« In my “work of remembrance” I put all my effort, as we all should, into young people. To show them the horrors they could be lead to, as many of their forebears were. To show what happens when there is inaction in the face of injustice, exclusion and barbarity. In this ‘“work of remembrance” we must also remind young people that the executioners were ordinary people, just like any of us. So, we must be vigilant as to how we respond to others, so we do not in turn become their executioners. » 

Sam BRAUN

In the words of the children and grandchildren of witnesses

Following the example of Malka Braun, the daughters and sons of other eyewitnesses have decided to take the reins and ensure that what happened will not be forgotten. Their efforts include information shared between students and their families, considering the importance of what is learned at the heart of the family. They are determined that accounts of the past carried by survivors will not be extinguished as this, the younger generation, will be the living bearers of the the flame to keep it burning.

«Being Sam’s daughter taught me to have no hatred, to be enriched by the differences with ‘the other’.
But my father also taught me to be on guard against the savage beast that is within us all, which only love can restrain.
What else do we have but share love? For this is how my father’s dream can come true,
his dream that we can “live together in harmony” and that “the world will become a world for all mankind”.

I learned all this by always watching how he lived and listening to him…
I learned it from his kindness, from his generosity and from his love for everyone. . »

Malka Braun

To Malka from Éve Meyroneinc, Lavoisier High School in Paris

I want to thank you for visiting and speaking with our class at Lavoisier High. I think it is so courageous, that after your father’s death, you continue to keep telling his story. So many things are happening in today’s world, so it was good to hear you speak of the essential things: kindness, helping each other and sharing our different cultures… Thank you!

Eve Meyroneinc

  • File name: Eve’s letter in PDF format

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From Laura-Ly to Malka

For several years now, some of those who went through these appalling exterminations have had their voices heard, to recount what happened in their past. But these people will soon no longer be here to tell their story, and thanks to you there will always be someone to tell the tale and to honour their memories

Laura-Ly LEFORT

  • File name: Laura-Ly’s letter in PDF format

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To Malka from Tuong Vi AN-GOURFINKEL, Year 10 at Lavoisier High School

As you recounted the ordeal your father endured I felt more and more that what you told us, and the wonderful lessons we learned, will stay with us forever. As you spoke, those thoughts permeated the room and made us think.

Tuong Vi AN-GOURFINKEL

  • File name: Tuong Vi’s letter in PDF format

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Sam Braun’s grandchildren talk about their grandfather’s legacy

 

Shana, Sam’s granddaughter talks about her grandfather

"I think later on I will also go in to schools to tell his story, so it is not lost."

Sacha Braun, Sam’s grandson talks about what he learned from his grandfather

“We didn’t talk much about what had happened to him. But just by being with him he passed on his humility and his wisdom to me.”

Ester Braun, Sam Braun’s granddaughter talks about her grandfather

“What my grandfather passed on to me was love of family. That was what mattered most to him. He also passed on ideas of kindness, the importance of listening and the need to follow your dreams.” 

Salomé Braun, Sam’s granddaughter and sister of Ester, talks about her grandfather

“My grandfather taught me that the most important thing on earth is family. Also, the idea of forgiveness.” 

To be one of ‘The Children of Sam’, according to Sarah, Sam Braun’s granddaughter

“Being one of the ‘Children of Sam’ is an honour, to be his granddaughter, to have spent all those wonderful years with him. I am proud of who he is, what he went through, and what he did with it. As he used to say, do not wonder about what was done to you, but what you have done with what was done to you. What he did with what was done to him is amazing, It is a wonderful lesson for life.”