Calvagese della Riviera: Remembering Holocaust Remembrance Day with the Stumbling Stones
On January 27, in observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Calvagese della Riviera is preparing to commemorate a dark chapter in history through the installation of Stumbling Stones dedicated to brothers Natan Raoul and Natan Assalonne. This event represents a moment of reflection on the tragedy of the Holocaust and the importance of keeping the memory alive.
Fleeing Nazi-occupied Belgium in 1940, the two brothers, along with their family, arrived in Milan after crossing through France. To escape the bombings that struck the large city, they found refuge in Calvagese, where they rented rooms at the property of Mr. Oscar Redaelli, the local prefectural commissioner.
With the establishment of the Italian Social Republic, the situation for Jews became increasingly dire. On November 30, 1943, a police circular came into effect ordering the deportation of Jews to concentration camps and the seizure of their property. The women of the family were quickly transferred to Milan with the help of the Fracchia family, former employers of Raoul, finding refuge in a convent and in protected housing. However, on December 12, 1943, the two brothers were arrested by the Carabinieri of Bedizzole while they were on the banks of the Chiese River.
After being detained in the Canton Mombello prison, they were deported to the Fossoli concentration camp and subsequently loaded onto convoy no. 8 bound for Auschwitz, where both tragically lost their lives.
In 2019, two Stumbling Stones were placed at the gate of the Redaelli farm to honor the memory of the two brothers. The Fracchia family has been recognized as “Righteous Among the Nations” for their support during those dark times.
This year, thanks to the work of researcher Marino Ruzzanenti and the readings organized by Cecilia Verna, Calvagese is hosting a public meeting at the Carzago Oratory at 8:30 PM. The meeting aims to delve into the historical aspects related to this dramatic yet significant story for the local area.
