Si Kaddour Benghabrit (1868–1954) Rector Of The Great Mosque of Paris And Protector Of Our Jewish Cousins, Brothers & Sisters During WWII Also Issuing Fake Certificates of Muslim Identity To Jews [ HUNDREDS OVER 500 ]

The Great Mosque of Paris as a Sanctuary During WWII

Si Kaddour Benghabrit (1868–1954) played a major role during the Nazi occupation of France in World War II. As the rector of the mosque, Benghabrit exploited his position and the mosque's resources to protect Jews from deportation and death.

The Historical Context

France fell under Nazi control in 1940, leading to harsh anti-Semitic policies under both the German occupiers and the collaborationist Vichy regime. Jews were systematically identified, stripped of their rights, and deported to concentration camps. Paris, with its significant Jewish population, became a dangerous place for anyone of Jewish heritage.

Benghabrit's Role

The Great Mosque of Paris, constructed in 1926, became a hub of resistance under Benghabrit’s leadership. By leveraging his authority as a respected religious figure, Benghabrit took extraordinary measures to save Jewish lives, including:

Issuing Certificates of Muslim Identity

Benghabrit provided Jewish individuals with certificates of Muslim identity, effectively shielding them from Nazi persecution. These certificates often included falsified birth records or identification documents claiming they were of North African Muslim origin.

Sheltering Jews in the Mosque

The mosque’s vast grounds, including its underground chambers and network of buildings, became a refuge for Jews and other individuals fleeing the Nazis. Some sought temporary shelter while others stayed longer until safe passage could be arranged.

Funeral Disguise

Benghabrit reportedly arranged for the burial of a Jewish man in a Muslim cemetery, further confusing Nazi authorities. This symbolic act underscored his commitment to protecting persecuted individuals under the guise of religious solidarity.

Impact and Legacy

Though the exact number of lives saved through Benghabrit’s efforts is unclear, historians estimate that between 100 and 500 Jews were directly or indirectly protected by his actions. Survivors’ testimonies have brought attention to these deeds, though for decades, the story remained relatively obscure.

Recognition

While his actions have not been as widely publicized as those of other Holocaust rescuers, Benghabrit's efforts have been celebrated in recent years:

Several survivors have testified to the shelter provided by the Great Mosque.

Benghabrit has been posthumously recognized in cultural and historical works, including the 2011 French film "Free Men" (Les Hommes Libres), which dramatizes his resistance activities.