Hundreds of Jewish children were sheltered in the Children’s Home in Chabannes, France during World War II. Felix Chevrier, the Director of the home, who was later recognized as "Righteous Among the Nations,” believed that it was important to prepare the children for life and provide them with useful skills. Stefan Lewy came to the home in 1940. While living there, he attended the leather workshop and carefully summarized the lessons in his notebook, sketching the different leather items, including a wallet and a comb-holder. In 1942, Stefan's father managed to arrange for his immigration to the United States. Less than a year later, Stefan joined the US Army and served as an interpreter in Europe, participating in the liberation of Buchenwald.
Yad Vashem Artifacts Collection
Courtesy of Stephan Lewy, NH, USA