During the Second World War Square Marcel et Lucienne Clerbois was more than just a square. It was a silent witness to acts of incredible bravery. This unassuming Parisian square in Rosny-sous-Bois holds a poignant secret. It’s a story of courage resilience and hope. A story whispered on the wind. A testament to the kindness of strangers.
Square Marcel et Lucienne Clerbois stands today as a tribute to Marcel and Lucienne Clerbois. This couple risked their lives during World War II. They risked everything to protect Jewish children. They sheltered them within their Institution Clerbois. It was a boarding school for boys. Originally the Institution Archimbaud the Clerbois couple purchased it in 1923.
Marcel a veteran of World War I was a teacher. Lucienne managed the essential kitchen and supplies. In 1939 Marcel was again called to duty. After demobilization and the exodus the couple reopened their institution in Rosny. Their son Michel was seventeen years old.
In 1942 Marcel worked with Dr Schmierer a Jewish doctor. After the Vel d’Hiv Roundup in July 1942 the doctor asked Marcel to hide children. He readily agreed. He hid young children and employed Jewish adults. The children were safe. They received attentive teaching secure hiding and the maternal care of Lucienne and Rose Camus a boarding school employee whom the youngest children called “Maman Rose”. False papers were provided when necessary.
Among those sheltered was Henri Berman a six-month-old baby. His father Ephraïm a survivor of the Vel d’Hiv Roundup was employed as a caretaker. David Coronel almost twelve years old also found refuge. He stayed for a year. His father was deported to Auschwitz. Yves Gordon an adolescent Jewish boy arrived in late 1943. He had escaped from the Noisy-le-Sec police station with his parents. They were arrested during the roundup of July 15-16 1942. Jacques Rozenfarb known as “Jacques Bontemp” arrived in 1942. He and his sister eventually reached the south of France.
The Clerbois couple’s acts of compassion saved lives. In 1963 the Institution Clerbois became a youth protection center. On May 11 2005 Yad Vashem recognized Marcel and Lucienne Clerbois as Righteous Among the Nations. Their bravery and selflessness transformed Square Marcel et Lucienne Clerbois. It transformed a simple square into a place of profound remembrance and gratitude. Take a moment to reflect on their extraordinary story. The legacy of courage and kindness endures. The memory of their heroism lives on. This quiet square in Rosny-sous-Bois continues to echo with the whispers of hope and resilience.