A new research work, titled Pau Casals i la Spanish Refugee Aid. El compromís humanitari del mestre (The Humanitarian Commitment of the Maestro), by historian Gemma Caballer Albareda, delves into a lesser-known facet of the renowned musician: his involvement with refugees from the Spanish Civil War through the American humanitarian organization Spanish Refugee Aid (SRA).
The publication, resulting from the consultation of documentary sources in Catalonia and New York, reveals that Pau Casals' participation in the SRA went far beyond an honorary title. The research highlights his active and continuous involvement in the organization's initiatives and the support he provided to Republican exiles until his death in 1973.
The book also traces the trajectory of the SRA and its founder, Nancy Macdonald, as well as the organization's work for thousands of exiled individuals, primarily in France, to whom it provided financial aid, medical assistance, and material support.
The presentation event, presided over by the Minister of Justice and Democratic Quality, Ramon Espadaler, emphasized the importance of understanding this legacy. "There are commitments that define a person beyond their work. Pau Casals' commitment to the exiles is an example, and this research helps us better understand its scope," stated the minister.
Espadaler also stressed that "knowing this story also means recognizing the people who sustained the exile and made it possible for many refugees to rebuild their lives. It is a part of our memory that we cannot let be lost."
The presentation included a dialogue between the author, Gemma Caballer, and Miquel Berga, professor of English literature at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra, who discussed the research findings.
The publication is the result of a collaboration between the Memorial Democràtic, the Càtedra UNESCO Pau Casals, the Fundació Pau Casals, and the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, and is part of the Memorial Democràtic's Referents collection.
