Night A Memoir By Elie Wiesel

About the Author Elie Wiesel reveals the account of his childhood experience as a survivor of the Holocaust. Born in Sighet, Transylvania, Hungary, Elie was the third of four children. His father, who was a well-respected leader of the Jewish community, made the poor decision not to flee Hungary when the Germans began to take over. Even though the ordeal took place during WW II, Elie did not speak or write about what happened until 1958. When he finally broke his silence and began writing his own true experiences, he penned one of the most profound and memorable accounts of this tragedy on record.

Holocaust Deriving from the Greek, “holo” which means “whole” and “kaustos” meaning “burnt” the word is literally translated “complete destruction, usually by fire.” The Holocaust is the period of time in which five to seven million Jews were killed by the Nazis. The Holocaust remains one of the most horrific examples in history of indifference, prejudice, and inhumanity.

Adolf Hitler Hitler was a great orator and easily influenced the Germans to follow his lead. He believed that the German race was superior and the Jewish race was Germany’s true enemy. He believed Germany could stop the Jews from conquering the world only by totally eliminating them. Thus began his plan of action.

Remembering the Deportation

Deportation Hitler ordered the deportation of Jews all over Europe to concentration camps. Men, women and children were loaded onto trains with each railway car carrying 80+ people. Room was very limited inside these cattle cars. People were forced to ride with limited water, food, and no place to go to the restroom for hours on end.

Concentration Camps The concentration camps were built to hold Jews and other prisoners of war in captivity. Some camps were built as death camps. It was at these death camps that Jews were murdered by the tens of thousands and thrown into crematories. Some of these death camps included Auschwitz, Treblinka, Chelmo, and Lublin.

Arrival to the Concentration Camps

Life in the Concentration Camps

Death in the Concentration Camps

Elie Wiesel Today Mr. Wiesel currently lives in New York City and has spent much of his adult life working as an activist for peace throughout the world. Somehow, he has found a way to replace his bitterness with faith in God and a love for humanity. His work for peace has earned him a Nobel Peace Prize and the respect of millions throughout the world.