The year was 1940 when the Nazis were rounding up Jewish women and children. Monique’s mother and father decided to give up their daughter to a Catholic family so she could have a better chance at survival. 9/14/16 (Monique Ritter)

LAS VEGAS (KSNV News3LV) — Monique Ritter’s story is one of incredible sacrifice and love. She was only 4-years-old, living with her family in Paris when her parents were forced to make what was undoubtedly the most difficult choice of their life.

The year was 1940 when the Nazis were rounding up Jewish women and children. Monique’s mother and father decided to give up their daughter to a Catholic family so she could have a better chance at survival.

“I had to say that my father was a prisoner of war,” said Ritter. “My mother works in a factory and that she could not take care of me. But I could not say the word Jewish.”

For nearly 5-years Ritter lived under a different identity, never knowing if she would see her parents again. Her only belonging was a doll she carried by her side at all times.

Ritter’s two closest companions during that time were Madelyn and Yvette Gillbaud. They treated her like a daughter.

After the war, Ritter was reunited with her parents. All had somehow survived, even the doll. Madelyn has long since passed but Yvette is still alive, and later this month she will receive a special recognition for her family’s bravery.

Ritter will travel to France to be with her for the occasion. She says she wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Originally Published HERE