France Commemorates Vel d’Hiv Roundup Amid Vandalism of Rescuers’ Plaque
France marks the Vel d’Hiv roundup anniversary, commemorating the 1942 mass arrest of Jews by French police, as a Paris plaque honoring rescuers is vandalized.
POLICY WIRE — Paris, France — France observed the anniversary of the Vel d’Hiv roundup on July 16, marking the 1942 mass arrest of Jews by French police under the Vichy regime. The event, which saw over 13,000 Jews, including 4,000 children, detained and later deported to concentration camps, remains a dark chapter in French history.
The commemoration ceremony took place in Paris, where officials and survivors gathered to honor the victims and reflect on the atrocities committed. The event also highlighted the ongoing efforts to preserve the memory of the Holocaust — and combat rising antisemitism.
However, the solemnity of the occasion was marred by the vandalism of a plaque in Paris that honors those who rescued Jews during the roundup. The plaque, located in the 13th arrondissement, was defaced with graffiti, sparking outrage among the community and officials.
“This act of vandalism is a deplorable attempt to erase the memory of those who risked their lives to save others,” said Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. “We must remain vigilant and continue to educate future generations about the importance of tolerance and human dignity.”
The plaque commemorates the actions of individuals like Jules and Yvonne Josset, who hid Jewish families in their home during the roundup. Their story, like many others, underscores the bravery — and compassion that existed even in the darkest of times.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of remembering the past to build a better future. “The Vel d’Hiv roundup is a reminder of the horrors of collaboration and the need to stand against hatred and intolerance,” he said during the ceremony.
The commemoration also included a moment of silence and the laying of wreaths at the site of the former Vélodrome d’Hiver, where the roundup took place. Survivors and descendants of victims shared their stories, providing a poignant reminder of the human cost of the roundup.
As France continues to grapple with its complex history, the Vel d’Hiv roundup serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of prejudice and the importance of vigilance in protecting human rights.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
