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Elie Wiesel — Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech (1986)

Author/Source: Elie Wiesel
Type: Primary source — speech
Era/Period: WH Era 4 — Holocaust & WWII; USH Unit 4
ELA Standards: 9-10.R.9 · 9-10.R.8
USH Standards: WH.6_12.4 · US.6_12.4
Copyright: Copyrighted (Nobel Foundation) — excerpt only

What This Text Is About

Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor and renowned author, delivered this speech in 1986 when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to fight indifference and promote peace worldwide. Born during World War II, Wiesel experienced firsthand the horrors of Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz and Buchenwald. He later wrote about these experiences in his famous memoir "Night." In this speech, Wiesel reflects on the lessons he learned from his traumatic past and the moral responsibility everyone has to combat injustice and suffering.

Read It

Copyrighted — excerpt only.

We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.

Full text at nobelprize.org.

Why This Text Matters

Wiesel's speech is significant because it directly addresses the ethical dilemmas of indifference and silence in the face of human suffering. By emphasizing the moral imperative to take a stand against oppression, Wiesel challenges his listeners to consider their own role in combating injustice. His words are relevant not just for understanding the Holocaust but also for broader issues of human rights violations around the world at that time. This speech serves as a powerful reminder that indifference can be deadly and that everyone has a responsibility to speak out against evil.

ELA Standards Connection

Standard Connection
9-10.R.9 Wiesel’s argument underscores the moral imperative to confront injustice, highlighting his rhetorical use of personal experience and historical events to persuade.
9-10.R.8 The structure of Wiesel's speech effectively contrasts indifference with active opposition to oppression, using repetition and emotional appeal for emphasis.
9-10.W.4 Write an argumentative essay that analyzes the impact of individual actions in combating systemic injustices, drawing on examples from the speech and historical contexts.

Social Studies Connection

Wiesel's Nobel Prize acceptance speech addresses key themes related to World War II and the Holocaust (WH.6_12.4) as well as broader human rights issues in post-War United States (US.6_12.4). The speech highlights the moral and ethical challenges societies face when confronted with genocide, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and individual responsibility.

Key Vocabulary

  • Indifference: A lack of interest or concern; neglect.
  • Oppressor: Someone who uses power to control others unfairly.
  • Tormentor: A person who causes someone else to suffer physically or mentally.
  • Neutrality: The policy of not becoming involved in a conflict between other people or groups.
  • Ethical Imperative: A moral principle that requires one to act according to certain standards regardless of personal feelings.

Studio Ideas

  1. Write an argumentative essay exploring the ethical imperative highlighted by Wiesel and its relevance today, using specific examples from his speech.
  2. Compare Wiesel's speech with other historical documents discussing the importance of taking a stand against injustice.
  3. Craft a contemporary writing prompt that encourages students to reflect on current issues of indifference and how they can make a difference.

Pairs With

Why This Is Relevant Today?

Wiesel's speech continues to resonate today as it speaks directly to ongoing debates about human rights and moral responsibility. Issues such as the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, or the rise of authoritarian regimes worldwide remind us that indifference remains a significant challenge in our efforts to build a more peaceful world.

Primary Source Collection · SDA Commons Reading Library · South High School