The Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial awarded Madeleine Barot the status of Righteous Among the Nations in 1988 for her work protecting Jewish individuals during the Third Reich. A French theologian and archivist, she focused her career on ecumenism, human rights advocacy, and advancing the presence of women within religious structures and social organizations.
Academic and Early Professional Background
Born in Châteauroux in 1909, Barot pursued studies at the University of Paris from 1927 to 1934. She earned a graduate degree in history and achieved the professional qualification of archivist palaeographer. Her early career included an internship at the Bibliothèque nationale de France in 1934 followed by a librarian role at the École française de Rome, where she remained from 1935 until 1940.
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Barot became the general secretary of Cimade on August 15, 1940, succeeding Georgette Siegrist. During the war, she negotiated with administrative authorities to gain access to the Gurs camp, establishing a precedent for humanitarian presence in detention facilities. Her efforts expanded across multiple camps, driven by her involvement in young Protestant movements and the influence of international ecumenical circles.
World Council of Churches and Social Advocacy
From 1953 to 1973, Barot served the World Council of Churches, leading the department for Men and Women in Church and Society. She utilized this platform to address gender disparities in ecclesiastical institutions. Her broader portfolio included contributions to the Protestant Federation of France, the Commission for Church Support in Development, and initiatives such as the Conference of Religions for Peace and Christian Action for the Abolition of Torture.
Fast facts
- Born: 1909, Châteauroux
- Died: 1995, Paris
- Citizenship: France
- Education: University of Paris
- Role: General Secretary, Cimade (1940-1947)
- Role: Department Head, World Council of Churches (1953-1973)
- Award: Righteous Among the Nations (1988)
Questions readers ask
What was Madeleine Barot's role in the Holocaust?
She served as the general secretary of Cimade and gained access to internment camps like Gurs to provide support and protection for persecuted Jewish people.
Did she work outside of France?
Yes, her career included a five-year tenure at the École française de Rome and a two-decade position at the World Council of Churches, which involved international ecumenical and human rights work.
Achievements
- Righteous Among the Nations — 1988
- Worked as librarian, general secretary and secretary
- Educated at University of Paris
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