The Elie Wiesel Award

Partners have been key to extending the Museum’s reach beyond its walls into communities across the nation and around the world.

The Ritchie Boys, a once-secret US military intelligence unit that included many Jewish refugees from Nazism, was instrumental to the Allies’ victory in World War II.

By bringing the issue of Holocaust justice back on the world’s agenda after decades of indifference, Ambassador Eizenstat has played a singular role in securing the permanence of Holocaust memory, as well as compensation and restitution for Holocaust survivors worldwide.

Staffed by a dedicated team of prosecutors, investigators, and historians, the OSI was established to identify, investigate, and bring to trial people living in the United States who participated in Nazi crimes against humanity. The award was accepted by former OSI Director Eli Rosenbaum.

Journalist and filmmaker Maziar Bahari has exhibited exceptional courage in bringing the truth of the Holocaust to Iran and throughout the Middle East, and has been a powerful voice against antisemitism.

Co-recipients Serge and Beate Klarsfeld have dedicated their lives to bringing perpetrators of the Holocaust to justice.

Commonly known as the White Helmets, co-recipients Syria Civil Defence are volunteers who, at great risk to themselves and their families, have courageously saved lives and delivered critical services to people impacted by atrocities committed by the Syrian regime.

On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, the Museum bestowed the 2018 Elie Wiesel Award on all survivors of the Holocaust in recognition of their courage, resilience, and commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education.

As Germany’s leader for 12 years, Chancellor Merkel has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Holocaust memory and education.

One of the "Big Six" leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, US Representative John Lewis (D-GA) stood up to hatred and endured physical abuse, yet he never abandoned his commitment to promoting the human dignity of all people. 

Co-recipient Judge Thomas Buergenthal has honored the memory of the Holocaust through a lifetime devoted to the pursuit of international justice.

Co-recipient Benjamin Ferencz was recognized for his lifelong dedication to advancing humanity’s understanding of and commitment to justice.

Canadian Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire valiantly attempted to warn the world of and prevent the 1994 Rwandan genocide, despite enormous apathy and opposition from the international community. 

The Museum presented the 2013 award to Władysław Bartoszewski of Poland, on behalf of all rescuers, and to all the American veterans who fought in World War II.

Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor and founding chairman of the Museum, has played a singular role in establishing and advancing the cause of Holocaust remembrance.