Hillel Katz was a communist activist who met Trepper in Palestine, where his parents had settled.
14 Facts About Hillel Katz
1.
2.
Hillel Katz moved to Toulouse in France, where he met and became the lover of Cecile Fichten, an activist member of the Mouvement Jeunes Communistes de France.
3.
Hillel Katz had a brother, Joseph Katz who held British citizenship.
4.
Joseph Hillel Katz was instrumental in establishing the Lyon safehouse that was established in 1937.
5.
When he moved to Paris, Hillel Katz concealed his Jewish origins and legalised himself as a Frenchman under the name Andre Dubois.
6.
In Paris, Hillel Katz was one of the two main assistants to Trepper, along with Leon Grossvogel.
7.
Hillel Katz was totally dedicated, both to Trepper and the Communist cause.
8.
Hillel Katz was particularly interested in educational reform, specifically in the modern and anti-authoritarian approach advocated by Celestin Freinet as well as the works of Maria Montessori.
9.
Hillel Katz devoted his spare time to the groups of young people that lived in Vitry-sur-Seine, where he organised hiking via the Camping and Culture Association.
10.
In September 1939, Hillel Katz enlisted in the French Foreign Legion.
11.
Hillel Katz was captured and taken prisoner in June 1940 during the German advance, but managed to escape with Aldred Corbin by swimming across the River Somme.
12.
Hillel Katz was always cheerful and his direct and frank approach combined with his optimistic demeanour garnered him many friends.
13.
Hillel Katz, who knew many of Trepper's contacts and acquaintances, carried out many of Trepper operations personally.
14.
Hillel Katz was moved to a house belonging to Karl Bomelburg at 40 boulevard Victor Hugo, Neuilly-sur-Seine at Trepper's insistence.