Paris – The Mémorial de la Shoah has received a significant donation of archival materials from Pierre-François Veil, bolstering its mission to preserve both intimate and collective memory of the Holocaust. The donation coincides with the opening of a new exhibition, “Simone Veil. Mes sœurs et moi,” curated by David Teboul, which focuses on the experiences of Simone Veil and her sisters during the Holocaust.
The act of preserving original documents is central to the Mémorial de la Shoah’s work. According to the institution, the donated archives will not only document the history of the Centre de Documentation Juive Contemporaine (CDJC) but also enrich the historical understanding of the Shoah period. These materials will be conserved, digitized, and made accessible to future generations and researchers.
Simone Veil, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 90, was a pivotal figure in 20th-century French and European life. A Holocaust survivor, deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau and later Bergen-Belsen with her mother and one of her sisters, she dedicated her life to advocating for human dignity and European reconciliation. Her story, and that of her sisters, is at the heart of the new exhibition.
Veil’s post-war life was marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements. She became a pioneer in the French government, the penitentiary administration, and the judicial system, and later played a key role in the European Union. She served as Minister of Health, successfully advocating for the decriminalization of abortion in France, and was the first woman to preside over the European Parliament. In 2018, she was posthumously honored with interment in the Panthéon, a rare distinction reserved for France’s most esteemed citizens.
The Fondation Shoah, which Veil served as the first President from 2001 to 2007 and then as Honorary President, highlights her commitment to not imposing a “duty to remember” but rather to fostering knowledge of shared history – both its darkest and brightest pages. She championed the recognition of the Righteous Among the Nations, those who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust, and spearheaded a national tribute to them at the Panthéon in 2007.
A powerful symbol of her experience and commitment is engraved on her academician’s sword: her Auschwitz service number, 78651, alongside the French Republican motto “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” and the European Union motto “United in diversity.” This encapsulates her life’s work and her unwavering fight for human dignity.
The Mémorial de la Shoah actively seeks to collect materials from families, recognizing that every document – letters, photographs, administrative records, and personal objects – contributes to a more complete understanding of the past. The institution offers a regular drop-in service on Tuesday afternoons for those wishing to donate or deposit archives.
The donation from Pierre-François Veil underscores the ongoing importance of preserving these personal stories and ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are not forgotten. The exhibition, “Simone Veil. Mes sœurs et moi,” and the newly acquired archives represent a vital contribution to this effort, offering future generations access to a deeper understanding of this tragic period in history and the remarkable life of a woman who dedicated herself to building a more just and humane world.
The Mémorial de la Shoah’s commitment to archiving extends beyond simply preserving documents; it’s about making them accessible. The digitization process ensures that these invaluable resources can be studied by researchers and accessed by a wider audience, fostering continued learning and remembrance.
Simone Veil’s legacy continues to resonate in France and beyond. Numerous schools, squares, and public establishments have been named in her honor, a testament to the profound impact she had on society. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting against intolerance and defending human rights.
