Elie Wiesel: The Nobel Peace Prize
The Nobel Peace Prize is an international prize which is awarded annually by the Norwegian Nobel Committee according to guidelines laid down in Alfred Nobel’s will. It is awarded in five different categories, such as a possible contributions in the fields of physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace. It all began when the foundations for the prize were laid in 1895 when Alfred Nobel wrote his last will, like I mentioned beforeleaving much of his wealth to the establishment of the Nobel Prize.
Who was Alfred Nobel? Alfred Nobel (1833-1896) was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on October 21, 1833. His family was descended from Olof Rudbeck, the best-known technical genius in Sweden in the 17th century, an era in which Sweden was a great power in northern Europe. Alfred thought in ways many people did not thinkat his time, finding his own possible ways in which he felt would one day benefit and influence the world. At a young age he was writing poetry, drama he was already interested insocial and peace-related issues, and held views that were considered radical during his time. Nobel’s father Immanuel Nobel the inventor of modern day plywood and today’s torpedo, achieving much success Mr.Nobelwas able able to send his son to private tutors and the boy excelled in his studies, particularly in chemistry and languages, achieving fluency in seven different languages.
It didn’t take long before Alfred became the inventor of Dynamite, Gelignite and Ballistite. Dying a rich, successful man he left his money for those who were ready to continue his work for a better tomorrow. It didn’t take long when the time came for Elie Wiesel and on the date of October 14, 1986 he was awards the Nobel Peace Prize for beinga voice for those who had been buried in silence, a voice to those who had lost hope a voice to those whose memories were fading away, a voice for those who he promised that their story would never be forgotten. The The Norwegian Nobel Committee described Elie as a “messenger to mankind” stating that”his message is one of peace, atonement and human dignity.” Elie did more than send a message to his readers and to the people of the world, Elie Wiesel opened our eyes and he did not only do that, but he made us want to open our eyes and understand this tragedy and bring sense to it. His voice brought light to all those who were in darkness.
