Ámparo de Los Remedios Otero de Pappo’s story started in Cuba and led her to a constant struggle throughout World War 2.
No one could imagine that a hatter from Cuba might become a Holocaust hero by saving Jews during World War 2. This is Ámparo de Los Remedios Otero de Pappo’s story, a milliner born in Cuba, in 1896.
Arrival To France
Ámparo moved to France to pursue her career and showcase her talent. She ended up in Paris during the 1920s.
As she settled in, she met a Bulgarian Jew, Jacob Pappo. While she came from a Christian family, Ámparo fell in love with him and the two decided to start a family in 1931. Their son Charles-Henri was born in 1932. Unfortunately for the young family, Jacob passed away in 1933, before World War 2 began.
When the war started, Ámparo faced the task of raising a young son by herself. She was surrounded by Jacob’s family, who she loved as her own. As Nazis overrun France, Jews from all over the country were sent to concentration camps.
Despite exposing herself and her son to a massive risk, Ámparo decided to hide and shelter Jacob’s family as well. This means apart from the two of them, she also sheltered his mother, sister, brother, niece and nephew.
Signs Of Humanity
Apart from her extended family, Ámparo also offered shelter to Liliane Frangi, a young girl whose grandmother was murdered in Auschwitz. She was only 13 years old when she found refuge in Ámparo’s home. Everyone in Ámparo’s household survived the war.
Ámparo passed away in 1987, unknown to most people. Her story was made known by Liliane many years later, helping Ámparo become Righteous Among the Nations in 2011. By 2025, she was the only Cuban recognized with this award.