Moissac, a forgotten town of Justes
Moissac, a land of courage and remembrance
In the silence of a small town in Tarn-et-Garonne, an exceptional story unfolded. During the Second World War, Moissac became a haven of peace for hundreds of Jewish children, saved from the horror thanks to the courage of Shatta and Bouli Simon, two emblematic figures of the Éclaireurs Israélites de France.
La Maison de Moissac: refuge and resistance
The Maison de Moissac took in almost 500 children between 1940 and 1943, and then after the Liberation, until 1951.
With boldness and organisation, Shatta and Bouli Simon were able to convince the people of Moissac to accept and protect these children. None of them were denounced. None were deported. They all survived!
Post-war: A discreet memory
After the war, Shatta and Bouli continued their mission. They ran a foundation affiliated to the EEIF at the Château de Laversine, in the Oise region, which still takes in children in difficulty today.
Their modesty long overshadowed their role. According to Shatta, saving children was a normal act that deserved no distinction. However, their story is now engraved in the collective memory:
Their portrait appears at the Shoah Memorial in Paris.
The B'nai B'rith World Center has recognised them as Saviours of the Jews.
They are now buried on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, leaving a legacy of courage and humanity.
The Maison de Moissac remains a powerful symbol of resistance and mutual aid, where children lived an almost normal childhood despite the war. It is a testament to the organisational strength, leadership and solidarity of an extraordinary couple, supported by an entire community.
Today, the memory of the Maison de Moissac inspires future generations: saving a life is saving humanity.
Le Moulin: a second chance for orphans
After the Liberation, the influx of orphans and former residents of the Maison de Moissac necessitated a large-scale reception solution. The Moissac town council made available an old mill that had been converted into a hotel. As well as providing accommodation for the older residents, the site has become a training centre open to young people from the region.
The Quai du Port and the silent resistance
In 1940, under the Vichy regime, the French state tolerated the presence of Jewish children in Moissac thanks to their membership of the Éclaireurs Israélites scout movement. The authorities requisitioned several houses on Quai du Port, forming a central home at number 18.
However, with the occupation of the southern zone by the Nazi armies at the end of 1942, the safety of these children was no longer guaranteed. Thanks to resistance networks and the help of local families, the children were scattered in hiding or exfiltrated to Switzerland, thus escaping deportation.
The Memory Trail
In 2022, pupils from the Lycée François Mitterrand designed a memorial trail tracing the main places that marked the lives of Jewish children in Moissac between 1940 and 1951.
Inaugurated on 13 October 2022 by Patricia Mirallès, the French Secretary of State for Veterans, this trail bears witness to the commitment of new generations to preserving this history, and constitutes an essential duty of remembrance.
The Association Moissac, Forgotten City of the Just
Bringing together the children saved by Shatta and Bouli Simon, as well as citizens wishing to pass on this memory, the association Moissac, Ville de Justes Oubliée (Moissac, Forgotten City of the Righteous) continues to honour the acts of courage and solidarity that took place between 1939 and 1952. Through its actions, it perpetuates the legacy of these Righteous, reminding us that these acts of resistance and humanity transcend time.
In 2013, the Esplanade des Justes was inaugurated at a commemoration ceremony. Replacing the former name Esplanade du Moulin.
In 2016, a 2nd commemoration took place in Moissac. A particularly moving moment of this event was the official ceremony at which new Righteous were nominated, including the Bourel family. This distinction, awarded by Yad Vashem, honours families who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. These commemorations also served to highlight the importance of passing on the memory to future generations, reminding us that these stories of humanity and courage must never be forgotten.
Guided tour of Moissac, forgotten town of the Righteous
Moissac's Heritage Department and its tour guides regularly offer guided tours on the theme of "Moissac, Forgotten City of the Righteous". A great opportunity to delve into the captivating story of the Jewish children saved in Moissac.
