A wall of the “Righteous Among the Nations” was inaugurated near the Jewish cemetery at the Chรขteau, in Nice. In front of representatives of the Jewish community as well as political figures, the ceremony was marked by emotion.
“It is said of the Righteous that they saved the honor of their country” . These words are signed by Christian Estrosi.
The deputy mayor of Nice delivered a speech that paid a vibrant tribute to the Righteous. Then, the stone was unveiled to all. It had been approved on October 11 during the City Council meeting.
On this stone, there are 128 names of people who will never be unknown again. 128 men and women who, at the peril of their lives, decided to protect Jews during the Second World War.
128 brave people from the Cรดte d’Azur who now have their place in history. Once the stone was unveiled, the 128 names were read by men, women, and children. These same children, from schools and colleges, also sang in honor of the Righteous. These Righteous without whom they might not be here today…
A duty of remembrance was fulfilled
For this monument, the city of Nice partnered with the Nice Cรดte d’Azur Yad Vashem committee.
Alongside Christian Estrosi were Eric Ciotti, deputy and president of the general council, Daniel Wancier, president of the Yad Vashem Nice Cรดte d’Azur committee, and Barnea Hassid, Consul General of Israel in Marseille.
The latter spoke emotionally about a heavy part of Jewish history, declaring that “the Nazi extermination machine was designed to be as destructive as possible” .
With the inauguration of this stone, an important act was accomplished by the local authorities of Nice.
Jerusalem has its wall, and now Nice has its own, a testament to the authorities’ commitment to honoring those who deserve it.
In the concentration camps, Jews did not have the chance to enjoy nature. This morning, during the ceremony, the sun and birds were present. As if to pay a final tribute. With dignity.
Julien Galle
