Jerzy Einhorn, Polish-Swedish physician and politician (b. 1925)

Jerzy Einhorn, born on July 26, 1925, in Częstochowa, Poland, and passing away on April 28, 2000, in Danderyd, Stockholm, Sweden, led an extraordinary life marked by resilience, profound academic achievement, and public service. This Polish-born Swedish polymath was a distinguished medical doctor, an innovative researcher, and an influential politician for the Christian Democrats (Kristdemokrat) in Sweden. His rich heritage was also reflected in his Hebrew name, Chil Josef, bestowed upon him in honor of his paternal grandfather.

Early Life, the Holocaust, and a Quest for Safety

Born into a vibrant Yiddish-speaking Jewish family, Einhorn’s early life was irrevocably altered by the horrific events of World War II. During the brutal German occupation of Poland, he became one of the millions of victims of the Holocaust. His harrowing journey began with his forced relocation to the notorious Warsaw Ghetto, a grim precursor to further suffering. He was then sent to the Częstochowa Ghetto, situated just outside his hometown, before being confined to the brutal HASAG-Placery concentration camp. He endured the unspeakable conditions of this camp for nearly two years, from June 1943 until its liberation in January 1945. These traumatic experiences profoundly shaped his perspective, and he later powerfully recounted them in his poignant book, Utvald att leva, aptly titled Chosen to Live in English, a testament to his survival against unimaginable odds.

Following the war's conclusion and his graduation from secondary school in Częstochowa in 1945, Einhorn embarked on his medical studies at the University of Łódź. However, the shadow of antisemitism lingered in post-war Poland. In 1946, after reports surfaced of violent anti-Jewish attacks, including the tragic killing of some Jewish students in Łódź, Jerzy and his wife, Nina, made the difficult but resolute decision not to return to their homeland. Instead, they sought refuge and a new beginning in Denmark, where Jerzy continued his medical education, before ultimately finding asylum and building their future in Sweden.

A Distinguished Medical and Academic Career

In Sweden, Jerzy Einhorn's brilliance truly flourished, leading him to become a towering figure in the medical community. From 1967 until his retirement in 1992, he served as the esteemed chief physician at Radiumhemmet, Sweden's premier oncological institution, which is part of the renowned Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm. His expertise was in radiotherapy, a field he also taught as a professor, simultaneously holding the significant leadership position as the director of the Karolinska Hospital itself. His contributions to medicine and science extended globally; he was a respected member of the prestigious Nobel Prize Committee in Medicine, a testament to his influence and insight. Furthermore, his excellence was recognized internationally when he was made an honorary member and awarded the distinguished gold medal by the Radiological Society of North America.

Public Service and Enduring Legacy

Beyond his medical and academic achievements, Einhorn was also deeply committed to public service and his Jewish heritage. Both he and his wife, Nina, dedicated significant time and effort throughout their lives to Zionist fundraising, supporting the development and security of Israel. His commitment to social welfare also led him into the political arena, where he served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Christian Democrats in the Swedish Riksdag from 1991 to 1994, advocating for his convictions on a national stage. The legacy of Jerzy Einhorn extends through his family; his children, Stefan and Lena Einhorn, have both become well-known and respected authors in Sweden. Notably, his son, Stefan Einhorn, continues the family's medical tradition as a professor of molecular oncology at the Karolinska Institute and works as an MD at Radiumhemmet, mirroring his father's illustrious career.

FAQs

Who was Jerzy Einhorn?

Jerzy Einhorn was a Polish-born Swedish medical doctor, researcher, and politician. He was a Holocaust survivor who rose to prominence in Sweden as a leading oncologist and hospital director, a member of the Nobel Prize Committee, and a Member of Parliament.

What was his experience during the Holocaust?

During World War II, Einhorn, born into a Jewish family, was interned in the Warsaw Ghetto, the Częstochowa Ghetto, and finally the HASAG-Placery concentration camp from June 1943 to January 1945. He later documented these harrowing experiences in his book, Utvald att leva (Chosen to Live).

Why did Jerzy Einhorn move to Sweden?

After starting his medical studies in post-war Poland, Einhorn and his wife decided to leave in 1946 due to escalating antisemitic violence, including attacks on Jewish students in Łódź. They initially sought refuge in Denmark before ultimately settling in Sweden for safety and to continue his education and career.

What were his main contributions to medicine?

Jerzy Einhorn was a distinguished oncologist and professor of radiotherapy. He served as chief physician at Sweden's prestigious Radiumhemmet and director of the Karolinska Hospital for many years. His work significantly advanced cancer treatment and research in Sweden.

What was his role in politics?

Einhorn was a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Christian Democrats (Kristdemokrat) in Sweden from 1991 to 1994, advocating for various causes on a national level.

Did he receive any significant international recognition?

Yes, Jerzy Einhorn was a member of the Nobel Prize Committee in Medicine, a highly esteemed position. He was also honored as an honorary member and recipient of the gold medal from the Radiological Society of North America.

What is Utvald att leva?

Utvald att leva (English: Chosen to Live) is Jerzy Einhorn's autobiographical book where he chronicled his personal experiences as a survivor of the Holocaust, offering a powerful first-hand account of the atrocities he endured.