Washington National Cathedral Adds Stone Carving of Elie Wiesel to  Human Rights Porch

During one of the darkest chapters of human history, Elie Wiesel shined the light of the human spirit that illuminated the world. After escaping the horrors of the Holocaust that claimed 6 million Jewish souls, he dedicated his life to constant vigilance on behalf of human dignity.

The addition of Elie Wiesel to the Cathedral is a permanent reminder that each of us are called to vigilance and steadfastness on behalf of others. In keeping watch over the Cathedral, his likeness will serve as a testimony to his indomitable spirit in the face of ugly hatred. His memory is a blessing, and we pray that this carving will inspire generations to come.

The carving was sculpted by Chas Fagan and carved by Sean Callahan, the same team responsible for the other figures in the Human Rights Porch.

Official Press Release

Wiesel joins the likenesses of, among others, Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa, Jonathan Daniels and Eleanor Roosevelt on the Cathedral’s Human Rights Porch, which is dedicated to individuals who have taken significant, profound and life-changing actions in the fight for human rights, social justice, civil rights, and the welfare of other human beings.

read full press release

Elie Wiesel Carving Process

The carving was sculpted by Chas Fagan and carved by Sean Callahan, the same team responsible for the other figures in the Human Rights Porch. Photos by Danielle Thomas

Elie Wiesel Carving Process

The carving was sculpted by Chas Fagan and carved by Sean Callahan, the same team responsible for the other figures in the Human Rights Porch. Photos by Danielle Thomas

Elie Wiesel Resources from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Other Icons in the Human Rights Porch

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