Stuff You Should Know – The Made-up Disease of Syndrome K

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” Chuck and Marco discuss the fascinating story of Syndrome K, a made-up disease used by Italian doctors to save Jews during World War II. They delve into the historical context of Italy’s role in the war, the rise and fall of Mussolini, and the heroic efforts of doctors who risked their lives to protect Jewish refugees. This inspiring and little-known story sheds light on the resilience and ingenuity of individuals in the face of adversity.

Main Takeaways

Italian Doctors’ Heroic Deception

• “Syndrome K” was a made-up disease used by Italian doctors to save Jews during World War II.
• Italian doctors saved around 50-100 Jews with this fake disease.
• The plan was to put the Jewish people in their own wing and have them wear a sign that said Syndrome K or ill-morbodike in Italian.
• The Jewish people had to ham it up and look super sick so the Nazis wouldn’t want anything to do with them.
• The hospital successfully hid Jewish refugees and avoided suspicion from the Nazis, who even brought a German doctor to check on the patients and found everything to be in order.

Italy’s Role in World War II

• Italy’s role in World War II is often overlooked, but it was a large regional power with stakes in other countries.
• Mussolini was appointed prime minister of Italy by King Victor Emmanuel II in 1922.
• Italy had spent a lot of soldiers’ lives in campaigns in Libya and Ethiopia in the 1920s and 1930s.
• Italy had colonies set up in Northern Africa and the Mediterranean and was trying to expand their territories through war.
• Italy enacted their own anti-Semitic race laws starting in 1938.

The Hospital and Its Heroes

• The hospital on Tiber Island in Rome became a sanctuary for all kinds of people, including Jewish people and Catholics.
• Father Maurizio Bialek, an anti-fascist, was in charge of the hospital and assembled a team of anti-fascist doctors and staff members.
• The hospital linked the Jewish ghetto in Rome and the Vatican, bringing them together.
• The hospital successfully hid Jewish refugees and avoided suspicion from the Nazis.
• Giovanni Borromeo, one of the doctors, was honored by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations in 2004 for his role in rescuing Jews during the Holocaust.

Summary

Italian Doctors’ Heroic Deception

During World War II, Italian doctors devised a remarkable plan to save Jews from Nazi persecution. They created a fake disease called Syndrome K and designated a separate wing in the hospital for Jewish patients. By wearing signs indicating Syndrome K and pretending to be seriously ill, Jewish refugees were able to avoid detection by the Nazis. The doctors went to great lengths to maintain the ruse, even forging death certificates and papers. This deception allowed them to save the lives of around 50-100 Jews.

Italy’s Role in World War II

Italy, often overshadowed by other major players in World War II, had its own significant role in the conflict. Under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, Italy sought to expand its territories through military campaigns in Northern Africa and the Mediterranean. The country enacted its own anti-Semitic race laws, banning books and seizing property from Jewish citizens. However, Italy stopped short of carrying out a genocide like the Nazis.

The Hospital and Its Heroes

The hospital on Tiber Island in Rome became a sanctuary for various marginalized groups, including Jewish people and Catholics. Father Maurizio Bialek, an anti-fascist, assembled a team of like-minded doctors and staff members who risked their lives to protect those in need. They successfully hid Jewish refugees from the Nazis, even when a German doctor was brought in to inspect the patients. The hospital’s efforts were recognized, and one of the doctors, Giovanni Borromeo, was honored as Righteous Among the Nations.

Conclusion

The story of Syndrome K and the heroic actions of Italian doctors during World War II serve as a reminder of the resilience and compassion of individuals in the face of unimaginable circumstances. These doctors risked their lives to save others, using ingenuity and deception to outwit the Nazis. Their bravery and humanity continue to inspire and remind us of the power of compassion in the darkest times.