Stephen M. Greenberg, Chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Conference of Presidents, issued the following statement:
Elie Wiesel exemplified the highest ideals of humankind and our tradition. He experienced and survived the unspeakable horror and tragedy of the Holocaust and devoted his entire life to eloquently teaching the world about its devastating consequences for the Jewish people and all of humanity. He was a cherished friend, an inspiring teacher, a leader and comrade in every battle and skirmish to ensure the safety and well-being of Jews everywhere and of the Jewish homeland in Israel.”
“His unique ability to convey the consequences of indifference to evil and his willingness to challenge the powerful to speak out and act against injustice wherever it threatened the vulnerable is Elie Wiesel’s enduring legacy to the world.”
“Those among us who were privileged to know and work closely with Elie for decades were strengthened and enriched by his warmth and intellect, and moved by his unshakeable commitment to prevent evil from ever again gaining even a toehold anywhere against any people.”
“The Jewish people and the entire world were enriched by his courage, wisdom and spirit, and most of all his devotion to the simple, yet elusive, ideal that we all must take responsibility for one another.”
“A great voice of conscience has left us. It is our obligation to carry on for generations to come the sacred pledge of “Never Again” and that the life’s work of Elie Wiesel to improve our world will continue.”
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