It is with great sadness and gratitude that the International Auschwitz Committee bids farewell to Simone Veil, the Jewish-French survivor of Auschwitz who gave a powerful voice to democracy, France and Europe for many years.

Speaking in Berlin, Christoph Heubner, Executive Vice President of the International Auschwitz Committee said: "Simone Veil was one of the great Europeans whose experiences in Auschwitz gave her a lifetime purpose – to build and protect Europe.

After Auschwitz, the only alternative she could possibly envisage was a Europe shaped by tolerance and the strength of remembrance.
Simone Veil was one of the most clear-sighted and enduring voices speaking out against the hatred of anti-Semitism and the ignorance of populism.

Her humane voice of reason drowned out the hatred and was heard throughout the world. Especially now, we will miss her greatly."