Introduction to Night “Never shall I forget the nocturnal silence which deprived me, for all eternity, of the desire to live. Never shall I forget those moments which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to dust.” - Elie Wiesel

History of the Holocaust After World War I, Germany was left with an economic chaos. In 1920, the NAZI party was formed. (National Socialists German Workers Party) This party’s leader was Adolf Hitler, who had the goal to “restore German pride.” Hitler blamed the Jews and others who were not “true” Germans for Germany’s economic state. In 1938, Hitler became the chancellor of Germany.

Hitler in Control Hitler gave the command for German soldiers to invade lands close by. In 1939, Britain and France declared war on Germany. Due to the U.S.’s economic status after World War I, the Americans did not enter the war until 1941.

The Devastation There were many work and concentration camps, but the three Elie experienced were Auschwitz, Buna, and Buchenwald. Jews had to wear the yellow star of David for identification. Jews lost their citizenship, the right to work, their right to own a business, the right to an education, and the right to gather in public places. Jews could no longer marry non-Jews. Jews would suffer frequent physical attacks on their homes and businesses. Hitler defined a Jew as one who had at least one Jewish grandparent, whether or not they observed the religion.

The Aftermath By 1938, Hitler imprisoned more than 30,000 Jews. Gypsies, people with handicaps, and homosexuals were also imprisoned. Those who disagreed with German politics were also imprisoned. Those who hid Jews were imprisoned. By the end of the World War II, at least 6 million Jews and 5 million non- Jews died.

Night begins in 1941 Elie lived in the Eastern European village of Sighet. He had a religious family. Elie was very interested in his religion at a young age. He spent his days intensely studying sacred Jewish texts.

1944 - It All Changes Germans moved in and occupied Sighet. He and his family were forced to live in ghettos and were alienated from all Germans. He and his family were forced to leave the ghettos to move into “work” camps. Elie’s faith in his family and religion were tested.

Elie After the War Elie wrote his memoir 10 years after his liberation. Night was published in France first and then in the U.S. in 1960. Since 1976, he has been the Andrew Mellon Professor of Humanities at Boston University. In 1985, he received the Congressional Medal of Honor. In 1986, Elie was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He travels throughout the world today, delivering speeches on hate and the remembrance of the Holocaust.

Themes related to Night Hate Discrimination Isolation Faith Perseverance Loyalty Inhumanity

Jewish terms Cabbala- mystical teachings that attempt to explain the hidden meaning of the Hebrew scriptures Fascist- dictatorial control by means of force, terror, and racism Ghetto- section of a city where a group is isolated Gestapo- Nazi internal security police Kaddish- the Jewish prayer for the dead Rabbi- a Jewish teacher Rosh Hashanah- the Jewish New Year, occurring in September SS officers- security officers for the Nazi party Synagogue- a Jewish temple Talmud- a collection of ancient rabbinical writings Yom Kippur- also call Day of Atonement, a holy ten days after Rosh Hashanah, celebrated by fasting and prayer