About Eddy

The story of Eddy Boas is one of triumph over adversity.

Throughout his life, Eddy Boas has faced challenges with resilience and determination. His journey from surviving the horrors of the Holocaust to building a new life in Australia is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome. Beyond the trials of his early years, Eddy has made significant strides in various fields, becoming a pioneer in direct marketing and being inducted into the Australian Direct Marketing Hall of Fame in 1994. Throughout his career, Eddy has been known for his natural ability to connect with people through his engaging and heartfelt public speaking.

His memoir, I’m Not a Victim I Am a Survivor, captures his incredible journey from the darkness of war, to the successes that span from the race tracks of Sydney to international boardrooms. Eddy’s story is not just of survival, but also how to overcome adversity.

Eddy’s speaking engagements and media appearances share his unique perspective. Remarkably candid and full of life, his dedication to spreading messages of resilience and the importance of historical awareness continues to inspire and educate, making a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Key Chapters in Eddy’s Life

1940

Childhood Under Siege

Born on 26 January 1940 in The Hague, The Netherlands, Eddy’s early years were overshadowed by the Nazi occupation.

Key Chapters in Eddy’s Life

1943

Survival Against All Odds

Eddy endured 434 agonising days in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. The odds of survival were six million to one.

A train leaving Bergen-Belsen for Theresienstadt in early April. (Wikimedia Commons)

Key Chapters in Eddy’s Life

1954

An Australian Beginning

After losing his father at eight years of age, Eddy’s mother decided in 1954 to move her three children to Australia. Eddy left school at fifteen years old.

Key Chapters in Eddy’s Life

1960s onwards

Opportunities

Eddy’s remarkable life saw him travelling across continents, meeting influential personalities, and attending world-class events.

Key Chapters in Eddy’s Life

2020

An Apology

In January 2020, Eddy’s pursuit for a formal apology from the Dutch government came to a successful resolution. Prime Minister Mark Rutte publicly apologised in front of national television for the country’s failure of duty towards Jews during World War II.

Key Chapters in Eddy’s Life

Today

Education & Advocacy

Speaking with current and future generations, Eddy’s perspective is a powerful reminder that the lessons of the past must guide our actions to prevent hatred and antisemitism. Never Again.

"Whatever happened yesterday I cannot do anything about, tomorrow, who knows what will happen; but today I can control. This is how I took control of my life and it has served me well."

Speaking Engagements

Discover some of the notable events and venues where Eddy has captivated audiences as a keynote speaker.

2024

Embassy of Israel, Canberra Australia

2023

Wiener Holocaust Library, London UK

2023

NSW Parliament House, Australia

2023

Jewish Community Centre, The Hague, the Netherlands

2019

Museum of Jewish Heritage, Manhattan NYC

2019

Holocaust Museum, Los Angeles

2019

US Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington

2018

Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College, Sydney Australia to 2,000 guests on ANZAC Memorial Day