Doesn’t the name Rond-Point Charles Haddad resonate with untold stories? This place is more than just a meeting point. It is a tribute to a remarkable man. Today we will discover who Charles Haddad was. We will learn why this roundabout bears his name.
Charles Haddad was born on March 25 1957. He lived in Marseille France. Professionally he worked as a taxi driver.
Charles Haddad’s story is compelling. He was a giant who has left us. When a sage disappears the world should mourn. It is when the ship arrives safely that we applaud the captain. Charles Haddad arrived at a good port. His journey was exemplary.
He was the Vice-President to Elie Nataf. Then he became President of the Council of Jewish Communities of Tunisia. He was the last president. This was before the Council dissolved after the cemetery affair on Roustan Avenue.
Haddad was a lawyer. He worked at the Bar of Tunis. Later he worked at the Bar of Marseille. He became Dean of the Bar of Marseille. Furthermore he was a Knight of the Legion of Honour. He served as Vice-President of the World Jewish Congress. Also he was the Vice-President of the Consistoire Central Israelite of France. He was an important member of the Zionist Federation of France. He was a member of the Alliance Israelite Universelle. Haddad also held an important position in the World Union of Sephardim.
In Marseille he founded the Keter-Torah Synagogue. It was built in memory of his father Moïse Haddad. He also founded the Center of Tunisian Judaism. In Marseille he inaugurated a replica. It was of the stele from the Jewish cemetery of Tunis. This was in memory of Jewish forced laborers. They died during the German occupation.
Charles Haddad founded Marseille-Esperance. It was an association. Dignitaries from all religions in Marseille were members. Jews Christians Muslims and Buddhists participated. Regular meetings fostered understanding. It prevented conflicts. He was the Founder and Honorary President of Aamit. Its goal was to rebuild the Great Synagogue of Tunis in Nathanya.
These presidencies were not merely honorary. He wasn’t there to inaugurate chrysanthemums. He left a lasting impression. He was dynamic and attentive.
Once at the University of Jerusalem in 1961 he was angry. He learned that there were only two Sephardic students. He insisted on scholarships. He believed Israel was depriving itself of its richness. Sephardim then received scholarships.
Throughout his life he met world leaders. These included Pierre Mendes-France and Charles de Gaulle. Others were Ben Gurion Golda Meir and Nahum Goldman. He assisted Goldman at the World Jewish Congress. He interned with Habib Bourguiba. The cemetery affair strained their relationship.
Charles Haddad was a writer and storyteller. He wrote about daily life for Tunisian Jews. He described their celebrations joys and concerns. This exploration of the past wasn’t nostalgic. He used the past to prepare for the future.
He loved sharing his message. It was about love for the Torah. It was about the spiritual values of Judaism. Tolerance was essential to him. He didn’t want to leave anyone behind. He felt responsible for every Jew.
The loss of his wife in 1979 and his son Albert saddened him. His exemplary journey was marked by these losses.
Charles Haddad was remembered fondly. People recall his stories. They remember his anecdotes. They remember the jasmine scent of Tunisia.
So as we stand here at the Rond-Point Charles Haddad remember the man. Remember his dedication his passion and his impact. He was a true leader and a unifying force. He left an indelible mark on Marseille and beyond.