Edelstein Jaakov came from the east and, as far as I know, was sent to an oratory school in Vienna by a zionist organization and, as a confirmed zionist, fought for the fulfilment of the cause. His best friend was Dr. Kahn, which became apparent when Edelstein was leaving for Theresienstadt. Since Edelstein had the opportunity already in Nisko and later in Prague to associate with the leading SS from the Central Office for Jewish Emigration, thanks to his foresight and intelligence, he learned to push more things in Theresienstadt through than his successors and others could manage. His constructive work in Theresienstadt in the interest of Jewishness can be called pioneering. He helped wherever he could, even in cases when he was in great danger from the SS. After the arrival of Dr. Epstein and Murmelstein, the first of which was installed by the SS to his post, the two officials became mired in a misunderstanding and Edelstein, disgusted by the behavior and work of Dr. Epstein in particular, wanted to resign his position and could no longer intervene as he could before. Unfortunately, this had negative consequences, which were not caused by Edelstein, but by the overall conditions in Theresienstadt.

He was relentless in his work, accepted anyone’s request or complaint and in the end redeemed himself for his good work on deportation and death.

Ing. Otto Zucker

During the departure to Theresienstadt with the so-called Staff for short goodbyes, during which the deceased Dr. Weidmann described the character of Edelstein as well as Ing. Zucker and noted that even though they are confirmed zionists, there are differences between them. On the one hand Edelstein is more emotional, while Zucker is harsher, but these two types are necessary for the building of the ghetto and it will be to the benefit of all, because they are two different personalities, but understand one another when it comes to the main issues. Ing. Zucker is perhaps harsher than Edelstein, but even he worked tirelessly and selflessly on the building and improvement of the ghetto. He devoted himself not only to the work that was determined for him, but also to art, music, etc. He kept company with artists and scholars, for whom he found time for in his scant free moments. He too, after the arrival of Dr. Epstein and Dr. Murmelstein began to argue and feel disgusted, which he took badly, just like Edelstein.

In short, Ing. Zucker was just like Edelstein, although, as I stated earlier, he had an more emotionally harsh character.

Dr. Erich Munk

I would describe Dr. Munk as he was characterized during an SS-member meeting in the Kameradschaftsheimu, where all of the heads were present according to their character and behavior and where Munk was called by Seidl or Günther, who were sticklers for the rules, a direct person. It was his best characteristic. What he got done during his first days in Theresienstadt as the head of health care, can only be judged by someone who worked with him. Out of nothing he created a health care system at such a high level that he saved thousands from their deaths. He worked only in the public’s interest, and never for personal gain. Towards the end of his term he contracted tuberculosis, and had to be treated for it for several months. He worked using all of the resources at his disposal and managed to get a sufficient quantity of medicine when he relentlessly notified the Germans of the danger of epidemics, which ones can be stopped if there is enough medicine, rooms for the sick, etc. Like the other leaders, he paid for his selfless work with his life.

Documentation Campaign: Scheck