Dutch-Paris
Ordinary Heroes
1945 - 2025 Celebrations
Honoring the Resisters of the Dutch-Paris Escape Line in France
Support the France campaign
Spread and continue to build the story of Dutch-Paris by Megan Koreman in France. You can donate here through helloasso portal here.
The Escape Line in French
Pre-order the French translation of Koreman's book, translated by Elisabeth Baumé-Leijzer and published by the Parisian cultural publishing house, Les Éditions Les Trois Colonnes. Pre-order forms will open Mid-April 2025.
Events
Join us for the French launch of Megan Koreman's book and a celebration of Dutch-Paris's legacy and future with 80th-year anniversary initiator Alain Souloumiac. The event supported by the embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in France will take place on May 5th 2025 in Paris. Contact us to find out more.
Books
Alongside Koreman's The Escape Line (Oxford University Press) and Gewone Helden (Boom), her new book Donkere Wolken Boven Parijs, inspired by Dutch-Paris and translated by Maarten Eliasar, follows twin brothers Jean and Michel as they help refugees escape through Paris during World War II.
Critical Acclaim for The Escape Line by Megan Koreman
"An invaluable account of genuine heroism in the midst of one of the most terrifying episodes of human history."
– Kirkus Reviews
About
The Dutch-Paris Escape Line is a testament to courage and resilience during one of Europe’s darkest periods. Formed in Lyon, Paris and Brussels during World War II, this transnational resistance network saved over three thousand lives, smuggling Jewish families, Allied airmen, and other civilians from Nazi-occupied zones to safety in Switzerland and Spain. Dutch-Paris initially appeared as a code name used by the Allied airmen who were saved by the network. The name was adopted by its Dutch founders, Jean (John Henry) Weidner and Herman Laatsman, who created the largest transnational organisation which connected the Netherlands, Belgium and France through its operations.
It was composed of hundreds of courageous men and women from all walks of life, who risked everything to resist Nazi persecution.
The values upheld by Dutch-Paris remind us of the profound impact that grassroot collectives can achieve in the face of oppression and injustice. Their actions demonstrate that compassion, bravery, nonviolence, international cooperation and commitment to justice can prevail even in the darkest times. These values remain profoundly relevant today and can guide us in building a better future.
We invite you to learn more about this heroic network and help preserve and develop its legacy as a call to action for today and tomorrow.
Click the button below to explore the Dutch-Paris Blog by Megan Koreman and stay updated on our upcoming Kickstarter campaign.