Michelet Edmond

Michelet, Edmond File 6805 Before the war, Edmond Michelet was a leader of the Christian Democratic Party in France. In 1940, after the fall of France, he established an underground network in his hometown of Brive-la-Gaillarde, in the département of Corrèze, to support opponents of the Vichy regime and assist its victims. Officially, he worked in the office of the welfare organization, Secours National. His responsibilities brought him into contact with Jews and non-Jews who needed help. At least once a week, Rose Warfman, a social worker whom the UGIF referred to him, visited him secretly and without an appointment. Ostensibly, she was arranging the distribution of food to Jewish refugees in the town. In addition, Michelet regularly gave her forged documents, including identity cards, ration coupons, and referrals to physicians. Michelet treated Warfman with warmth and concern, and, despite the personal risk involved, was attentive to her requests. Michelet was a devout Christian whose motives were humanitarian, moral, and religious. He considered saving lives to be the highest duty and a religious imperative. Michelet initiated and placed twelve Jewish girls and two women in a convent in nearby Aubazines, thereby saving their lives. Betty Dornfast, who later settled in Tel Aviv, was one of the girls hidden there. Michelet’s untiring efforts placed him in grave jeopardy, and in early 1943, he was arrested by the Gestapo and sent to Dachau. In the camp, as well, he helped his fellow prisoners and was one of the few survivors. He returned to France after the German surrender. He resumed his political career and held senior positions, including the justice and culture portfolios in the Fifth Republic of France. On September 10, 1995, Yad Vashem recognized Edmond Michelet as Righteous Among the Nations.