Maziar Bahari To Receive Museum’s 2020 Elie Wiesel Award

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum will confer its highest honor, the Elie Wiesel Award, on Iranian-Canadian journalist Maziar Bahari at its National Tribute Dinner being held on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, during the annual Days of Remembrance.

In his career as a journalist and filmmaker, 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. He is a fierce advocate for historical truth and securing the dignity and freedom of all people.

“Nazi Germany and its collaborators attempted to erase Jewish life from Europe. Holocaust deniers seek to secure them a posthumous victory,” said Museum Chairman Howard Lorber. “Maziar Bahari stands as a bulwark of truth against a government that officially denies this history, promotes antisemitism, and uses genocidal language against Israel. His commitment to uphold the truth in the face of determined opposition is remarkable and inspiring.”

Established in 2011, the award recognizes internationally prominent individuals whose actions have advanced the Museum’s vision of a world where people confront hate, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. Elie Wiesel, the Museum’s founding chairman, was the first recipient of the award, which was subsequently renamed in his honor. Engraved on the award are words from Wiesel’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech, “One person of integrity can make a difference.”

After reporting on irregularities in the 2009 Iranian elections, Bahari was arrested. He was imprisoned for 118 days—107 of them in solitary confinement—at the infamous Evin prison, where he was subjected to torture before being released. His story was told in the feature film Rosewater, which was written and directed by Jon Stewart. He is also the founder of IranWire.com, a forum that reaches millions of Iranians each month with objective news and provides training for Iranian journalists.

Read the full article from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum