Elie Wiesel, 1928-2016
A statement from Moment editor and publisher Nadine Epstein on the death of Elie Wiesel:
I am brokenhearted to tell you that Moment cofounder Eliezer “Elie” Wiesel passed away at age 87 on July 2, 2016. He was a great man who lost his family and suffered unimaginable horrors in the Holocaust. He made it his life’s purpose to tell the world about these horrors and what we should learn from them. His seminal book Night, which recounts his experience at the hands of the Nazis, has helped to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive. His account transcended the personal to become understandable to all. Despite his renown, and receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986, Elie remained a gentle, wise, considerate and humble man, who dedicated himself to making the world a better place. He spoke softly because, as he told me, it was his written words that counted.
He was at heart a writer, and his words, including those in Moment‘s pages, have left an enduring and lasting impression on the world. He will be greatly missed. On a personal note, I have lost a dear friend, confidant and mentor. His spirit was pivotal to Moment, which he founded in 1975 with another departed visionary, writer Leibel Fein. He cared deeply about Moment, serving on its board and as an inspiration for us as we strive to continue his vision. My heart goes out to his family.
Baruch dayan emet.
Nadine Epstein
You can watch a video of Elie talking about the founding of Moment here, and read and listen to his 2013 interview with us about preparing for and confronting death here.
Elie’s beautiful writing did not make the world a better place. Instead he inspired a courageous vision to see that there is no better place than to be here now with those we love.