With an official decree signed on March 28th, 2024, the President of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, awarded ANED the Golden Medal for Civil Merit for its “outstanding work in defense of the values of the Constitution and the ideals of the Resistance against Nazism and Fascism. For the effort in the conservation of the historical memory of the ones who sacrificed for the cause with years of incarceration, confinement, internment and gave their own lives for the love of the Country and to guarantee freedom and democracy to the Italian population.”

“I am exceptionally delighted for ANED to have received this great honor,” said Shoah survivor and life Senator Liliana Segre, who has been a member of the Association of the Ex Deportees since 1958. The Republic has officially recognized 80 years of restless activity of all the ex-deportees who survived the massacre. People who were widely different from one another but were all persecuted, either for the sole reason of being alive or for having chosen to stand against the crimes perpetrated (non-perpetuated) by Fascism and Nazism. They never bore a message of hate or revenge, but rather one of peace, freedom, and love for all.

Mario Candotto, born in 1926 and Dachau survivor, who was deported to the Nazi camps together with other members of his family says this is “wonderful news, an honor that we want to dedicate to the thousands of partisans and fighters who never made it back from the Nazi camps”.

The President of ANED, Dario Venegoni, commented, “We joyfully accept this recognition by President Mattarella on behalf of the women and men who endured the horrors of Hitler’s Lagers, and who taught us the importance of committing to peace and solidarity. Our thoughts go to all the survivors who have helped spread a message against any kind of discrimination and in defense of each individual to the younger generations throughout the years. We dedicate this medal to them, committing to being worthy of their legacy”.

Marian Turski, President of the International Auschwitz Committee, congratulated Andrea Di Veroli, President of the ANED Rome Section and Presidium member of the International Auschwitz Committee, for the award of the Golden Medal for Civil Merit by the President of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, to ANED with the following words:

"Andrea Dear,
Congratulations! 

It is as well a great honor for us, for the International Auschwitz Committee. We are proud that you are part of our community. And - last but not least - I am very glad that the Italian Senate had appreciated your activity and your contribution.

Be well!  Let’s live in peace!"

Marian Turski

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