Danielle Casanova, symbol of resistance, deported and died in the concentration camp

On May 9, 1943, Danielle Casanova, a figure in the resistance, died at the Auschwitz camp. The commitment of this communist activist, born in Ajaccio and from Piana, remains engraved in the memories. On this Monday, January 27, 2025, commemoration day of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camp, we republit this portrait initially broadcast on May 9, 2024.

It is the story of a symbol, that of resistance and activism.

This story is that of Danielle Casanova, 34, died at the Auschwitz camp on May 9, 1943.

During the interwar period she made a name for himself. While continuing her medical studies, she entered the Communist Youths whose management she will quickly integrate.

In view of her involvement and her qualities as a chef, she is responsible for founding the anti -fascist organization “The Union of Young Girls of France”. In all, more than 20,000 members will be identified there at the dawn of the Second World War.

In 1939, alongside other young women, she entered hiding and became resistant. It then organized informative actions, demonstrations but also supplies at a time when foodstuffs are intended as a priority for the German occupier.

It was also when she helps a couple of resistance fighters that she was arrested on February 15, 1942.

Secretly incarcerated in health prison for several months, it sets up a cell cell newsletter, data that it manages to transmit outside.

Deported to Auschwitz in January 1943 with 230 other women, she died of typhus 5 months later.

The name of Danielle Casanova remains engraved in the memories.

But those who have known him on the island will especially remember Vincentella Perini, his surname before his departure for Paris.

Born in Ajaccio and from Piana, beyond the image of the demanding political leader, she leaves the memory of a simple and courageous woman.

Danielle or Vincentella, whatever the first name by which we remember, her actions remain, as much in the history books as on the plates of the many monuments and streets named in her tribute.

The report made by Lionel Luciani: