Wiesel delivers poignant message to sold out crowd in Rochester
Rochester Hills,
Mich.—Aug. 25—Every human being is worthy of our passion,
tenderness and love regardless of nationality, religion or color said
Elie Wiesel as he brought his lecture on "The Power of Language for
Reconciliation" to a close.
Wiesel spoke to a sold
out crowd of more than 800 people on Thursday evening, August 21 at
the Rochester Church of Christ in Rochester Hills, Mich. The event
which was hosted by Rochester College marked the launch of the
college's 50th Anniversary.
"I knew I was making
an unusual request," said Dr. John Barton, vice president of
academic affairs. "I was asking for something beyond his already
impressive list of standard lectures. I did not know what the chances
were that he would have either the time or the desire to accept such
an invitation.
Wiesel is one of the
most distinguished authors and public personalities of our era. A
survivor of Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps, he has used
his position as author, teacher and storyteller to defend human
rights and peace throughout the world. Wiesel has authored more than
fifty books including the book Night, which recounts his
personal experience in the Holocaust. He has also received numerous
awards including the United States Congressional Gold Medal and the
Nobel Peace Prize.
The evening began with
a private dinner catered by Chef Cari Kosher Catering held inside the
Rochester College theatre. Several special guests were present
during the dinner including several members of the college Board of
Trustees, Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett and members of the
Oakland University faculty and staff. The attendees were treated to
five-course meal in addition to excerpts from Who Returned My
Soul…, a reader's-styled production featuring testimonies
from several Holocaust survivors. During the dinner Wiesel confided
that he was surprised to travel to Michigan and be served a Kosher
meal in a Christian setting.
Wiesel began the
public lecture shortly after 7 p.m. with references to Biblical
characters such as Joseph, Moses and Cain and Abel who struggled with
reconciliation between each other, themselves and God. "When
language fails, it is replaced by violence. Violence becomes the new
language," explained Wiesel. "That was true then and it is true
now. In other words, two brothers rejected reconciliation as a way of
life."
He further elaborated
on his personal experiences and the history of international
relations between countries in the Middle East, America, and warring
countries in Europe and Africa.
"I believe art and
literature are here to help us overcome…to light a Holy fire that
does not burn and hurt but brings light and healing," said Wiesel.
At the end of the
lecture, Rochester College President Rubel Shelly presented Wiesel
with a plaque recognizing him as an Honorary Visiting Professor of
Humanities. He also introduced the Rochester College Institute for
Cross Cultural Exchange as the college's recent endeavor to foster
multi-cultural relationships throughout the Rochester/Rochester Hills
community.
Photos from the event
are available at Photos.rc.edu
