Holocaust survivor Simone Veil joins Academie Francaise

PARIS — Simone Veil, a French political icon who survived Nazi death camps and went on to become a moral figurehead for France, was inducted today into the Academie Francaise — the sixth woman to cross the portals of the centuries-old institution.

Three French presidents — Nicolas Sarkozy and predecessors Jacques Chirac and Valery Giscard d’Estaing, himself a member — were present for the ceremony.

The name of Simone Veil, now 82, is synonymous with the battle that she spearheaded to legalize abortion in France. She has twice served as minister, for health and social affairs, and became the first woman president of the European Parliament.

Veil has risen above her personal accomplishments to be considered a leading moral authority in France.

One of France’s most popular public figures, Veil joins a venerable institution considered the guardian of the French language.

The elite academy has 40 members who serve for life and are known as “immortals.” Veil is the sixth woman to join the academy since it was founded by Cardinal Richelieu in 1635. Located along the Seine River in the heart of Paris, the domed landmark is often referred to simply as “the Dome.”

Veil brought her Holocaust experience to her new role. She had her prisoner number from the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp engraved on the ceremonial sword given to each academy member. The number remains tattooed on her arm.

In her lengthy acceptance speech, Veil, dressed in the heavily embroidered green outfit worn by academy members, said she was “surprised and in wonderment” at the academy’s invitation to her.

“The Academie Francaise remains the temple of the French language,” she said. But “I myself have no literary pretensions.”

She nevertheless takes seat No. 13, once belonging to 17th century playwright Racine. Other literary greats like Voltaire and Victor Hugo are among past members.

Veil said that as she spoke, she thought of her mother and father who died in death camps, as did her brother.

Following tradition, Veil’s speech was devoted to the deceased Academy member she is replacing, Pierre Messmer, a former prime minister and defense minister close to Gen. Charles de Gaulle and once a member of the French Foreign Legion.

Veil joins another member who was arrested by the Gestapo in Nazi-occupied France, Andre Frossard. He was held in an internment camp in Montluc, France, and then escaped.

Four other women currently are members of the academy, including Algerian-born writer Assia Djebar, the first member of North African origin. The first woman invited to join was Marguerite Yourcenar, in 1980.

The elite body spends years updating a dictionary of the French language, and has often decried the invasion of English words.

Veil is also an officer in France’s Legion of Honor.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

The Everett Municipal Building on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett council approves $111 million construction of sewer project

The Port Gardner Storage Facility, in the works for more than a decade, will help prevent overflows of the city sewer system.

Two students walk along a path through campus Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at Everett Community College in Everett, Washington. A group of nearly 20 community groups are planning to study how to make it easier for young people to find jobs. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Goal for Everett coalition: Make it easier for young people to find jobs

The organizations hope the months-long process will improve access to resources for young people.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.