The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust [Hardcover]

Karen Gray Ruelle (Author), Deborah Durland Desaix (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

When the Nazis occupied Paris, no Jew was safe from arrest and deportation. Few Parisians were willing to risk their own lives to help. Yet during that perilous time, many Jews found refuge in an unlikely place--the sprawling complex of the Grand Mosque of Paris. Not just a place of worship but a community center, this hive of activity was an ideal temporary hiding place for escaped prisoners of war and Jews of all ages, especially children. Beautifully illustrated and thoroughly researched.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4–6—The authors of Hidden on the Mountain: Stories of Children Sheltered from the Nazis in Le Chambon (Holiday House, 2007) return to France to uncover a little-known story. While they admit that "many of the details are destined to remain forever uncertain, with few facts proven to a historian's satisfaction," Ruelle and DeSaix feel strongly that the bits and pieces of information that they were able to unearth provide convincing evidence that the Muslims of the Grand Mosque of Paris saved Jewish lives. While the format and appearance of this title are similar to other picture books of rescue and resistance during the Holocaust, such as Carmen Agra Deedy's The Yellow Star (Peachtree, 2000) and Ken Mochizuki's Passage to Freedom (Lee & Low, 1997), the text provides more of a descriptive history of events than a retelling of a story. The oil-paint spreads are luminous and beautiful, but they belie the tone of the writing and the presentation of facts. Regardless, this well-researched book belongs on the shelves of most libraries.—Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL END

From Booklist

The book begins with a quote found in Islamic and Jewish traditions: “Save one life, and it is as if you’ve saved all of humanity.” Today’s problems between these two Abrahamic religions are obvious, but there are moments of brotherhood. During the Nazi occupation of France, Jews were being rounded up and sent to concentration camps. One avenue of refuge was the Grand Mosque in Paris, where Jewish adults and children hid, some briefly until they could be spirited away, others for longer stays. Thanks to the mosque’s rector, and particularly Berbers from Algeria, many lives were saved. This is a fascinating, little-known piece of history (the afterword explains how difficult it was to research). The authors sometimes try too hard to explain too much to a middle-grade audience, but they effectively capture the desperation felt by the victims and the enormous effort made by the resistance. The evocative paintings in somber colors heighten the tension, but some, like the one of a Jewish girl in front of an intricately designed mosque wall, capture the hope. Grades 3-6. --Ilene Cooper

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House (August 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823421597
• ISBN-13: 978-0823421596
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 11.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #846,674 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Grand Mosque of Paris, December 28, 2009

By 

Jewish Book World Magazine (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust (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

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Book, An Essential Story, December 23, 2009

By 

Señor Joel "Joel" (Auckland, NZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust (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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should Be Required Reading for Upper Elementary and Tweens, March 30, 2010

By 

Portianay "portianay" (KY, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust (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.