Were there many french people in the holocaust?
Approximately 25% of French Jews died in the Holocaust, or about 75,000 people. All in all, they fared better than Jews in a lot of other countries. Part of it was that after the Vichy Government started collaborating with the Germans, the country was divided. A lot of Jews were able to escape by making to Free France, and then getting legitimate papers to help them get to Spain or England. Additionally, the Pyrenees provided a good way out for those who were trapped. They used the same routes used by the French Resistance to return downed Allied pilots to safety. It was a dangerous trek, but there were plenty of people who knew the way, and were willing to help people escape in return for payment. The fact that the French Resistance was so strong was another great help. They did a lot of hiding of Jews. It was probably the largest resistance group in Europe, and had the best organization. As soon as the war started, like-minded people began to come together to rebel. The French are a
