Les Enfants et Amis Abadi at the Cercle Bernard Lazare

May 2, 2013

On May 2, the CERCLE BERNARD LAZARE devoted its evening to the new edition of “Terre de détresse”. As is the custom at the CBL, a friendly light meal preceded the presentation of the book.

Welcomed by David Fuchs, secretary general, and Claude Hampel, vice-president of the CBL, Victor Kuperminc and a few loyal “Abadi Children” presented Odette’s book. In this room, where many witnesses of the Shoah have come to give their testimony, Odette’s unique account – as a doctor in the Revier at Birkenau, then at Bergen-Belsen – captivated the audience, who were very attentive and visibly moved. The historical context and the work of the Marcel network were discussed at length, and Andrée Poch-Karsenti’s book (“Les 527 enfants de Moussa et Odette Abadi”), an essential complement to Odette’s book, was also presented.

A few questions were asked, and the “Abadi Children” present answered them gladly. David Fuchs and Claude Hampel concluded by stating that, among the many works recounting the deportation and the camps, Odette’s book was one of the most important, for its content, its style and above all the personality of its author.

A fine, rich evening – a touching encounter…

Victor Kuperminc