Blaise Ernest

Blaise, Ernest File 7862 Ernest Blaise of Rombas (Moselle) was drafted into the French army when the war broke out. In June 1940, he realized that he would be in great danger if the enemy took his unit prisoner, because in World War I he had crossed the lines to join the French army and had been declared a deserter. In the turmoil that followed the defeat of France, Sgt. André Schydlowski, Blaise’s commander, allowed him to flee to avoid capture by the Germans. After he fled, Blaise rejoined his wife, although he lived as a refugee in Saint-Nectaire (Puy de Dôme). He did secretarial work at the town hall and his wife taught school. In late 1942, the Schydlowskis realized they had to find a hideout for themselves and their three children. André had stayed in touch with Blaise, who invited him to come to Saint-Nectaire with his family. Blaise provided all the Schydlowskis with forged papers and helped them find housing in the town. He did the same for Mme Wachsman, Schydlowski’s sister, and her husband. The two Jewish families survived thanks to Ernest Blaise’s courage, for the risks were great had his activities been discovered. On November 24, 1997, Yad Vashem recognized Ernest Blaise as Righteous Among the Nations