In these times of rising antisemitism and anti Zionism, finding Jewish bright spots in my life is difficult.
So, when I find one, I like to blog about it. Yes, share my enthusiasm by crowing out loud, “Good News Jews!”
And today’s Bright Spot Award goes to the US Postal Service.
Yup, on September 17, 2025, the USPS is issuing an Elie Wiesel (1928-2016) stamp.
And I am going to order a sheet of them.
So, you want a refresher course on Elie.
Well, here’s how ChatGPT summarized Elie’s stamp:
The stamp features a portrait of Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, author, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Author’s comment: What a great photo. Look how Elie’s eyes sparkle. He has the look of a man who knows he has met the goal of why he was put on earth.
It honors Wiesel’s contributions to literature and human rights advocacy, particularly his efforts to educate others about the Holocaust.
Wiesel is best known for his memoir “Night,” which recounts his experiences in Nazi concentration camps. (I recall reading this chilling story and how it was seared into my memory.)
He dedicated his life to speaking out against oppression and advocating for peace and human dignity. (I remember how impressed I was that Elie had the testicular fortitude to tell President Reagan not to visit the Bitburg German Military Cemetery, where SS soldiers were buried. But Elie’s efforts came to naught.)
And here’s part of the JTA article about Elie and his stamp.
“As a teenager, Wiesel was sent with his father, Shlomo, to the Buna Werke labor camp in the Auschwitz complex. He went on to become an international human rights advocate, publishing several books, essays, and educational projects, including “Night,” a 1960 memoir about his experience during the Holocaust.
Wiesel was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, the National Humanities Medal, and the Medal of Liberty in the United States.
Wiesel joins several other notable Jews featured in the Distinguished Americans series, including Jonas Salk, who developed the first influenza and polio vaccines, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and playwright Edna Ferber and Albert Sabin, who developed the oral polio vaccine. Jewish author and illustrator Shel Silverstein and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg have also been featured on stamps, and the postal service has issued several stamps marking Hanukkah. (Albert Einstein was the first American Jew on a US postage stamp issued in 1964.)
Thanks, USPS, for making my day and putting a bright spot in my life.
About the Author
About the Author Florida’s Jewish short-story writer, speaker, film producer, and retired attorney. Mort is the co-editor of “Sea of Tranquility—A Literary Anthology.” The book is scheduled to land on the Moon in December of 2025 as part of the Lunar Codex Project. The Earthbound editions are now on sale on Amazon. He has also authored “A Hebraic Obsession”, “The Hanukkah Bunny,” and “The Greatest Gift.” Mort has produced an award-winning short film titled “The Stairs.” The movie is available to view for free online. ChatGPT says, “Mort is known for his works that often explore themes of love, loss, and the human connection. Laitner has published several books, including “A Hebraic Obsession.” His writing style is characterized by its emotional depth and introspection. Laitner’s works have garnered praise for their heartfelt expression and keen insight into the human experience.” Mort was the president of the South Florida Writers Association and a correspondent for the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel Jewish Journal.
Thumbs Up:
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