Exhibition “Hidden children” at the library in Saint-Martin-d’Auxigny (Cher)
November 6, 2009
On the initiative of Joseph Szteinsznaider, an Abadi child, the library of Saint-Martin-d’Auxigny (Cher), where he and his wife Liliane are volunteers, is organising an exhibition on the theme of “Hidden Children”.
The association “Les Enfants et Amis ABADI” lent him the 4 “Marcel network” panels to complete the exhibition he put together for his town’s library, helped by the librarian, Sabine Cadeli (from November 6, 2009 to December 7, 2009).
An evening of testimonies was held on Friday November 6, 2009, from 6 to 9 p.m., in the town’s multipurpose hall. During this very moving evening, attended by 85 people, including several mayors from the Cher – among them the mayor of Saint-Martin-d’Auxigny – the speakers were three “children” hidden with private families in the Cher, and Joseph Szteinsznaider, hidden by the Marcel network. Two historians contributed their knowledge: Katy Hazan and Alain Rafesthain (also President of the General Council of the Cher). Finally, the audience asked a few questions.
The Marcel network was given pride of place. The audience got to know Odette and Moussa Abadi, Monseigneur Rémond, the pastors…
The involvement of the Catholic and Protestant churches, the “Righteous”, the depersonalisation of the children, the hiding places and the Liberation were all discussed.
The evening ended with a very convivial meal offered by the municipality to the speakers, who enjoyed the excellent welcome of the people of Saint-Martin-d’Auxigny. The library volunteers (including Joseph) met people at Bourges station and provided accommodation for the night.
The evening was followed with great interest and attention by the large audience; the hall was full (the largest turnout of residents ever at a public meeting).
Posters and individual invitations were produced for the event. The exhibition poster was drawn by our local comic-book artist, Bernard Capo.
In the press
