“’Ben’, that’s what we called him, was killed because he’s Jewish. He was always a benevolent, kind, sincere and modest boy,” recalls Michel Cohen-Tenoudji, president of the Jewish consistory of Marseille. “Ben” is Benjamin Haddad, killed Tuesday evening in the attack in Djerba (Tunisia). The forties was a baker in Marseille. Before, he managed a grocery store. This Wednesday, the curtains of his business, located rue Edmond-Rostand (8th), remained down.
Djamel, whose grocery store is opposite, learned the news this Wednesday from one of Benjamin Haddad’s employees: “I didn’t know him very well, just as a neighbor. He had bought this bakery two or three years ago. But what I can say is that it was a sugar. ” “It’s not in Marseille that it would happen. Here, especially in this district, we live in a mixed life,” adds the Muslim grocer.
A man with a big heart who helped the less fortunate
“Ben” was killed by an assailant near the synagogue in Djerba, where he had gone for an annual pilgrimage. 1,000 kilometers away, in the neighborhood where the merchant lived, the pain is immense. The man, known for his generosity, leaves behind a wife and four young children.
“It was he who provided the hallots (breads that the Jews eat on Shabbat days) that we give to the poorest. I said to him: ”You know, it must be expensive”. And he would answer me: ”Don’t worry, I’ll make it my business””, still remembers Michel Cohen-Tenoudji.
Benjamin was a man “with a big heart”, from “a very pious family”, in turn evokes Roland Elbez, political adviser to Michel Cohen-Tenoudji. A family established on the island of Djerba. The baker returned there regularly to visit them. He almost never missed the annual Ghriba pilgrimage. On the evening of the tragedy, he was accompanied by his cousin Aviel, also killed by the assailant.
According to information received by representatives of the Jewish community of Marseilles, the toll could have been heavier. “Pilgrims arrive and leave by bus. They had that evening a little in advance. Otherwise, it could have been a bigger disaster, ”raises Roland Elbez.
Pending the repatriation of Benjamin Haddad, a first tribute should be paid to him Thursday evening by the Jewish community of Marseille.