In the heart of Paris, Rue Santerre whispers tales of compassion and resilience. Rue Santerre isn’t just a street. It’s a testament to the Rothschild family’s legacy. The Rothschild Hospital, nestled along Rue Santerre, began as a haven for the Jewish community of East Paris in the mid-19th century. James de Rothschild established the initial hospital on nearby Rue de Picpus in 1852. Years later, Baron Edmond de Rothschild spearheaded its reconstruction on Rue Santerre. Architect Lucien Bechmann designed the new building, opening its doors in 1914. During World War I, the hospital transformed into a sanctuary for all, treating wounded soldiers and civilians alike, regardless of faith. A dark chapter unfolded during World War II. The hospital, under Nazi control, became a heartbreaking “mousetrap.” Jewish mothers were forced to register and surrender their newborns to the Gestapo. A brave resistance network, comprised of hospital staff, risked everything. They declared many babies stillborn, shielding them from the Nazis’ grasp. In 1954, the Rothschild family gifted the hospital to the public hospital system for a symbolic one franc. Today, the Rothschild Hospital on Rue Santerre stands as a symbol of resilience and a reminder of the complexities of history. Rue Santerre and the Rothschild Hospital. A place of healing, resilience, and remembrance in the heart of Paris.
Église Notre-Dame de l’Air
Beneath what appears to be a simple stone and wood structure lies a history interwoven with faith aviation and community.