On Saturday, July 2, 2016, the world lost a hero. Elie Wiesel, author, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Holocaust survivor and human rights activist, passed away at the age of 87 in his home in Manhattan. Wiesel was a true leader of humanity and championed the rights for all people everywhere.
As a survivor of the Holocaust, Wiesel bore witness to atrocities committed against humankind. Despite the adversities he faced and the evil he saw, he made sure we would remember forever the memories of those who perished and prevent such suffering from occurring again. Never forget and never again became intertwined with our history and future. He brought the Holocaust, as well as other topics, to the forefront of international dialogue through education and remembrance. Silence was not an option. He spoke against injustices, violence, hatred and persecution of people throughout the world for race, religion, politics and more. As Wiesel said when he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in December 1986, “Human suffering anywhere concerns men and women everywhere.”
Wiesel’s voice was heard through his many speeches and the many books he wrote; his memoir Night sold over ten million copies. The impact he has had on all of our lives is immeasurable. He brought attention and action to global issues that otherwise may have only been met with silence. He forever altered the way the international community learned about the Holocaust and other atrocities. In 1986, the Nobel Committee called him a “messenger to mankind” when he received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Wiesel embodied the basic human values and principles that make up the very foundation of our Jewish community in Los Angeles and abroad, and the moral compass with which we strive to instill in our future generations. Jay Sanderson, President and CEO, and Julie Platt, Chair of the Board of Jewish Federation Los Angeles, together said, “The world has lost a giant, and we join his beloved family and champions of human rights around the world in mourning his loss. He did not just survive the Shoah. He made ‘never again’ his life’s mission. Elie’s work is far from done, and we must all do our share. Our Federation will keep that commitment to Elie, survivors of the Holocaust, and all future generations. May his memory be a blessing and may we all honor it.”
Wiesel was a symbol of hope and a beacon of light. He taught us the importance of coming together as a global community to champion human dignity, human rights and peace. We will never forget.
