Heroines of Vichy France

Rescuing French Jews during the Holocaust

Paul R. Bartrop, Samantha J. Lakin

• Publisher: Praeger
• Year: 2019
• Print ISBN: 9781440852329
• eBook ISBN: 9798216095804
• Edition: 1
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: 20th Century History
• Index: History

This book tells the largely unknown story behind the rescue activities of several remarkable young Jewish women in Vichy France during World War II and their role in the resistance against Nazi and Vichy France deportation policies. Few studies of Vichy France and the Holocaust have looked at the rescue of Jews by those prepared to risk everything to escort them to safety in the border regions, and even fewer have considered Jewish rescue of Jews, specifically of Jewish children by women. This work will be arguably the first book in which the experiences and efforts of a number of female rescuers—all of whom knew or knew of each other—have been brought together in a single volume, with the object of honoring their memory and showing how the value of human life was sustained through the Holocaust. Focusing on a number of young Jewish women who defied the Nazis, this narrative highlights their courage and sacrifice in their efforts to rescue Jews in France during World War II. Additionally, it shows how these French women responded to Nazi and Vichy France policies of deportation through resistance activities. This is a story that will captivate anyone with an interest in the innate goodness of human beings that can shine even when confronted with the darkest expressions of depravity that occurred during the Holocaust.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• Preface
• Introduction
• Chapter 1: France, the Jews, and the War
• Chapter 2: The “Free Zone”: The Nazis Take Over
• Chapter 3: The Italian Interlude: Shades of Benevolence
• Chapter 4: An Inclusive Unity: Jews and Christians Link Arms
• Chapter 5: Entr’acte: Rescue on the Border
• Chapter 6: Annemasse: The Limits of Courage
• Chapter 7: Voices of the Rescued: The Children Speak
• Chapter 8: Afterlives and Legacies
• Chapter 9: Coda: Remembering the Passeurs
• Appendix A: Exeunt: Beyond the War Years
• Appendix B: Chronology
• Notes
• Bibliography
• Index
• About the Authors