Elie Wiesel spoke in French in Montreal yesterday to a full crowd at the Spectrum. The lecture, “Building a Moral Society,� included an introduction by a Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) representative, a speech by Wiesel, and a question-and-answer period, led by a representative from Montreal’s Newman Catholic Center. English headsets were available for the bulk of the crowd, who included both students and adults, some representing clubs such as the McGill Muslim Students Association.
Wiesel began the lecture with a story, remembering the decision he faced after finishing his studies in Paris. Confronted with the choice of music or philosophy, he chose philosophy. As a choirmaster, Wiesel joked that he consecutively fell in love with every woman in the choir without their knowledge.
Wiesel directed his lecture to the students in the audience, saying that as young adults and free people, we must promote a moral and just society through lobbying and activism.
In the Q+A period, one person asked Wiesel how was able to cope after the Holocaust. Wiesel explained that he established the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity even though after the passing of his father, he felt there was nothing to live for. He said that he wished there was something he could say about why he survived and his parents did not, but there wasn’t – he was simply lucky enough to survive.
Wiesel said he had spoken to a group of students before the lecture, one representing a Palestinian organization. Wiesel said that although he wanted to kick this student, it is still important to listen to what all groups have to say if we want to foster tolerance. Wiesel also spoke of suicide bombing in Israel, and how it should be officially recognized as terrorism. He also recounted a story of when he was invited to speak at the inauguration of a new German leader, and in his speech, asked why Germany had not formally asked for forgiveness for the Holocaust. Two weeks later, this new leader of Germany went to Jerusalem and asked the Jewish community for forgiveness.
Despite its late start, Wiesel’s lecture received a standing ovation and was received extremely well.