Snapshots: Elie Wiesel

Activist and author Elie Weisel is in town to speak tonight to a sold-out audience. He is kicking off the 23rd Austin Jewish Book Fair which starts today and goes through Sunday, November 12. Tonight Wiesel will most likely speak on the topics of racism, anti-Semitism, genocide in Darfur, religious fanaticism and more. When we heard him speak he was still working on his lecture for this evening.

On the Middle East, Wiesel said, "The world should show more understanding towards Israel." He noted that "victory has become a shortcoming" where the worldview of Israel is concerned.

When asked by a UT student about student activism, Wiesel reminded students to be "conscious of their strength."

The main message that Wiesel wants people to hear whenever and wherever he speaks is one against indifference. "Indifference is the enemy of humanity," he said. "We are never allowed to be indifferent."

Austin Jewish Book Fair
Thursday, Nov. 2 - Sunday, Nov. 12
Jewish Community Association of Austin
7300 Hart Lane [map]
[Programs and Times]

This photo and others in this post by Elizabeth S.