The Grand Mosque of Paris A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holoca [Paperback]

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 (both authors speak French and conducted first-person interviews and research at archives and libraries), this hopeful, non-fiction book introduces children to a little-known part of history. Perfect for children studying World War II or those seeking a heart-warming, inspiring read that highlights extraordinary heroism across faiths.

Includes a bibliography, a recommended list of books and films, and afterword from the authors that gives more details behind the story. The authors ofHidden 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. . . .  this well-researched book belongs on the shelves of most libraries. —School Library Journal

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.' . . . This is a fascinating, little-known piece of history (the afterword explains how difficult it was to research). . . . The evocative paintings in somber colors heighten the tension, but some, ll3}