They corresponded with all the main markets of Europe, and were prominent in trade between France and the Caribbean, Canada and the United States.

[4] The Gradis house received important privileges, particularly in Martinique and Saint Domingo, in return for their services to the state.

His wife was daughter of Paul Fould, Master of Requests of the French council of state, and Eve Mathilde de Günzburg.

[1] In 1899 his sister Esther Lucie Gabrielle Alice Emma Gradis (1866-1925) married Georges Julien Schwob d'Héricourt.

[citation needed] During World War I (1914–18) "David Gradis et Fils" was responsible for ensuring France's entire supply of sugar.

[7] On 6 June 1942 Raoul Gradis received his yellow star (badge of a Jew) from the police, but did not have to make it himself or to supply the textile used.

He explained that at the age of 81, with a broken arm, he would like to go to the house in the country 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Bordeaux that his family had owned since 1680.