A Tribute to Professor Elie Wiesel
Lynda and Ben Brafman congratulate Professor Elie Wiesel z"l
at the ICRF Silver Anniversary Tower of Hope Ball
It is with heads bowed, and with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor, Nobel Laureate, teacher, author, human rights activist, and one of the most influential Jewish voices of our time.
During the past few days, we have heard countless eulogies and tributes from across the globe, about this extraordinary man who served as an eloquent witness for the six million Jews killed in Europe during World War II, and who, more than anyone, seared the memory of the Holocaust into the world's conscience.
Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) was honored to share a very special connection to Elie Wiesel. In the 1990's he served on ICRF's Boston board of directors, and years later he was honored by ICRF supporters at our Silver Anniversary Tower of Hope Ball where he graciously accepted ICRF's Humanitarian Award .
He closed his address with these words, which all in attendance, and everyone associated with ICRF found so encouraging:
"I have a naïve faith that the answer to cancer will come from
Israel, because Israel has given to humanity a concept of
celebrating life. What you are doing is of extraordinary
meaning and importance: first of all to save lives. Is there
anything more noble in the whole world?"
ICRF will always remember his immeasurable contribution to the world and his support for the mission of Israel Cancer Research Fund, to enable brilliant Israeli scientists to find more cures and treatments for cancer, for the benefit of all humankind.
As Elie Wiesel's Nobel Prize citation reads: "He is a messenger to mankind.
His message is one of peace, atonement and human dignity."
May his memory be for a blessing.
Kenneth E. Goodman, Chairman
Bradley Goldhar, President
Eric Heffler, National Executive Director