92Y Talks: Upcoming Events Flyer

This document profiles the eight recipients of the 2009 National Humanities Medal: Robert A. Caro, Annette Gordon-Reed, David Levering Lewis, William H. McNeill, Philippe de Montebello, Albert H. Small, Theodore C. Sorensen, and Elie Wiesel. Each section details the medalist's significant contributions to the humanities, their background, major works, and lasting impact. Robert A. Caro is recognized for his biographies of Robert Moses and Lyndon B. Johnson, focusing on political power. Annette Gordon-Reed is honored for her groundbreaking work on the Hemings family and Thomas Jefferson, and her contributions to African American history. David Levering Lewis is celebrated for his definitive biographies of W.E.B. Du Bois and his studies on various historical subjects. William H. McNeill is recognized as a pioneer in world history, particularly for "The Rise of the West." Philippe de Montebello is lauded for his three-decade tenure as director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, expanding its collections and public engagement with art. Albert H. Small is acknowledged for his philanthropy and extensive collection of American historical documents, which he has donated to institutions like the University of Virginia Library. Theodore C. Sorensen is celebrated as a pivotal speechwriter for John F. Kennedy, known for crafting inspiring presidential addresses. Finally, Elie Wiesel is honored for his lifelong work as a Holocaust survivor, author of "Night," and advocate for human rights through the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The document highlights the diverse ways these individuals have deepened the nation's understanding of the humanities.

This document is S. J. RES. 231, a joint resolution introduced in the 98th Congress, 2nd Session, by Senators Christopher J. Dodd and Paul Laxalt on February 9, 1984. The resolution proposes the awarding of a gold medal to Elie Wiesel in recognition of his significant humanitarian efforts and outstanding contributions to world literature and human rights. It details Wiesel's international esteem as a novelist, teacher, philosopher, critic, historian, and humanitarian, and his distinguished citizenship. The resolution acknowledges his twenty-five published works, his role as a "spiritual archivist of the Holocaust," and his chairmanships of the President's Commission on the Holocaust and the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. It also notes his extensive work for human rights in various global regions and his numerous prestigious literary awards and honorary degrees. The resolution authorizes the President to present the medal and the Secretary of the Treasury to create it, allowing for the coining and sale of bronze duplicates.

This document is a fax transmission containing a letter from Ferenc Gyurcsány, leader of the Democratic Coalition, to Elie Wiesel, dated June 19, 2012. Gyurcsány expresses profound sadness regarding Wiesel's decision to return the Grand Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit, an award he received in 2004 from the late President Ferenc Mádl. Gyurcsány agrees with Wiesel's reasons for returning the award, acknowledging that while Hungary and its people are not inherently Nazi or antisemitic, antisemitic and Nazi elements exist, and the country has failed to confront its responsibility for the Holocaust. He criticizes the government's perceived encouragement of the Miklós Horthy cult, the participation of László Kövér and Géza Szőcs in a commemorative ceremony for the antisemitic writer József Nyirő, and the education ministry's inclusion of Nazi and Arrow Cross authors in school curricula. Gyurcsány labels these actions as a cynical attempt by the current government to regain public support by appealing to the far-right. He concludes by expressing hope that Wiesel will re-accept his award from a future democratic Hungarian government that stands uncompromisingly against extremism.

Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Maria, questioning the origins of the Christian holiday, Twelfth Night, and informs her on the reception of the writer Harriet Martineau in Philadelphia. She also updates her on the shipment of Maria's cloaks.

This document is an invitation from Stacey and Matthew Bronfman to a reception honoring Professor Elie Wiesel. The event includes the unveiling of a bronze portrait bust of Wiesel, sculpted by Marc Mellon and gifted by Larry and Cindy Bloch. The reception is scheduled for Thursday, October 18, 2012, at 6:30 PM at the 92nd Street Y's Weill Art Gallery, located at 1395 Lexington Avenue, New York City. Following the reception, a program titled "Elie Wiesel: Ezekiel and his Frightening Visions" will be held at 8 PM in the Kaufmann Concert Hall, exploring Ezekiel's life, mission, and prophetic visions in the context of tragedy, despair, and reconciliation. Attendees are requested to RSVP to Heather Jakub by October 5, 2012. The document also features a photograph of Elie Wiesel with an unidentified woman and background information on various centers within the 92nd Street Y.