History

In 1890, a certain A. Hirsch came to Davos as a patient, where he soon recovered and stayed. He opened a small guesthouse with six beds for devout Israelites. She was very humble and without comfort. His pension was always occupied, but he had to watch as wealthy and correspondingly more demanding Jews were forced to settle in Christian hotels and sanatoriums, where they could not live out their previous ritual lifestyle.

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He therefore called for the founding of an “Israelite Sanatorium” in 1896 and for the subscription of a capital of 200,000 francs. The building was to be built above the fences at the entrance to the Dischmatal. The leading building contractor of the time, Adolf Baratelli, submitted plans and a cost estimate; The four-story building was expected to cost 212,000 francs. However, nothing came of it. Apparently Hirsch expanded his pension somewhat and continued to run it under the name “International Sanatorium”.

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Successful attempts to solve the problem came 20 years later from Zurich, where there was a strong Jewish community with extensive connections and the necessary financial strength. The “Association for impoverished Jewish lung patients in Zurich” began supporting patients with monthly contributions. The call for a home for Jewish lung patients in Davos sparked widespread approval.

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At the association's general meeting in 1917, it was decided to create a Jewish sanatorium. The sponsor of the planned sanatorium was the “Association for Jewish Lung Patients in Switzerland”. The choice for a sanatorium was the “Hotel Excelsior” and its branch, the “Villa Waldheim”. The acquisition cost 575,000 francs.

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The house was ceremoniously inaugurated on June 18, 1919.

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At the end of 1919, the “Etania” already had all the necessary medical facilities, in particular a modern x-ray department.

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The following year, the “Villa Waldheim” was expanded into a children’s sanatorium.

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In 1926, the aid association had around 400 members, making it the largest Jewish organization in Switzerland; it was able to support the sanatorium through all difficulties. The global economic crisis and the victory of the National Socialists in Germany again brought heavy burdens in the 1930s: more and more foreign Jews appeared unannounced and completely penniless and demanded admission to the Etania.

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After 1950, the “Etania” was no longer necessary as a sanatorium because of the successes of medicine in the fight against tuberculosis. The name was now “Jewish Healing and Recreation Center”. Jewish summer tourists came to Davos regularly. They sought the coolness in the mountains; guests from Israel also appreciated the peace and security.

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The “Etania” sanatorium existed until 1991.

Today

• The “Etania” can now be booked as accommodation by individuals, families and groups from December to April.

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• From April to November it is rented exclusively to Jewish guests. They mostly use the “Etania” for spa stays for children with illnesses and as a meeting place for families.

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• The “Etania” house is also known as the “Zentrum Haus Davos”.