Paris plaque honoring Holocaust rescuers vandalized before Vel d’Hiv commemoration

A commemorative plaque in Paris honoring Holocaust rescuers was vandalized last week, just before the anniversary of the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup.

The plaque, dedicated to Arsene and Angele Richard and their daughter Marcelle, recognized their act of saving 13-year-old Edmond Rajchman during the infamous roundup. The plaque was found broken in half, with most of its text missing.

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At a time when antisemitism is growing every day in our society, and on the eve of the weekend commemorating the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup, I want to reaffirm my unwavering support for the Jewish community.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire strongly condemned the incident, stating, "At a time when antisemitism is growing every day in our society, and on the eve of the weekend commemorating the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup, I want to reaffirm my unwavering support for the Jewish community." He added, "Paris is, and will remain, a city that stands against all forms of hatred. The fight against antisemitism will always remain an absolute priority of my political commitment."

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Paris is, and will remain, a city that stands against all forms of hatred. The fight against antisemitism will always remain an absolute priority of my political commitment.

Deputy defense minister Alice Rufo echoed the condemnation, saying, "To attack the Righteous is to desecrate the entire universe. The plaque will be restored. Their memory remains undiminished. In the face of antisemitism, in all its forms, the Republic will not yield an inch."

The Vel' d'Hiv Roundup, which occurred on July 16-17, 1942, involved the mass arrest of over 13,000 Jews in Paris by French police. Many were deported to Auschwitz. The Paris Police described the destruction of the plaque as "an unspeakable act" and are actively working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

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To attack the Righteous is to desecrate the entire universe. The plaque will be restored. Their memory remains undiminished. In the face of antisemitism, in all its forms, the Republic will not yield an inch.