SNCF’s Recognition on November 16, 2009

On November 16, 2009, the Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF), France’s state-owned railway company, publicly acknowledged its role in the transportation of Jews to Nazi concentration camps during World War II. This statement was made during a French parliamentary hearing in Drancy, a suburb of Paris, which was the site of a major internment camp.

Historical Context

During the Nazi occupation of France (1940-1944), SNCF operated trains used to deport thousands of Jews and other victims of the Holocaust from France to extermination camps in Nazi-occupied territories. These deportations were part of the broader genocidal campaign orchestrated by the Nazi regime.

SNCF’s Statement

SNCF’s acknowledgment came via its chairman at the time, Guillaume Pepy. He emphasized the company’s role during the war, articulating a commitment to remembrance but noted that the company did not take direct responsibility. Pepy highlighted that SNCF was under the control of the German authorities during the occupation, suggesting a lack of agency in the decisions made regarding the deportations.

Commitment to Remembrance

SNCF’s recognition of its historical involvement did not come with an admission of legal responsibility or direct involvement in the deportations. Instead, the company emphasized its dedication to remembering and educating about these tragic events, supporting efforts to document and honor the memories of the victims.

Broader Significance

This acknowledgment was part of ongoing discussions and legal actions surrounding the role of French institutions in wartime activities. The discourse highlighted the complexities of collaboration, occupation, and resistance in wartime France and the long-term efforts of reconciliation and historical reckoning.

SNCF’s declaration was particularly pertinent given ongoing litigation and reparations claims by Holocaust survivors and their descendants, both in France and the United States. It also played a role in framing public memory and official narratives about France’s involvement in the Holocaust.