Final answer:
The central idea of Elie Wiesel's 1992 speech at the White House is the historical context of Kosovo's ethnic cleansing and its parallels to the Holocaust, emphasizing the relevance of past genocides in understanding current events and the need for global leaders to act against such crimes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best statement that identifies the central idea of the text regarding Elie Wiesel's 1992 speech at the White House is B) The historical context of Kosovo and its parallels to the Holocaust. This is because the discussion highlights the similarities between Wiesel's experiences during the Holocaust and the ethnic cleansing happening in Kosovo at the time. Given Wiesel's background as a Holocaust survivor and his role in bringing awareness to the atrocities of genocide, the speech would inherently draw parallels between the tragic events he endured and those occurring in Kosovo, shedding light on the continuous presence of ethnic cleansing in shaping the 20th century and its impact on global consciousness.
The Holocaust was a pivotal moment in history that not only showcased the depth of human cruelty but also had lasting geopolitical effects, such as the establishment of Israel and the shift of the Jewish population center to the United States and Israel. It served as a stark lesson that the potential for genocide was not confined to the past but continued to be a threat, as evidenced by the ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. Furthermore, the speech would have likely influenced attendees at the White House by underscoring the importance of global leaders to recognize and prevent such atrocities.