Man Leaves Millions To French Village That Hid His Family From Nazis
January 30, 2021
An Austrian man who fled the Nazis with his family during World War II has left part of his fortune to the French village whose residents helped hide them.
Le Chambon-sur-Lignon in south-east France
Eric Schwam, who died at 90 years old in December, wrote the surprise gift into his will for Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, a commune in south-central France.
Mayor Jean-Michel Eyraud says he left the village a "large amount" in his will, without confirming a figure.
But his mayoral predecessor told the local media that the total is about €2m (£1.7m; $2.4m).
Eyraud told AFP that Schwam's gift would be used to fund education and youth initiatives.
Le Chambon-sur-Lignon has a population of only about 2,500 people but has a reputation as a place of refuge, dating back to the French Protestant Huguenots who fled religious persecution during the 17th Century.
The town was recognized by Israel for its extraordinary effort in protecting Jewish refugees from the occupying Nazis.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Zoo Visitor Captures Incredible Moment An Elephant Saves A Gazelle From Drowning
She Meant Every Word Of 'In Sickness And In Health'
My Friend Threw Her Disabled Cat A Birthday Party In The Park
Hummingbirds Are Nesting On String Lights - And People Are Sharing The Cutest Photos
The Grade That Saved A Life: A Professor's Unforgettable Act Of Kindness
Parents Secretly Build Disney-Themed Backyard While Kids Sleep
Zoo Visitor Captures Incredible Moment An Elephant Saves A Gazelle From Drowning
Golden Retriever Pushes Owner Into Water Causing Hilarious Chaos
Man Claims He Can Speak Chicken - And Then Proves It
Emu Has An Absolute Blast Playing Chase With Dogs
Kid's Freestyle Dance To Live Jazz Is Pure Joy — And Viewers Can't Get Enough