Elie Weisel survived the Shoah. More than surviving, he insisted that we talk about it. He insisted that our talk not be an exercise in self-pity, but that we cultivate a willingness to put ourselves on the line for any group of people denied the dignity of their own humanity. He did so himself, time and again.
Now he is gone, but his words remain.
If you have not yet had a chance to read one of Mr. Weisel’s books, start with Night. It is one of the world’s great books.