Jan 1st, 2007
I have just returned from my trip to Israel, and while in Jerusalem, I had the opportunity to visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum in Israel. Toward the end of the tour, our guide brought us to the exhibit about all of those who helped the Jews. I was not really paying much attention until she stopped to tell the story of Andre Trocme. I have to admit I was quite surprised. While I understand the significance of what he did, and what took place in Le Chambon, I was not aware these events were so widely known. This experience made my time and service in Le Chambon come full circle.
Every time we talk about Le Chambon and the work camp, we talk about a service program to help a school and to help refugees. Hearing Le Chambon mentioned, and seeing the tree planted in Jerusalem, in honor of Trocme, made me realize what we did at the work camp was much bigger than I think any of us realized. We helped to preserve a tradition started by one man, to whom millions are grateful.
I'd like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to be a part of something so special and to help maintain something so significant to so many people. I felt a sense of pride when our guide asked if anybody had been to Le Chambon, and knew the story of Trocme. I said yes to both and did not mention the work camp, but I did feel an extreme sense of accomplishment, that I had helped to preserve what he started and a desire to do even more. If I ever have the opportunity to return to Le Chambon, I would see the town in a new light and it would only add to that feeling of accomplishment. Seeing this exhibit made me realize even more how important Le Chambon is, both from a historical point of view and to me personally, as a Jew and as a work-camp alum. Once again, thank you for the experience in Le Chambon, and for providing me with the experience to not only help this school and improve the lives of many refugees, but to help keep this history and tradition alive. I find it ironic, but I am also proud that the most meaningful part of my trip to Israel was hearing about the accomplishments and significance of Andre Trocme and Le Chambon.
Phillip Handler
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