Early Life and Career
Birth and upbringing in Khartoum, Sudan
Dr. Mod Helmy was born on July 25, 1901, in Khartoum, Sudan. At the time, Sudan was under the control of Egypt and the United Kingdom. His father was Egyptian, and his mother was German. Growing up, he experienced a unique blend of cultures and influences that would shape his future actions.
Education and specialization in Germany
At the age of 21, Dr. Helmy moved to Germany to pursue his studies in medicine. He enrolled in a medical school and quickly demonstrated his talent and passion for the field. After completing his education, he specialized in urology and eventually became the head of the urology department at Robert Koch Hospital in Berlin.
Persecution under Nazi rule
Unfortunately, Dr. Helmy’s life took a turn for the worse with the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime in 1933. As a North African, he faced discrimination and prejudice, leading to his dismissal from Robert Koch Hospital. He was also unable to marry his German fiancée, and his career was downgraded to that of a doctor’s assistant.
Despite the challenges he faced, Dr. Helmy used his role to support and protect innocent people. He wrote fake sick notes to help individuals avoid hard labor and deportation. Additionally, he went above and beyond to hide Jewish patient Anna Boros and her family, protecting them from the Nazis who were actively seeking to capture and deport them.
Dr. Mod Helmy’s courage and selflessness during this dark time are a testament to the power of the human spirit. He risked his own safety and stood up against injustice, saving lives and offering hope to those in need.
