Elisabeth Eidenbenz facts for kids
Elisabeth Eidenbenz (born June 12, 1913, in Wila, Switzerland; died May 23, 2011, in Zurich, Switzerland) was a kind teacher and a nurse. She founded a special home called the Mothers of Elne. This home was also known as Maternitat d'Elna in Catalan and Maternité Suisse d'Elne in French. Between 1939 and 1944, Elisabeth saved about 600 children. Most of these children were from Spanish families, Jewish refugees, and Roma (gypsies) who were escaping war and danger.
Elisabeth's Amazing Work
Elisabeth was a young teacher from Switzerland. She taught in Switzerland and Denmark. But she wanted to help children in need. So, she decided to join a group called the "Association to Aid Children in War."
After the Spanish Civil War, many Spanish families had to leave their homes. They looked for safety in France. But most of them were stopped and held in large camps. These camps were often on beaches, with no proper buildings or clean water. Many people got sick and died from hunger or disease. Pregnant women especially faced terrible conditions. Some lost their babies or died during childbirth.
Elisabeth had arrived in Madrid in 1937 as a helper. She later moved to the south of France. She spoke both Spanish and Catalan. She was shocked by the difficult situation of mothers and children in the camps. So, Elisabeth decided to turn an old, empty house in Elne into a special maternity home. This home was near a town called Argelès-sur-Mer.
Helping During Wartime
At first, the home relied on gifts from people in Europe. But when World War II started, these gifts stopped. More and more refugees arrived, especially Jewish women escaping the Nazi occupation.
Because of this, Elisabeth's group had to work with the Red Cross. The Red Cross had a rule to stay "neutral," meaning they couldn't help political refugees, like many of the Jewish people. To get around this rule, Elisabeth and her team decided to hide who most of the refugees really were. They were sometimes bothered by the Gestapo, the German secret police, and even arrested once.
Despite these dangers, Elisabeth and her team saved about 400 Spanish children and 200 Jewish children from Europe. These children were born safely in the Elne maternity home. Some of the children born there were named Nael (for boys) or Elna and Elisabeth (for girls). This was done to honor Elisabeth and the home.
Recognition for Her Bravery
Elisabeth later retired and lived near Vienna, Austria. In 2009, she moved to Zurich. Her amazing work started to become well-known in 2002. Several books were written about her life. Also, about 60 of the people she helped save met again in Elne to honor her.
Elisabeth received many important awards for her bravery and kindness:
- In 2002, the Government of Israel honored her as a Righteous among the Nations. This award is given to non-Jewish people who saved Jews during the Holocaust.
- She was made an honorary citizen of Elne.
- In 2006, the Spanish Government gave her the Orden Civil de la Solidaridad Social.
- Also in 2006, the Generalitat of Catalonia gave her the Creu de Sant Jordi.
- In 2007, the French Government awarded her the star of the Légion d'honneur, a very high honor in France.
See also
In Spanish: Elisabeth Eidenbenz para niños
