Tribute to Bernard Kanovitch
(1932-2025)

Bernard Kanovitch, doctor of medicine, specialist in medical ethics and supporter of the Shoah Memorial, died on March 26, 2025.

Bernard Kanovitch was born on May 14, 1932 in Paris. His parents, Aizick and Sarah, who came from Lithuania in the late 1920s, died during deportation to the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp with his little sister, Rosette. He lived hidden during the war under the name of Bernard Moulin with his brother Joseph in Châteauroux then in Vimoutiers.

Right: Rosette KANOVITCH, born on December 6, 1941, lives with her family at 32, rue Bichat in Paris in the 10th arrondissement. His father Aïzik, caught in the roundup of August 20, 1941, was deported on June 5, 1942. On September 2, 1943, Rosette is deported by convoy No. 59 with her mother Sarah-Maïta. Her two brothers, Bernard and Joseph, have escaped the raids. They became activists of the Jewish community life and doctor Bernard Kanovitch was president of the association of the Hidden Children.

Bernard Kanovitch is a doctor of medicine, honorary professor specializing in the field of medical ethics and former head of rheumatology at the Rothschild Foundation.
He played a major role in the field of biomedical ethics through the National Advisory Committee on Ethics and the National AIDS Council. He founded the Benjamin-Edmond de Rothschild Chair, whose work has allowed doctors, philosophers, political leaders and religious leaders from all walks of life to work together on bioethical topics.
He also held important responsibilities within the French Jewish community and the academic world.

Bernard Kanovitch is a ward of the nation, Commander in the National Order of Merit and Officer in the Order of the Legion of Honor.
He notably published Itinéraire d'un Juif Français (Bourin Éditeur, 2009).

The Shoah Memorial extends its most sincere condolences to his daughter Lisa, a faithful supporter of the Shoah Memorial, to her family and loved ones.