Wiesel and Axelrod Talk Global Issues, Denounce All Forms of Fanaticism

by Elizabeth Dovell

David Axelrod, top political advisor to President Obama, convened with humanitarian and Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel on Wednesday, October 6 at the 92 Y in New York City. As part of the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity and the Conference of Nobel Laureates series, Holocaust survivor Wiesel discussed global issues and current events with politician Axelrod.

Axelrod and Wiesel set up the discussion as a "conversation between friends," with an audience of several hundred listening in. The two then began to ask one another questions concerning the state of the world with regards to the recession, poverty, the war on terror, and the rise of the extreme right in the United States.

Wiesel expressed malcontent at the actions of some who fall into that category. "This time there are more than 20 million people who listen to certain political commentators, so to speak, the language they use, some of them compare President Obama to Hitler. How far can indecency go?" He continued "I understand adversity, of course political adversaries, but there is hatred. Why such hatred?"

Axelrod concurred on Wiesel's stance on the matter and expressed his wish to move forward politically. "The big test after November is whether people are going to accept the sense of responsibility on both sides to move the country forward. We're eager to do that, but the environment is working against that."

Axelrod and Wiesel also fielded questions from Skype callers on issues concerning world hunger, global ethics, and the responsibility to protect.

The hot topic of the evening was undoubtedly the Park51 Islamic cultural center, which Wiesel felt strongly about. Commenting on the issue, Wiesel said "I didn't intervene until now because, on the one hand, there's the Constitution. I consider the Constitution a sacred document we cannot touch. On the other hand, there are the feelings of the families. How can I not think of that?"

Wiesel went on to propose an alternative that would, he hoped, satisfy those who support the project while at the same time display sensitivity to the families of 9/11 victims. "I would speak to the imam (Feisal Abdul Rauf) and tell him, 'Look, I don't doubt that your intentions are good. Nevertheless, you've divided the community. Why not unite it?' I propose to turn the whole project into an interfaith project of Jews, Christians and Muslims.' One site. A joint adventure."

This is not a new idea. While both men denounced fanaticism, citing both the Tea Party and terrorism as examples of extremism (obviously in different contexts), it should be noted that we must not confuse sensitivity on behalf of 9/11 families with appeasement of those who do not recognize religious freedom.

The two ended the evening on a note reminiscent of Wiesel's trademark unflagging optimism.