Jews & Nobel Prizes

The Nobel Prizes are prestigious international awards that were established by the will of Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor, scientist, and philanthropist. The prizes were first awarded in 1901, and since then, they have been recognizing individuals and organizations for outstanding achievements in various fields; initially in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace, but more have been added since.

Each Nobel Prize consists of a medal, a diploma, and a cash award. The Nobel Prize has become one of the most prestigious recognitions in the world, highlighting exceptional achievements that have had a lasting impact on humanity. The Nobel laureates represent a diverse group of individuals who have made significant contributions to the betterment of society in various ways.

Between 1901 and 2023, out of the 965 individual recipients of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, at least 214 individuals were Jewish or had at least one Jewish parent, constituting 22% of all laureates. 

Jews have achieved recognition in all six categories of the Nobel Foundation's awards: Chemistry (36 laureates, 19% of total), Economics (38 laureates, 41% of total), Literature (16 laureates, 13% of total), Peace (9 laureates, 8% of total), Physics (56 laureates, 25% of total), and Physiology or Medicine (59 laureates, 26% of total). 

Adolf von Baeyer, who received the 1905 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was of Jewish descent on his mother's side and is acknowledged as the first Jewish Nobel laureate.

The consistent representation of Jews among Nobel Prize winners, particularly in recent years, has prompted discussions regarding the underlying factors contributing to this trend. While some theories attribute this success to genetic predispositions or a cultural emphasis on education, an alternative perspective underscores the historical and societal context.

The surge in Jewish Nobel laureates coincided with significant global migrations post-World War II. Confronted with historical marginalization, many turned to science as a means of overcoming societal barriers. The values inherent in scientific pursuits, such as impartiality and meritocracy, aligned with Jewish aspirations for equality and recognition. 

Rather than an intrinsic genetic advantage or enduring cultural traditions, this perspective suggests that Jewish success in science is intricately linked to the pursuit of societal progress and acknowledgment. 

The influence of Nazi policies during World War II had a profound impact on Nobel laureates, with notable instances of persecution and collaboration. German pacifist Carl von Ossietzky, imprisoned by the Nazis for exposing rearmament, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1936 but succumbed to abuse in 1938. The Nazis' declaration that no German could accept a Nobel Prize and anti-Jewish laws prompted an exodus of Jewish scientists. Some Nobel laureates, like Max Planck, attempted to appeal to Hitler against damaging scientific practices, while others, including Philip Lenard and Johannes Stark, aligned with anti-Semitic movements. Knut Hamsun, a Nobel laureate in Literature, openly supported the Nazis, reflecting a complex chapter in Nobel history amid the broader conflict of ideals.

Holocaust survivors have left an indelible mark on global society, channeling their resilience into various forms of contribution, including political engagement, family-building, and successful careers. Among these survivors, some have received notable recognition from the Nobel Committee for their exceptional achievements. 

1. Nelly Sachs, a German-Jewish poet who sought refuge in Sweden in 1940, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1966. 

2. Roald Hoffman, a Polish-born chemist hidden during World War II, received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1981. 

3. Renowned novelist and human rights activist Elie Wiesel, a survivor of Auschwitz and Buchenwald, was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. 

4. Walter Kohn, a theoretical physicist and chemist who escaped the German annexation of Austria through a Kindertransport to England, earned the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1998. 

5. Imre Kertész, a Hungarian novelist and survivor of Auschwitz and Buchenwald, received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2002. 

6. Another Hungarian-born survivor, Avram Hershko, deported to a labor camp as a child, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2004. 

Their achievements underscore the enduring resilience and multifaceted contributions of Holocaust survivors to literature, science, and the promotion of human rights.

Albert Einstein, an eminent figure in science, confronted the influence of antisemitism in his Nobel Prize journey. Despite his groundbreaking contributions, especially the development of the theory of relativity, Einstein faced complexities related to his Jewish identity. In 1921, he received the Nobel Prize in Physics for the photoelectric effect, not for his transformative work on relativity. This decision sparked debates about potential biases against theoretical physics and antisemitic sentiments prevalent during that era. Einstein's cautious response and his prioritization of other recognitions underscore the challenges he faced due to antisemitism within the Nobel Prize context.

• https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2013-10-21/ty-article/.premium/the-real-reason-jews-win-so-many-nobels/0000017f-f5f9-d460-afff-ffffa0c20000?v=1701352805869<s=1701352877109 

• https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jewish-nobel-prize-laureates 

• https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/facts/nobel-prize-facts/ 

• https://www.nydailynews.com/2016/08/23/nazis-have-a-heil-of-a-history-with-nobel-prize-winners/ 

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jewish_Nobel_laureates#:~:text=Of%20the%20965%20individual%20recipients,representing%2022%25%20of%20all%20recipients. 

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