Historic French Synagogue Saved Through the Jewish Heritage Program and the Edmond J. Safra Foundation
Built in 1909 in Normandy by Jews fleeing Germany’s annexation of Alsace and Moselle, the Synagogue of Elbeuf is one of the few synagogues in France that still bear the grim yellow stars painted on their walls during the night of the Vel’ d’Hiv roundup in 1942, when more than 13,000 Jews in France, including 4,000 children, were arrested and deported to Nazi death camps.
This historic building had already been selected for restoration under the Jewish Heritage Program, launched in 2025 by the Fondation du patrimoine and the Edmond J. Safra Foundation. Restoration work was underway when a destructive fungus was discovered, placing the synagogue at serious risk of imminent collapse. The Edmond J. Safra Foundation immediately allocated an additional donation, ensuring that this remarkable monument will be preserved and passed on to future generations.
Alexandre Giuglaris, Director General of the Fondation du patrimoine, said: “Thanks to the support of the Edmond J. Safra Foundation, the Elbeuf Synagogue will be preserved. Without the intervention of this benefactor, this heritage site might have been lost. Following renovation work, the site will open to the public as a cultural and ecumenical meeting center, ensuring that this heritage is passed on to future generations.”
Nessim Levy, President of the Cultural Association of Friends of the Elbeuf Synagogue, commented: “Thanks to the trust and commitment of the Fondation du patrimoine and the Edmond J. Safra Foundation, this project now transcends the mere restoration of a monument: it has become a symbol of transmission, solidarity, and hope. A monument never survives through stone alone; it survives thanks to the men and women who decide that it is worthy of being passed on.”
Read more:
- “A symbol of transmission and hope” – Actualité Juive
- “Saved thanks to the help of Edmond J. Safra Foundation” – Tribune Juive
- “All eyes are turned towards the future” – Le Journal d’Elbeuf
- “Fortunately, no one gave up” – Le Parisien
- “Construction work at the Elbeuf synagogue has resumed” – France Bleu
