A tree planted in 1980 at the Yad Vashem memorial honors Aimée Lallement, who was recognized as Righteous Among the Nations for her efforts to save Jewish families during World War II. Born in Givet in 1898, her life integrated political activism with athletic success and a dedication to secular social reform in France.
Early Activism and Athletics
Born into a family of teachers, Lallement lived as a refugee during World War I and eventually became an educator in Versailles. She advocated for women's suffrage, drawing inspiration from Finland, Norway, and Denmark. When the 1924 Paris Olympics excluded women, she helped organize a parallel event. Her performance in these games earned her recognition as a world champion in the 110-meter and javelin competitions.
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Lallement was an active member of the Socialist Party, working alongside figures like Cécile Brunschvicg, Irène Joliot-Curie, and Suzanne Lacore. Her commitment to political and social reform extended to international movements, including the Theosophical society of Annie Besant and the mixed Masonic lodge Droit Humain. She served at the national level within the Socialist Party, specifically overseeing the Socialist Women branch.
Wartime Rescue Efforts
Residing on rue de l'Ecu in Reims, Lallement took significant risks to protect the Przedborz family from persecution. After the arrest and deportation of Brandla, Isaac, and other family members, she hid their son, Yankel, in her home and later at her country house in Montchenot. She disguised him as her niece, Jacqueline, for safety. Following the war, she officially adopted him, and he took the name Jacques Presbor-Lallement.
Post-War Local Leadership
Lallement maintained a presence in local affairs, leading the departmental Committee of Secular Action and the Reims household aids. She founded and directed l'Association Familiale Laïque until her death. In 1971, she participated in municipal elections on a joint list against Jean Taittinger. She continued her physical activities, particularly swimming, into her later years before passing away in Reims in 1988.
Fast facts
- Born: 1898, Givet, France
- Died: 1988, Reims, France
- Awards: Righteous Among the Nations (1980)
- Political Party: Socialist Party
- Athletic Achievements: World champion, 110-meter and javelin
- Adopted Son: Jacques Presbor-Lallement
- Burial Site: Cimetière de l'Est, Reims
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of Aimée Lallement's athletic career?
She competed in a parallel Olympics organized in 1924 to protest the exclusion of women from the official Games, winning world champion titles in javelin and the 110-meter race.
How did Lallement assist the Przedborz family during the Holocaust?
She sheltered their son, Yankel, in her Reims home and a country house at Montchenot, disguised him as a niece, and eventually adopted him after he became the sole survivor of his family.
Achievements
- Righteous Among the Nations — 1980
- Worked as politician and athletics competitor
