Can you imagine a young man, barely out of his teens, facing down the Nazi occupation in Paris? Right here, at the Maurice Feferman Plaque, we remember such a man. Maurice Feferman, a Polish-born Jewish résistant, gave his life fighting for a free France. The Maurice Feferman Plaque marks the spot near where his brave life ended. He was just 20 years old.
Maurice Feferman’s story is one of defiance and courage. He and his comrade, Maurice Feld, were key members of the FTP-MOI, a resistance group comprised largely of immigrants. They were known for their daring acts of sabotage and resistance against the German forces. They stole dynamite, bombed a pro-Nazi cinema, and even targeted a Nazi officer. Maurice Feferman also infiltrated the fascist RNP party, gathering intelligence from the inside. This young man lived a dangerous double life, risking everything for the cause of freedom.
On May 9th, 1942, Maurice Feferman and Maurice Feld were cornered by police near this very spot. A gunfight ensued. Feferman, wounded and knowing capture meant torture and certain death, swallowed a cyanide pill and shot himself. His final words were a defiant cry: “Vive le communisme! Vive la France!” His comrade, Maurice Feld, was captured and later executed.
The Maurice Feferman Plaque serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II. It honors a young man’s bravery, his unwavering commitment to fighting oppression, and his ultimate sacrifice for the liberation of France. Maurice Feferman’s story is etched in the history of Paris, a city that remembers its heroes. His memory lives on, inspiring us to stand up against injustice and cherish the freedoms he fought so hard to protect.