REMEMBRANCE – Holocaust survivor and senator Liliana Segre turns 94
UCEI: Millions of people touched by her reflections

Liliana Segre, the tireless voice of Memory and a senator for life since 2018, has turned 94. Born in Milan on September 10, 1930, she was deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau as a child with her father Alberto, who did not survive. She celebrated her birthday with family in Pesaro, a city that holds a special place in her heart, as it is where she met her future husband, Alfredo Belli Paci, in 1948.
“To Liliana Segre, best wishes for a day that marks a milestone transcending personal emotion and becoming a collective moment of congratulations,” wrote UCEI President Noemi Di Segni, emphasizing how “millions of people have been touched by her reflections that convey strength and hope” and share a sentiment of closeness and affection towards Segre. Di Segni expressed the hope that Segre can “live this year and many more with the best gift one could wish for today: serenity and the space to dedicate to daily life with family and personal affections, free from heartache and anger over media distortions and challenging detractors.”
The Shoah Memorial in Milan, which bears the inscription “Indifference” at its entrance—placed there specifically on Segre’s suggestion—was among the first to send a message. “Today, as every day, we feel the great responsibility and privilege of continuing her work of preserving Memory,” reads a note from the Memorial. The Museum of the Shoah Foundation in Rome also joined the celebrations, recalling her belief that indifference is “more culpable than violence itself.”
Political figures also reacted. “I wish to express, on my personal behalf and that of the entire Government, birthday wishes to Senator Liliana Segre, tireless witness of Holocaust memory and a bulwark against antisemitism,” stated Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. “Her constant testimony provides a concrete example every day of defending democratic values, protecting freedom, and safeguarding the rights of every individual,” emphasized Senate President Ignazio La Russa. Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, now leader of the Italia Viva party, said: “Her clarity, intelligence, and moral and human strength are an immense and timeless heritage.” Finally, Elly Schlein, Secretary of the Democratic Party, said: “Thank you, Senator, for your commitment to defending memory and the values of the Constitution.”

(Foto: Quirinale)