Objective: The aim of this article is to describe the circumstances surrounding the suicide of Adam Czerniakow during the Holocaust. Method: Examination of Czerniakow � s (translated) diary and other Holocaust literature. Results : Head of the � Judenrat � (Jewish Council) in the Warsaw ghetto, Czerniakow had the impossible task of obeying oppressive German orders, while trying to serve and protect his people. Following instruction to have ready for deportation from the ghetto several thousand Jews each day, Czerniakow took his life. Although Czerniakow may not have known the precise destination of those deported (they were sent to death camps), he is believed to have held grave fears for their fate. Conclusions: Suicide in the context of avoiding having to perform an unacceptable task is not commonly recorded, but may have applied in Czerniakow � s case and was not infrequent among Judenrat members.
History
Publication title
Australasian Psychiatry
Volume
19
Issue
6
Pagination
513-517
ISSN
1039-8562
Department/School
Tasmanian School of Medicine
Publisher
Sage Publications Ltd.
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Rights statement
Copyright 2011 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists