Amidst the new atmosphere of the January New Year, the French government specially chose this solemn and symbolic Panthéon to pay the highest national tribute to the French people who risked their lives and sacrificed themselves for righteousness during World War II. This act honors those who rescued Jews persecuted by the Nazis and the French government at that time, driven by humanity, morality, and social justice.

These touching stories mostly occurred in farmhouses and small villages in the rural areas of central and southern France. Regardless of social class—from farmers, villagers, teachers, civil servants, postmen, to even police officers—they all demonstrated humanistic justice and courage. Statistics indicate that approximately 7,000 Jews were saved during this period. Some of these courageous French individuals were betrayed and sacrificed, leading to the destruction of their families. These stories of the bright side of humanity have since become moving films and cautionary case studies.

It seems somewhat belated more than fifty years later, as most of these individuals are now elderly or have passed away. Of course, these righteous acts were not performed for eternal fame; the Israeli government had long ago reciprocated by erecting monuments to honor them. France has not been ungrateful. During President Chirac's final term, he personally presided over this significant, albeit late, tribute held in the name of the nation.