Customer Reviews

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

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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

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 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.

This is a well researched book that should be in every library in the country.

The above is a saying found in both the Islamic hadith and Jewish proverbs, as stated in the book. This is an inspiring account based on true events that occurred during the Nazi occupation of Paris. As the Jews in France were being persecuted and hunted down, some managed to find refuge with people willing to risk their own lives to keep the Jews safe.

One of these safe havens was the Grand Mosque in Paris. The mosque served the needs of the majority North African Muslims in Paris, and under the guidance and leadership of the charismatic rector, Si Kaddour Benghabrit, it also became a place of refuge for Jews on the run from the Nazis. Many of these Jews only stopped at the mosque for a short period of time, but there were a few who stayed there for a long time, and some stayed out the course of the war there. One such person was Salim Halali, a young Berber Jew from Algeria. The rector, Benghabrit went to great lengths to save Halali from the Nazis - he provided the Nazis a certificate of conversion to show that Halali was descended from Muslims, and went so far as to inscribe Halali's family name on an uninscribed Muslim tombstone.

What is evident from reading this book is the close bond that existed between the North African Muslims and Jews which made it natural for the Muslims to extend their help to their Jewish brethren during their time of need. It is a heartwarming read, and gives hope for humanity that we can learn to set aside some of our differences and unite against tyranny when necessary. Recommended for upper elementary and up.

I'm always on the lookout for good quality books to buy for my children and this was definitely worth it. It's best for ages 7-14 -- my 9 year old truly enjoyed the story. Also, the illustrations are absolutely wonderful. Highly recommend!

That an interesting slice of history. Told from such a surprising and refreshing angle that it makes you believe in the spirit of human compassion. The book is beautifully illustrated and full of facts.

Beautiful Picture book about how the Iman and Rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris were able to save Jews of North African descent by having them pose as Muslims and live in the mosque during WWII. Some other Jews who did not look North African were quickly sent through the underground to safer ground. Wonderful book and very moving.