http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Grand-Mosque-Paris-Holocaust/dp/0823423042
http://thechildrenswar.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/grand-mosque-of-paris-story-of-how.html
http://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/book/the-grand-mosque-of-paris-a-story-of-how-muslims-saved-jews-during-the-holocaust
some of the reviews from Amazon...
By Jewish Book World Magazine - Published on Amazon.com
Format: Hardcover
The Grand Mosque of Paris is the story of the Muslim community of Paris during the Nazi occupation of World War II and their efforts to rescue Jews. The mosque constructed in 1926 had space for a community center, library, restaurant, clinic and apartments for the functionaries. It was built upon a labyrinth of subterranean tunnels and rooms, areas that had been excavated for building stones for the city of Paris. These underground passages and catacombs served as hiding places and escape routes for those hunted by the French police and Gestapo. The rescue and escape of Jews was under the leadership of the Rector, Si Kaddour Benghabrit, a sophisticated Algerian-born diplomat, who was considered the most powerful Muslim in France at the time. The clerics provided sanctuary, certificates of Muslim identity and safe passage for those who sought their help. This well written, concise history is enhanced by the beautiful double page oil paintings, which are most effective in conveying setting and mood. There is no personal narrative although this historical story has all the elements for a compelling novel as evidenced by the few examples given. It is noted that at least 100 Jews, downed Allied airmen, Resistance fighters and escaped prisoners of war, were also spirited to safety. These righteous saviors deserve to be honored and their deeds told. This book is appropriate for elementary school students who are studying WWII and/or the Holocaust, but would also interest older students and adults. An afterword, glossary and extensive bibliography is very informative and sheds light upon this important and little known story of the Holocaust. For ages 10 and up. Naomi Kramer
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Señor Joel - Published on Amazon.com
Format: Hardcover
Gorgeously illustrated, the book tells the story of how Muslims at the Grand Mosque saved Jews from the holocaust. Both authors speak French and did extensive interviewing in France; this follows on the heels of their much more ambitious joint undertaking, "Hidden On The Mountain: Stories Of Children Sheltered From The Nazis In Le Chambon".
This book is impressive on many levels. It is intended as a children's picture book, but to me this only adds to its power and beauty. The essential lesson of "The Grand Mosque" is the fact that Jews and Muslims in recent history worked together for survival and considered each other brothers--a story much in need of remembrance in today's world. The authors went to great effort to seek out documentation that is many cases almost impossible to find. At one point they bring the reader into the detective process regarding an old letter found recently in a Paris café:
-Was this letter read out in the café? Did it circulate among the Kabyle workers of Paris...?
These anecdotes that Ruelle and DeSaix have helped resuscitate from near oblivion are a moving tribute to humanity's capacity for compassion and valor, especially in the worst possible circumstances.
The book celebrates the Mosque itself, in addition to the kind acts of its World War II Rector, Si Kaddour Benghabrit, and his congregation. Each illustration in "The Grand Mosque" is in itself a work of art, and many of them are a respectful tribute to the beauty of Islamic architecture. A glossary of Islamic terms helps to further the author's goal of bettering our understanding of what is sacred to Muslims.
In the back with the bibliography is an annotated list of recommended books and films related to this subject. First among these is Derri Berkani's documentary, "Une Résiistance Oubliée", which inspired the book and is also used in anti-racism education across Europe. The film comes highly recommended by the authors.
This book is impressive on many levels. It is intended as a children's picture book, but to me this only adds to its power and beauty. The essential lesson of "The Grand Mosque" is the fact that Jews and Muslims in recent history worked together for survival and considered each other brothers--a story much in need of remembrance in today's world. The authors went to great effort to seek out documentation that is many cases almost impossible to find. At one point they bring the reader into the detective process regarding an old letter found recently in a Paris café:
-Was this letter read out in the café? Did it circulate among the Kabyle workers of Paris...?
These anecdotes that Ruelle and DeSaix have helped resuscitate from near oblivion are a moving tribute to humanity's capacity for compassion and valor, especially in the worst possible circumstances.
The book celebrates the Mosque itself, in addition to the kind acts of its World War II Rector, Si Kaddour Benghabrit, and his congregation. Each illustration in "The Grand Mosque" is in itself a work of art, and many of them are a respectful tribute to the beauty of Islamic architecture. A glossary of Islamic terms helps to further the author's goal of bettering our understanding of what is sacred to Muslims.
In the back with the bibliography is an annotated list of recommended books and films related to this subject. First among these is Derri Berkani's documentary, "Une Résiistance Oubliée", which inspired the book and is also used in anti-racism education across Europe. The film comes highly recommended by the authors.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
HASH(0x8f3a7948) out of 5 stars Should Be Required Reading for Upper Elementary and Tweens 30 Mar. 2010
By Portianay - Published on Amazon.com
Format: Hardcover
This is a heart-wrenching, truly beautiful account of Muslims who put themselves in harm's way in order to rescue Jews during the Holocaust. The pictures are stunning, but the story goes far beyond anything I have read in this age category on this topic to date.
The Afterword is almost more fascinating than the books itself. Every public and school library needs this book.
The Afterword is almost more fascinating than the books itself. Every public and school library needs this book.
An article on a film based on true events - some extracts from the article -
'In doing research for the film, Mr. Ferroukhi and even Mr. Stora learned new stories. At one screening a woman asked him why the film did not mention the Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern European origin who had been saved by the mosque. Mr. Stora said he explained that the mosque didn’t intervene on behalf of Ashkenazi Jews, who did not speak Arabic or know Arab culture.
“She told me: ‘That’s not true. My mother was protected and saved by a certificate from the mosque,’ ” Mr. Stora said.
On Wednesday, the day of the film’s release here, hundreds of students from three racially and ethnically mixed Paris-area high schools were invited to a special screening and question-and-answer session with Mr. Ferroukhi and some of his actors.
Some asked banal questions. Where did you find the old cars? (From an antique car rental agency.) Others reacted with curiosity and disbelief, wanting to know how much of the film was based on fact, and how it could have been possible that Jews mingled easily with Muslims. Some were stunned to hear that the Nazis persecuted only the Jews, and left the Muslims alone.
Reviews here were mixed on the film, which is to be released in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium. (American rights have been sold as well.) The daily Le Figaro said it “reconstitutes an atmosphere and a period marvelously.” The weekly L’Express called it “ideal for a school outing, less for an evening at the movies.”
Mr. Ferroukhi does not care. He said he was lobbying the Culture and Education Ministries to get the film shown in schools. “It pays homage to the people of our history who have been invisible,” he said. “It shows another reality, that Muslims and Jews existed in peace. We have to remember that — with pride.”'
No comments:
Post a Comment