David Littman (activist) facts for kids

David Gerald Littman (born July 4, 1933 – died May 20, 2012) was a British activist. He was known for helping Jewish children leave Morocco when he was 28. Later, he worked as a lobbyist at the United Nations in Geneva. He was also a historian and was married to Bat Ye'or.

David Littman's Story

Early Life and Education

David Littman was born in London, England, on July 4, 1933. He went to Canford School in Dorset, England. He then studied at Trinity College, Dublin. There, he earned degrees in Modern History and Political Science. He also did further studies at the UCL Institute of Archaeology in London.

In September 1959, he married Gisèle Orebi, who later became known as Bat Ye'or. The next year, they moved to Lausanne, Switzerland. David's brother, Louis Littman, started the Littman Library of Jewish Civilization.

Helping Children Escape: Operation Mural

In 1961, David Littman volunteered for a secret mission. His goal was to help Jewish children leave Morocco and go to Israel. At that time, Moroccan Jews were not allowed to leave their country. David thought he was working for the Jewish Agency. Years later, it was revealed that the Mossad (Israel's national intelligence agency) helped arrange the mission.

From March to July 1961, David worked in Casablanca. He pretended to be a Christian with his wife and baby daughter. He ran an office for a children's aid group called Oeuvre de Secours aux Enfants de l'Afrique du Nord (OSSEAN). His secret name was "Mural." The mission itself was called "Operation Mural."

After many talks, David helped 530 Jewish children leave Morocco. They traveled in five groups, pretending to go on a holiday in Switzerland. David went with the last group. From Switzerland, the children went to Israel. Their families joined them several years later.

In 1984, an article about Operation Mural was published. David's work was then recognized by Israeli Presidents Chaim Herzog and Shimon Peres. In 2007, a documentary film about the operation was shown.

On June 1, 2008, Israeli President Shimon Peres honored David Littman. He held a special event in Jerusalem. President Peres said:

"The saving of 530 children is, I imagine, the most moving experience a man can have. When you save 530 children, it’s really unforgettable. I want to express, on behalf of our people, our nation, our recognition of your courage, your wisdom, of your determination under extremely difficult conditions."

A year later, on July 1, 2009, David was given the "Hero of Silence" Order. This award is for people who risked their lives for a special cause. A French newspaper in Casablanca also published the full story of Operation Mural. This was the first time many Moroccans learned about it.

Working for Human Rights at the United Nations

In 1970, David and his wife helped start a center in Geneva. It was called the Centre d'Information et de Documentation sur le Moyen Orient (CID). This center published studies on the Middle East.

From 1986, David Littman often spoke at the United Nations Human Rights Council. He represented different non-governmental organizations (NGOs). He was a main representative for the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ). He also worked with other groups like the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) and the Association of World Citizens (AWC). He gave speeches and wrote reports to the UN Commission on Human Rights.

Helping Russian Jews

In March 1987, David arranged for Natan Sharansky to speak at the UN. Sharansky talked about "refuseniks," who were Jews in the Soviet Union not allowed to leave. The Soviet delegation walked out in protest. In 1988, David asked the UN to help several Jews in the Soviet Union emigrate. He repeated this request to Boris Yeltsin in 1991.

Helping Syrian Jewish Women

In October 1990, David asked the UN to help single Jewish women leave Syria. In March 1991, he asked for a special person to investigate their situation. He kept pushing for their release.

Helping Lebanese Jewish Hostages

In August 1991, David asked the UN to help release Lebanese Jews held hostage. In December 1991, he wrote to the UN Secretary-General. He asked for help to find out what happened to 11 Lebanese Jews who were kidnapped.

His Writings

David Littman wrote many articles on history and human rights. His work appeared in academic journals and books. He also contributed chapters to books like The Myth of Islamic Tolerance: How Islamic Law Treats Non-Muslims. He translated many articles and three major books by his wife, Bat Ye'or, into English.