And then I explained to him how naive we were, that the world did know and remained silent. And that is why I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.
In the book "Night" by Elie Wiesel, the author recounts a significant realization about the world's awareness of suffering and its inaction. Wiesel expresses the idea that until he understood the gravity of the situation, he and others had been naive, believing that people would intervene against injustice. This awakening led him to vow to never stay silent in the face of human suffering, recognizing that inaction contributes to the perpetuation of oppression.
Wiesel emphasizes the importance of taking a stand against atrocities, arguing that neutrality serves only to assist the oppressor and further harms the victims. He asserts that silence not only permits tormentors to continue their actions but also neglects the pain of those who are suffering. This powerful message serves as a call to action, urging individuals to speak out for the oppressed and advocate for justice.
