 "Photo: Matt Lasek")
More than 800 people packed the George Sherman Union's Metcalf Hall Monday night to hear Boston University professor Elie Wiesel's third and final installment to his annual lecture series, "The Fascination with Jewish Tales."
The final lecture, The Time of the Uprooted, focused on handling the issue of those individuals who are forcibly removed from a culture, position or status in society, their right to live a normal childhood and other scenarios from the past and present time.
Rabbi Joseph Polak, director of the BU Hillel House, introduced Wiesel.
"In the almost 30 years that I've known him, his impact on his students never fails to be positive, never fails to be uplifting," Polak said of Wiesel.
Wiesel read excerpts from his book The Time of the Uprooted on the same topic as well as other stories from his personal notes. After every reading he tied in concerns over topics ranging from hatred and hope, to what to do for the future in terms of humanity.
"I believe hatred is a cancer," Wiesel said. "It has no boundaries."
Wiesel discussed how hatred is apparent in today's war on terrorism.
"It is the basis for the fanatic killer," he said. "Today the front line is everywhere, and because of this we have to do whatever we can to stop it."
The Nobel Peace Prize winner remarked on the importance of education to lead toward a better future for all nations.
"Learning brings people together," Wiesel said. "Education must be a priority."
He also emphasized the importance of writing in his life.
"Why does one write?" Wiesel questioned. "Perhaps to keep from going mad.
"I speak words and write words," he continued. "Writing is not a profession, but a calling ... a way to justify each moment of my life."
Many students said they believed his storytelling was an effective way to reach his audience.
"I liked how he integrated storytelling with the idea of fighting hatred," College of Arts and Sciences freshman Larry Tobin said. "Overall I really enjoyed what he said."
Other students say the specific details he added to his stories sparked their interest.
"Everything he said about hate and fear, they rang so true," CAS junior Noah Goldstein said. "I thought he was spectacular, an amazing storyteller."
Audience members ranged from students to alumni.
"I attended one of his lectures many years ago," College of Liberal Arts 1969 - currently known as CAS - alumna Ilana Rhodes said. "I have great respect for him because he's inspired so many.
"This lecture was inspiring and truthful," Rhodes continued. "I especially liked his recommendation to our government that we need an urgent international conference to eliminate hatred."
After the lecture Wiesel visited the Hillel House, where he answered questions for an audience of more than 100. He covered questions on anti-Semitism in Europe, the role of God in our lives and the humanity of man in today's world.
He addressed questions about the Holocaust and those who still question if the events took place.
"The deniers are so childish ... so sick," Wiesel said. "It is the most documented tragedy in history. What else do you need?"
Students found the personal setting to be beneficial.
"I really appreciated it," College of Fine Arts senior Gabrielle Orcha said. "I enjoyed the intimacy and that questions were encouraged."
Orcha is a student of Wiesel in one of two courses he teaches at BU.
"The accessibility of Professor Wiesel is pretty extraordinary," Orcha said. "The fact that he takes the time to answer individual questions - it just speaks volumes of his character."
Orcha asked what Wiesel's message to students would be and he responded with a smile.
"I would let others know that our people have a story and a relationship to that story," he said. "Hope -the main thing is that."
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