Three brothers. Three lives cut short. A single plaque tells their story. This is À la mémoire des 3 frères Carasso. It stands as a testament to sacrifice courage and unwavering commitment. It commemorates Jean René and Roger Carasso three brothers whose lives intersected with the tumultuous events of World War II.
This plaque isn’t just a piece of stone. It’s a window into a family deeply involved in the French Resistance. Their father Samuel Carasso was a communist militant. The family initially lived in Paris but later relocated to Marseille. They settled on Rue du Jardin-des-Plantes which would later bear a more poignant name.
Jean the eldest was a staunch communist and union leader. He was executed as a hostage at Mont Valérien on October 2 1943. His life was a testament to his ideals. He was only 31 years old. René another brother was deported to Germany. He vanished never to be seen again. His age at the time was 22.
The youngest brother Roger a student at the prestigious Lycée Saint-Charles joined the fight for liberation. A member of the FTP-MOI he participated in the fierce battles for Marseille’s liberation. On August 22 1944 he was killed in action at Place Castellane. He was only 17.
In 1946 the city council renamed Rue du Jardin-des-Plantes to Rue des Trois Frères Carasso. This simple act served a vital function. It immortalized their bravery and ensured they would not be forgotten. A tribute stands at 11A rue Louis-Astruc commemorating Roger alongside other resistance fighters. Another is on Place Castellane where Roger fell.
The plaque here in Marseille is not merely a memorial. It’s a potent symbol. It reflects the profound impact of the war on families. It showcases the unwavering spirit of resistance in the face of unspeakable odds. The Carasso brothers’ legacy lives on. Their stories whispered in the very stones of this city. Let their memory serve as a reminder of the price of freedom. Their courage should never be forgotten.