Was Nikola Tesla Jewish?
Nikola Tesla, the Serbian-American inventor and electrical engineer, has been the subject of numerous debates and speculations throughout history. One of the most intriguing questions that often arises is whether Tesla was Jewish. This article aims to explore the origins of this question and delve into the available evidence to shed light on Tesla’s religious and ethnic background.
Tesla was born on July 10, 1856, in the Austrian Empire, which is present-day Serbia. His parents, Milutin Tesla and Djuka Mandic, were both of Serb descent. The Tesla family had a long history of religious observance, and it is widely believed that they were Orthodox Christians. However, the question of Tesla’s Jewish heritage arises due to a few factors.
Firstly, Tesla’s mother, Djuka Mandic, had a Jewish great-grandmother named Marica Mandic. This connection has led some to speculate that Tesla himself might have had Jewish ancestry. However, it is important to note that Tesla’s mother was raised as an Orthodox Christian and did not practice Judaism. Furthermore, Tesla himself never publicly identified as Jewish or expressed any interest in the religion.
Another reason for the debate is Tesla’s association with the Jewish community in New York City during his later years. Tesla moved to the United States in 1884 and spent the majority of his life in New York. He was known to have socialized with Jewish scientists and inventors, including Thomas Edison and J.P. Morgan. Some have suggested that Tesla’s close relationships with these individuals might have led to the misconception that he was Jewish.
It is crucial to differentiate between personal associations and ethnic or religious heritage. While Tesla may have had Jewish acquaintances and connections, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that he himself was Jewish. His identity as a Serb and an Orthodox Christian is well-documented, and he never publicly claimed any other religious or ethnic background.
In conclusion, the question of whether Nikola Tesla was Jewish remains a topic of debate. While he had Jewish ancestry through his mother’s side, there is no substantial evidence to support the claim that he identified as Jewish or practiced the religion. Tesla’s identity as a Serb and an Orthodox Christian is well-established, and it is essential to base conclusions on credible evidence rather than speculations.
