The End and The Beginning

This document is a draft speech intended for the decoration of Marion Wiesel, dated October 25, 2000. The speaker expresses pleasure in honoring Marion Wiesel, acknowledging her modesty and preference for action over recognition. The speech highlights her unwavering commitment to peace, dialogue, and combating hatred, notably through her role as Vice President of the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity. It recalls her personal history as a Holocaust survivor, detailing her childhood experiences in Vienna, her escape through Europe, and time spent in internment camps. The speech praises her cultural contributions, particularly her translation work for her husband Elie Wiesel, and her poignant documentary, 'Les enfants de la nuit,' which aimed to bear witness to the plight of Jewish children deported by the Nazis. It also emphasizes her dedication to human rights, her organizational skills, and her work assisting Ethiopian Jews and providing educational support in Israel. The speaker concludes by conferring upon Marion Wiesel the title of Officer of the Legion of Honor on behalf of the President of the Republic.

Lisa Tyre was born February 1, 1929 in Vienna, Austria into an assimilated Jewish family. Her father, an attorney, served in the Austrian army in World War I. The family experienced no antisemitism until March 1938. Lisa describes the escalating effects of anti-Jewish measures and activities on her parents and herself and witnessed two instances of brutality against Jews. In the summer of 1938 her father was interrogated and beaten by the GESTAPO. A client, who was a Nazi officer, arranged for his safe return and also helped the family to obtain exit visas. The family left for England in September 1938 – helped by the Sassoon family – and moved to Christ Church, New Zealand six months later. The family went to the United States in November 1946, under the Czech quota and stayed for two weeks in the Congress House a shelter for refugees run by the American Jewish Congress. Lisa describes the difficult emigration process, and her family’s life and adjustment problems in England, New Zealand and the United States. Lisa attributes her rejection of Judaism and her distrust of organized religion to some of her experiences in New Zealand and the Congress House, and her bitterness to the loss of over 50 relatives during the Holocaust. Interviewee: Tyre, Lisa Glaser Date: February 24, 1981

Rebecca writes to her friend Maria, discussing the recent wave of antisemitism in Europe and efforts to help Jews escape persecution. She also writes about the literature she is reading.

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 is a handwritten thank-you note from Grace Anne Koppel, wife of Ted Koppel, to Marion and Elie Wiesel, dated May 28, 2003. Grace expresses her deep gratitude and joy for precious moments shared with them, stating she is still "floating" after an event that occurred on "the 17th day of May" and her "memory bank is very full." On the reverse side, there's a whimsical, separate note from the same hand discussing not wearing black if one knew they were to be a bride, and not wearing a tiara, unlike "the new Mrs. Dulisse." This strongly suggests the occasion for the thank-you was a wedding.