Jerzy Tabeau

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Jerzy Tabeau (18 December 1918 – 11 May 2002) was a Polish medical student and a member of the Polish resistance during World War II. He is best known for being one of the first escapees from the Auschwitz concentration camp to provide a detailed report on the atrocities occurring there.

Early Life

Jerzy Tabeau was born on 18 December 1918 in Poland. He was studying medicine at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków when the war broke out.

World War II

During the German occupation of Poland, Tabeau joined the Polish resistance. In 1942, he was arrested by the Gestapo and sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Escape from Auschwitz

In November 1943, Tabeau and fellow inmate Roman Cieliczko managed to escape from Auschwitz. They disguised themselves in SS uniforms and fled the camp. After escaping, Tabeau made his way back to Kraków, where he wrote a detailed report on the conditions and atrocities at Auschwitz. This report, known as the "Polish Major's Report," was one of the first comprehensive accounts of the Holocaust to reach the Western Allies.

Post-War Life

After the war, Tabeau completed his medical studies and became a respected cardiologist. He continued to live in Poland and contributed to medical research and education.

Legacy

Jerzy Tabeau's report played a crucial role in informing the world about the horrors of the Holocaust. His bravery and dedication to the truth have been commemorated in various ways, including memorials and historical studies.

See Also

• Auschwitz concentration camp
• Polish resistance movement in World War II
• Holocaust
• Jagiellonian University

Related Pages

• Witold Pilecki
• Rudolf Vrba
• Kazimierz Piechowski
• Auschwitz Protocols