What it’s about:
The Olympic flame made a momentous arrival in Paris, carried by esteemed torchbearers: Hyper Cacher attack hero Lassana Bathily, Holocaust survivor Léon Lewkowicz, and Jewish LGBTQ activist Elise Goldfarb. Their participation symbolizes resilience and unity against adversity.
Why it matters:
These heroes showcase the values of bravery, endurance, and communal solidarity. Their stories—ranging from acts of courage during terrorist attacks to surviving the Holocaust—resonate deeply, highlighting a spirit that transcends individual differences and illustrates the timeless human struggle against hatred and division.
The Details:
Lassana Bathily: A Hero of Hyper Cacher
Lassana Bathily, a Muslim immigrant from Mali, gained recognition for his heroic actions during the 2015 terrorist attack at Hyper Cacher, a kosher supermarket in Paris. Bathily, an employee at the store, exhibited exceptional bravery by leading customers to safety and coordinating with police during the tragic event. Paris honored him as one of the torchbearers, celebrating his courageous behavior that day.
Léon Lewkowicz: From Auschwitz Survivor to Olympic Torchbearer
Auschwitz-Birkenau survivor and former French weightlifting champion Léon Lewkowicz carried the flame through Paris’ 15th arrondissement to the Memorial Garden of the Children of Vél’ d’Hiv’, a poignant site commemorating the 4,115 children deported from Paris and murdered in Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1942. The 94-year-old Lewkowicz survived death marches and returned to France in 1945, rising to become the strongest man in France and a champion weightlifter.
The Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF) noted Lewkowicz’s remarkable journey from a Holocaust survivor to a celebrated athlete and unfaltering Olympic Games enthusiast. His dream of carrying the Olympic flame was realized with his participation, symbolizing an enduring spirit of perseverance.
Elise Goldfarb: Bridging Eras
Jewish LGBTQ radio host Elise Goldfarb took the Olympic flame from Lewkowicz, highlighting a generational bridge between the historical trials of the Holocaust and modern challenges. Goldfarb, the granddaughter of a child hidden during the Holocaust, expressed her gratitude to her supporters amidst the personal difficulties following the October 7 Massacre. Her role in the torch relay paid tribute to the enduring impact of family legacy and the continuous fight for acceptance and unity.
Final Nod:
As the flame passed the Drancy Holocaust Memorial, the city of Paris emphasized that the Olympic values serve as a powerful tool in combating racism and antisemitism while fostering a more inclusive society. This storied torch relay through Paris is a vivid reminder of the strength we find in our diverse histories and the collective aspiration for a brighter, united future.
This story was first published on jpost.com.