It was named after the officer Giulio Massarelli the barracks of the Guardia di Finanza of Busto Arsizio, one of the most elegant buildings in the city, once Villa Pozzi.
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The Fiamme Gialle barracks in Busto Arsizio is named after Giulio Massarelli 4 of 11
This morning, Thursday, a grand ceremony accompanied Monica, the niece of the protagonist of the ceremony, to the unveiling of the plaque in honor of his grandfather who worked in Busto Arsizio between 1942 and 1945, helping various Jews and persecuted people politicians to reach safety in Switzerland from Nazi-fascist persecution.
A role that in 2006 was also recognized by the Yad Vashem which placed him among the Righteous among the nations. For this reason the provincial commander of the Guardia di Finanza Crescenzio Sciaraffa he said he was particularly proud of this title “because his courage is an example for all of us”.
The commanders of Lombardy were also with him Giuseppe Arbore and north-western Italy Fabrizio Carrarinithe mayor Emanuele Antonelli, Monsignor Severino Pagani, the prefect Salvatore Pasquariello and the civil and military leaders of the territory.
The story of Giulio Massarelli
Giulio Massarelli emerges as a significant and heroic figure during the Second World War period, particularly in the context of the Italian Resistance and efforts to save the lives of Jews persecuted by the Nazi regime.
Profession and Involvement in the Resistance
Massarelli served in the Tax Police Unit of Busto Arsizio, Varese. At the same time, he was active in the National Liberation Committee (CLN), where he provided a vital contribution to the Italian Resistance. His actions during this period are well documented by official statements and testimonies from those he helped.
Actions During the War
After the armistice of 8 September 1943, Massarelli played a crucial role in assisting Jews and anti-fascist personalities, helping them escape to Switzerland and therefore escape Nazi persecution. His activities included organizing safe escapes across the border, often at great personal risk. Among the many people he helped, we remember:
Clara and Adalberto Jenei, Jews of Hungarian origin living in Milan, who thanks to him reached Switzerland and then the United States.
Captain Dobes of the Czechoslovak Army, who was to pass on vital information to the government-in-exile in London.
Pavel Pick and Ely Lederer, a Jewish couple originally from the Czech Republic.
Awards and Testimonials
The testimonies of the people saved by Massarelli and their descendants confirm his commitment and courage. These testimonies include detailed statements about events, confirming the extent and effectiveness of his actions.
Participation in the Insurrection
On 25 April 1945, the day of Italy’s liberation from Nazi-fascist rule, Massarelli actively participated in the insurrection in the Upper Milanese area, further consolidating his role as a resister and liberator.
