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Sons and Daughters of French Deported Jews (FFDJF)

Origin

The Klarsfeld Foundation (Fils et Filles des Déportés Juifs de France – Militants de la Mémoire) (FFDJF) was founded in 1979 by Serge Klarsfeld and his wife Beate Klarsfeld. Both Serge and Beate Klarsfeld are the children of Jewish deportees who were sent to Nazi concentration camps during the Holocaust. They were motivated to create the organization by their personal experiences and their desire to honour the memory of Holocaust victims and seek justice for their families.

Before founding the FFDJF, the Klarsfelds were known for their “Nazi-hunting” activities, which included tracking down former Nazi officials and bringing them to trial. They were instrumental in bringing to justice many former Nazis who had been living in France after World War II, including Klaus Barbie, the “Butcher of Lyon.” The Klarsfelds’ activism also helped to raise awareness of the deportation of French Jews during the Holocaust and to push for compensation and recognition for survivors and their families.

Initiatives

The FFDJF continues to be an active organization today, dedicated to the memory of Holocaust victims, the fight against antisemitism and all forms of discrimination, and the support of victims of genocide and crimes against humanity. Here are some of the actions they take today:

  1. Documentation and Memory Preservation: The FFDJF maintains a comprehensive database of the names and stories of Holocaust victims and works to document the history of the deportation of French Jews during the Holocaust. They also organize commemorative events and educational programs to raise awareness of the Holocaust and its impact.
  2. Advocacy: The FFDJF works to combat antisemitism and all forms of discrimination by advocating for stronger laws and policies against hate crimes, and by taking legal action against individuals and organizations that promote hate and discrimination.
  3. Support for Survivors and Their Families: The FFDJF provides financial assistance, counselling, and access to educational and cultural resources for Holocaust survivors and their families. They also work to ensure that survivors receive the compensation and benefits they are entitled to.
  4. Research and Documentation: The FFDJF conducts research on the Holocaust and its impact on French society, and works to uncover the stories of Holocaust victims and survivors. They also collect and preserve archives related to the deportation of French Jews during the Holocaust.
  5. Education and Outreach: The FFDJF works with schools and educational institutions to develop curricula and educational resources that teach about the Holocaust and its historical context, and to promote tolerance and respect for diversity. They also organize public lectures, exhibitions, and other cultural events to raise awareness of the Holocaust and its impact.
  6. International Advocacy: The FFDJF is involved in international efforts to combat genocide and crimes against humanity. They advocate for the prosecution of war criminals and work to raise awareness of ongoing human rights abuses around the world.