Holocaust museum to remember Elie Wiesel

A special commemoration in honor of Elie Wiesel, Auschwitz and Buchenwald survivor, author, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize winner, will be Thursday, July 14, at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie.

The program will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. It is free with museum admission. Reservations are required at www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/wiesel.

"Elie Wiesel fought hatred, prejudice and indifference with a sense of urgency, and moral and intellectual leadership," said museum CEO Susan Abrams. "He galvanized survivors to speak out and compelled world leaders to take action."

The program will chronicle Wiesel's incredible life and his many accomplishments. Leo Melamed, Weisel's longtime friend and chairman emeritus of CME Group, will read a Yiddish poem that reflects his thoughts on Weisel's passing.

Chicago-area Holocaust survivors will light candles and read moving quotes by Wiesel. A dramatic reading from Wiesel's book, "Night," will be performed by acclaimed storyteller Rives Collins, associate professor at Northwestern School of Communication.

Kristin Gottschalk, a teacher at Iroquois Community School in Des Plaines, will share the impact of "Night" on her students and their understanding of the Holocaust.

The program will also present Wiesel's poignant words from the museum's opening in April 2009.

Wiesel's best-known books will be available for sale in the museum's Legacy Shop - "Night," "Day," "Dawn" and the trilogy.

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center honors the victims of the Holocaust and transforms history into current, relevant and universal lessons in humanity. Through world-class exhibitions and programs, the museum inspires individuals and organizations and provides a universal wake-up call to action.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays until 8 p.m. Learn more at www.illinoisholocaustmuseum.org.