Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org

There are so few people in the world who earn the respect and admiration of Elie Wiesel.

As a 13 year old, I had my first exposure to Wiesel’s brilliance when I read the autobiography of his life under the Nazi regime, Night.  Although I had been educated in the atrocities of the Nazis, targeting the Jews and several other minority groups, reading a book, illustrating a detailed account of the experiences of someone my age moved me beyond expectations.

Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org

I have since read Night again, as an adult, as well as several of Wiesel’s other brilliant works, including Dawn and The Town Beyond the Wall.  In addition, it has been a privilege to listen to Wiesel’s words, from his own lips, as he delivered many televised/recorded speeches over the years.  Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to listen to him speak live.

It is rare that someone who has, literally, been through hell finds his way to the pinnacle of society, inspiring and influencing people around the world.  Among Wiesel’s many honors, he was awarded the US Congressional Gold Medal of Achievement and, followed soon after, the Nobel Prize for Peace.

Despite his achievements and accolades, Elie Wiesel never lost sight of his life’s mission – making sure all who perished during the Holocaust had a voice to keep their memories alive.  Wiesel selflessly extended his work to all groups suffering from persecution around the world.

Photo Credit: YouTube.com

I can not begin to find the words to express the depth of my respect for Elie Wiesel.  I can only hope those who have heard and/or read his words will keep his mission alive.

“I decided to devote my life to telling the story because I felt that having survived I owe something to the dead and anyone who does not remember betrays them again.” (Elie Wiesel 1928-2016)

May his memory be a blessing.

Please feel free to share your thoughts on the life and achievements of Elie Wiesel and how they may have impacted you.