HIDDEN IN FRANCE

by Simon Jeruchim

In the summer of 1942, when Jews throughout France were being rounded up and sent to concentration camps, twelve-year-old Simon Jeruchim, his older sister, and his younger brother were sent into hiding in separate foster homes around the countryside of Normandy. Their parents, unbeknownst to the children, were arrested and deported to Auschwitz, where they perished. Thus the young refugees avoided arrest, but they were still not safe from the ravages of the war. Staying alive meant affecting a gentile identity, even going to Mass on Sundays. Living conditions were harsh, and the far work was heavy and difficult; but even worse were the loneliness, isolation, uncertainty, and fear that dogged young Simon day and night. After the war Simon was reunited with his siblings. They were placed in a series of homes for Jewish children, and in 1949 they were sent to begin news lives in America. Here is a story of the courage of children and compassion of strangers, and a view of the barely comprehensible events of war from the vantage point of shattered innocence. "Hidden in France"is, above all, a story of survival and perseverance against all odds.

100 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Christine Mednick]

Easy to read (good for pre-teens) accounting of a French boy whose parents were victims of the Holocaust. His story traces his journey and that of his siblings until the present day. Mr. Jeruchim has a knack for simply but eloquently relaying the facts, and his almost always positive spin on his life despite the obvious difficult times is heartwarming. Enjoyable; recommend.

[Lynne]

Simon is a great storyteller.

[Jean Wiseman]

Author’s account of his childhood as a Jew in France during WWII. An important tale of survival and the kindness of strangers.