The Hiding of Jewish Children

Vianne's secret mission to rescue and hide Jewish children during the occupation.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

First Child: Ari

A Mother's Promise The Deportation Rachel de Champlain is deported. She thrusts her baby Ari into Vianne's arms. Vianne promises to keep him safe. The Cellar Vianne hides Ari in the barn cellar. She tells Sophie he is Rachel's son. They must keep the secret. New Identity Beck provides false papers for Ari, now Daniel Mauriac. Vianne cuts his hair and changes his name. The lie begins.

Second Child: Jean Georges

A Desperate Mother The Roundup Hélène Ruelle is being deported. She shoves her son Jean Georges into Vianne's arms. Vianne cannot refuse. The Orphanage Vianne takes Jean Georges to Mother Superior. The nun agrees to hide him. Vianne must forge papers. The Network Vianne begins working with the OSE. She learns to forge identity documents. She becomes a passeur for children.

Nineteen Children

The List The Records Vianne keeps a hidden list of the children's real names and hiding places. She hides it in the Bible. The Risks Every day is dangerous. Von Richter suspects. Vianne endures rape to protect the children. She never wavers. The Reunions After the war, Vianne gives the list to the OSE. Most children are reunited with surviving relatives. Ari goes to America.

July 1942

November 1942

1942 – 1944