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5000 OLD TESTAMENTS HAVE ARRIVED
“The responsibility of Christians,is to resist the violence
that will be brought to bear on their consciences through the weapons of the spirit.” André Trocmé,Pastor
The cost to the Church in that day was also high: even hiding a Jewish person from deportation efforts could bring the death penalty in Germany. For this reason, many did not get involved, but chose to look the other way. One story was told of a group of worshippers on a Sunday morning who during service heard the cattle-cars containing Jews on their way to death, roll by, whistling in the distance. The pastor merely instructed them to sing louder to drown out the noise. While many of the Churches of Europe responded in this way, Le Chambon was one of the largest, most unified, pacifist rescue efforts of the war. Magda and Andre Trocme, the Pastor and his wife headed a Protestant congregation which had some years before committed themselves totally to the pacifism of the Gospel. He believed it could be taught and lived out as real now as then. Before 7 years had passed he had won his congregation to the radical love of the Gospel, and a deep committment to save as many Jewish persons as possible. The community also consisted of about 1/3 "Darbyites" or those Christians who held to the teachings of Darby (in this country, Plymouth Brethren, or 'Hallites' are an example.) The entire community housed and rescued somewhere between 4,000 and 5,000 Jews, mostly children and a few notable artists, through the work of Varian Fry. During the war years they housed, fed, obtained food coupons, arranged identity and travel documents and similar activities. One unique attribute to this 'fundamental' Christian community: they allowed the Jews to practice their worship freely, and unlike many other rescue efforts, did not force them or even ask them to become Christians, although in time, many did. Magda Trocme helped arrange flight and refuge through Switzerland for many of her charges. The village became the only whole town recognized after the war as "righteous gentiles" and is honored today by Yad Vashem in Israel.
The fate of the Trocmes was not so fortunous as their 'children'. Pastor Andre Trocme had to
go into hiding for several months as officials placed a bounty on his life. A relative, Daniel
Trocme who aided in the rescue effort, was arrested with some of the Children and he died a martyr's death
in Buchenwald. Pastor Trocme after the war went on to become instrumental in Peace Movements throughout
Europe and the world. While others stood strongly against the Nazi's in their attempt to exterminate
the Jews of Europe, Le Chambon is notable in their utter openness: at one point, school children
handed a visiting Nazi official a letter of protest acknowledging Jewish presence in the community and
declaring their absolute stand to protect and defend those Jewish lives. The Trocme's and others
called on the Hugenot congregation to win their battles through prayer and faith, through "the Weapons
of the Spirit"2. While other towns who had earlier had even millions of Jews were becoming
Judenrein', this small town which had before |
had no Jewish citizens became
the only predictable haven in France for refuge. Le Chambon has gone on to become a fortress in the
Pacifist Movement, and is remembered for its liberty and saving of life. They managed to hide much of
their activity not by lying, but by cleverly telling the truth. When new Jewish charges were due to
arrive, congregates would call each other to let them know that so-and-so many 'Old Testaments' (large
and small) had arrived, and ask them how many they wanted. By the end of the war, close to 5000 "Old
Testaments", the Chosen of God's Word, had been saved thanks to the soulish bravery of a few.
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