Avondet Michel & Leontine ; Daughter: Malan Silvia (Avondet); Daughter: Comba Maria (Avondet); Son-In-Law: Comba Alfredo

Avondet, Leontine Avondet, Michel Comba, Alfredo Comba, Maria Malan, Silvia Michel and Leontine Avondet lived in a little village in the Alps, in Luserna San Giovanni, in Val Pellice, Torino province, on the border with France. They had two daughters: Silvia, who was single at the time (later Malan); and Maria, who was married to Alfredo Comba. The family sheltered two related Jewish families – the four members of the Vitale family and the five members of the Norzi family. The Vitale family comprised Claudio, his wife, Diana (née Norzi), and their daughters, Ada and Laura (later Nahum). Amleto Norzi’s family included his wife, two daughters, and his son, Silvio. For some time they also harbored Tilda, a relative of these families. The Vitale family had lived for centuries in Alessandria, in Piedmont, 70 km. from Torino. At the beginning of October 1943, Claudio Vitale, together with his brother-in-law, Amleto Norzi, and the latter’s son, Silvio, escaped to the countryside. A few days later, all the women joined the men, and they settled in Luserna San Giovanni. They all knew the valley well, since for years they used to spend their summer vacations there. The inhabitants belonged to the Christian Waldesian (Valdesi) sect. During World War II, they harbored many persecuted Jews. The Vitale-Norzi families stayed protected with the Avondet family until April 1945. Of the three rooms in the house, two were given to the sheltered Jews. They never accepted any payment for the accommodations and food they provided. The Avondets were very kind and sensitive to all their needs, sharing with them all they had. The one and a half years were nevertheless difficult as the local people were very poor. Michel Avondet’s family did not own any land, but cultivated other people’s properties. Leontine used to take babies into her home for extra money, while her girls were employed at shift-work in a cloth factory. Notwithstanding the difficult conditions, theirs wasa warm and united family that shared ideals and human values as well as hopes for a better future. The concealed Jews and their protectors constantly feared discovery by the Germans. There were spies everywhere, and although the local inhabitants were generally benevolent and kind, there were occasions of betrayal. The punishment was either hanging or deportation for the local farmers who harbored Jews. After the war the families remained in contact. Their common experiences remained imprinted in their hearts forever. On February 24, 1981, Yad Vashem recognized Michel and Leontine Avondet, their daughter Silvia Malan, and Alfredo and Maria Comba as Righteous Among the Nations.