Leaving a hat shop, MANON witnesses a Jew in a skull cap being beaten by a mob and is terrified. She runs home, weeping uncontrollably.
Her father tries to console her as he sings “As Long as Breath is Mine” As he finishes and embraces MANON, a huge rock smashes a tall window of the home. SELIM picks up the rock and we see the word “JUDEN” written in red paint.
DE CAMONDO sings "AS LONG AS BREATH IS MINE"
You are young and frightened By a hatred hard to understand It's a sad sad story that I know So well
There are those who want to harm us Just because of who we are
When you feel the darkness closing round Just reach out take my hand I will never let them hurt you child As long as breath is mine
We are traveling a journey That began with Abraham And our faith will guide us As we make our way
Never doubt your courage They can't break you You are not alone I will be there to protect you As long as breath is mine
On the morning you were born And I held you the first time
Joy-ful joy-ful tears And prayers that
I would always be a father Worthy of that sacred moment Teaching you to reach for life To find the love and good in others
Calumny Cannot defeat the power Of a father's love I am here with you As long as breath As long as breath is mine