Washington – President Obama Taps Elie Wiesel to Holocaust Memorial Council

Washington – President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts:

· Joseph D. Gutman – Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council
· Roman Kent – Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council
· Howard D. Unger – Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council
· Clemantine Wamariya – Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council
· Elie Wiesel – Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council

Elie Wiesel, Appointee for Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council
Elie Wiesel is University Professor and the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University. Mr. Wiesel is a prolific writer, political activist, and a Holocaust survivor. Mr. Wiesel is the author of 57 books of fiction and non-fiction. Night, his memoir based on his experiences in the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps is considered among the most important works in Holocaust literature. Mr. Wiesel was the Founding Chairman of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council and was instrumental in the development of the Museum. He has served continuously on the Council since its creation. Mr. Wiesel has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States Congressional Gold Medal, the rank of Grand Officer in the French Legion of Honor, and, in 1986, he received the Nobel Peace Prize.

President Obama said, “These fine public servants both bring a depth of experience and tremendous dedication to their new roles. Our nation will be well-served by these men and women, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”