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LONDON, Oct 5, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Elie Wiesel, the Holocaust survivor who has made human rights his life's work, is to receive an honorary knighthood from the British government.
Foreign Secretary Margaret Becket will present the award Nov. 30 in a ceremony at the foreign office, the Jerusalem Post reported. Wiesel will then be the guest of honor at a dinner sponsored by Yad Vashem U.K.
The knighthood is being given for Wiesel's contributions to Holocaust education in Britain.
"I am grateful for the honor and hope it will help us serve the noble and urgent cause of remembrance," Wiesel said.
Wiesel is already a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and numerous other awards. He is vice chairman of the Yad Vashem Council and chairman of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council.
Born in Romania, Wiesel spent years in Auschwitz during World War II. His first book, "Night," was about his own experiences.
He is now a U.S. citizen.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
