of universe-wide friends.
What I admired the most about this man is how brave he is in deciding and enforcing to be happy and refusing to hate, despite the horrendous tragedies he experienced in his life. Stories like this helps us all to put in prospective how we view out tragedies and how we adjust to them. Important things in life are really few, we often get distracted by details. Beautiful speech Eddie, I wish you well and hope you safe and happy.
What a beautiful brave wise man, may God bless you. 💕🙏
I am so sorry what happened to you. I am sending much love to you. Wish you many happy years with your family.
Rest in eternal peace Eddie. May God bless your soul. You’ve touched the hearts of many. You certainly made me smile. Your legacy of unconditional love and joy will live on. 🤍🕊🕎
"Sharon is bad"-Albert Einstein- 1921
Good ❤️what is your Instagram ID 👍
"Please don't walk infront of me, I may not be able to follow, please don't walk behind me, I may not be able to lead, just walk besides me and be my friend....May you all hv lots of love to share, lots of good health to spare and lots of good friends that care....."
Full of wisdome....May God bless you with long life and health
Thank you, dear Eddie, for opening my heart and allowing me to count my many blessings during this difficult time in my family's life. You are a treasure.
I love everything you said. My favorite quote is: "Please do not walk in front of me, I may not be able to follow, please do not walk behind me, I may not be able to lwad, but please walk BESIDE me and be my friend" so deep, so beautiful.
My salute to Eddie. may He rest in peace. Hatred and animosity is cancerous.
"Hate may destroy your enemy, but it will destroy you in the process"
"Please don't walk over me. I may not be able to follow. Please don't walk behing me. I will not be able to lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend"
What an inspirational man! I love that he’s wearing a pin saying in Hebrew “remember”
All of us who watched this, let alone met Eddie in person, are much better off because of it. Though he has just passed away, his Spirit and lesson should always be top of mind.
I have just read your book Eddie ( my new friend ) and I thank u so much for opening my eyes to all the happiness around me. RIP .
You are a beautiful sweet and brave soul.God bless you
We won't forget Eddie. We won't forget. May you be bless with more happiness to come in your family.
I have listened to about 25 Ted talks. Eddie's is by far the most important to me. Cried through the whole speech, and to tell the truth, now I don't even remember the others.
"Hate is a disease, which may destroy your enemy but will destroy also you in the process." --> legendary!
Eddie, thank you. Listening to you was a treasure. Thank you for sharing your story. God bless you for your loving and forgiving heart. Wow. You truly inspire me!!!!
God bless you from Montana
THANK YOU. AMAZING LIFE....
He reminds me of my grandad who passed away who survived a prisoner of war camp in japan in WW2. There is something that marks these remarkable people. My grandad was also happy for another day. Lovely talk. I bought his book x
Thank you for sharing yourself so openly with us, I truly am honoured.
Ok I am crying now......what a wonderful man Absolutely wonderful man GOD BLESS YOU
Lovely Humble Gentle kind Man May God Bless you and your wife and Family each and every day XXX
Much love and light to you sir and your family .
I just finished reading “The Happiest Man on Earth.” Thank you for sharing your story, Eddie.
Your story made me cry but l have never seen such a positive person in my life
A truly amazing story ... had me in tears ... be proud of what you have achieved ... bis 120
Please tell mom for Eddie that I love you. He really makes me cry 😭😭😭😭😭
hard to find what to say. Tears flow, admiration settles. Some human beings are simply too special. To imagine his suffering, his struggle, and how he ended up like the sweetest, kindest, most inspiring man despite all he endured.
You inspire me. Eddie, I promise to you today, I will be happy, smile, be polite and be kind. May G-d bless you.
God Bless this lovely man and God be with him in this world until our Heavenly Father calls him to his true eternal home...his generation is passing away along with the morals and values that a good number of them have...to pass this on to the next generations so that they can live a full and honest and honorable life with integrity....God Bless All...and he looks amazing for 99...wow...
The best advice I have heard till date. Such a beautiful human being. Thank you my new friend Eddie 😊.
Thank you for your message. I will always remember you, and I will try to be more humble and happy from now on ❤️
Bless you and your whole family 💖
Thank you for speaking out.
Beautiful man...so happy to hear his story
Eddie's book bought me here. A wonderful man that has changed my thinking of life. Thank you Eddie, for being my friend, although we never met ..........
Oh, thank you for sharing your story Eddie Jaku. Those of us in Covid lockdown think we've got it tough--and then we hear a story like yours. I will remember to share and care. Blessings.