A commemorative plaque dedicated to the eleven Villeurbannais recognized just among the nations was snatched in the evening of August 17 at the Square des Justes, in Villeurbanne, reported the French media. Installed in the summer of 2024, she paid tribute to these men and women who, at the risk of their lives, had saved Jews during the occupation. Discovered on the ground by municipal agents, the stele was only supported by two empty wooden posts.
The mayor (PS) of the city, Cédric van Styvendael, denounced “the marriage of cowardice and stupidity”, seeing an unacceptable anti -Semitic act. “No anti -Semitic act should be minimized. In Villeurbanne, we will continue to mobilize tirelessly to defeat this poison, “he said.
History professor Sylvie Altar, specialist in the life of Jews in France, also expressed his indignation: “Each day, anti -Semitism strikes. We have to stand up, not give way. The memory of the righteous, these souls of light, will remain stronger than those who seek to dirty it. In France, 4,206 people received the title of just among the nations for having saved Jews during the Second World War, including eleven Villeurbannais. The town hall announced that the plaque would be reinstalled quickly in order to restore memory and homage due to these discreet heroes.
