Just off the bustling streets of Belleville, a small, unassuming square stands quietly. This is Place Henri Fiszbin, named for a man who dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality.
Henri Fiszbin was a leader in the French Communist Party. He rose through the ranks, becoming secretary of the Communist Party in Paris, then a member of the French National Assembly. Fiszbin was a staunch advocate for social change. He believed in working with the people, not against them. He fought for better working conditions, fairer wages, and greater economic equality. He was a man of the people, born and raised in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. He even lived in Belleville in the 1950s.
Although Place Henri Fiszbin doesn’t have any grandiose monuments or striking architecture, it does have a special significance. Just imagine it as a quiet haven in a bustling city, a place where people can sit and reflect on the man who fought for a better world. It stands as a reminder of this man’s legacy.
It was in April 2005 that Place Henri Fiszbin was inaugurated. Henri’s widow, Denise Reybard, and his son, Michel, were present at the ceremony. The small square now serves as a symbol of Henri’s commitment to the community and his legacy of social justice. It’s a testament to how even a small space can hold big stories of struggle and victory, of hope and inspiration.
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.