On the eve of the release of the biopic on Simone Veil, Internet users are indignant at the tribute paid to him by the town hall of Ermont. On July 1, the city of Val-d’Oise inaugurated the Simone Veil park, a new green space of 2,180 square meters. “By giving the name of Simone Veil to this park, and by carrying out a work in her effigy in its heart, the municipality wanted to pay a solemn and supported tribute to this icon of the Republic, to her political fights in favor of the Rights of women and her generosity,” says the municipality.
However, the design of the entrance challenges. An iron gate, flanked by two stone columns, overlooks a path that crosses the park. Overhung by a warped iron sign, the ensemble recalls the entrance to the former Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. The shape of the “Simone Veil” sign echoes the sinisterly famous inscription “Arbeit Macht Frei”.
“You owe us an explanation”
On Twitter, a first Internet user is indignant. Then, many are those who challenge the town hall of Ermont to obtain justifications. “The entrance to the Simone Veil park in your town of Ermont is an ignominy!, declares one of them, calling on the mayor, Xavier Haquin. You owe us an explanation as to what motivated your choices! »
It’s “indecent beyond comprehension”, “But how can one be so uneducated or indecent? “, Internet users do not hide their indignation. The resemblance of the portal to that of the Nazi camp is all the more shocking since Simone Veil herself was deported there with her mother and sister in April 1944. This “tribute” resembles a desire to “smear the memory of ‘a survivor of Auschwitz-Birkenau…’, say Twitter users.
Removal of the “Simone Veil” sign
“This sign was made taking into account the technical constraints of the place (visibility, pilaster spacing…), justified last September the town hall of Ermont on Facebook. No analogy or “coincidence” should be sought there. A version reaffirmed on Tuesday. “Moreover, consulted, the local Jewish community is surprised by this controversy, not seeing itself any malice in this architectural choice”, adds the municipality.
However, the town hall of Ermont is withdrawing the sign which is debating today “in view of many unfounded tweets and comments, given the extent of the controversy born on social networks”. A new structure, this time in wood and slender in shape, should replace it shortly.