Invitation to Legion of Honor Award Ceremony for Marion Wiesel

This is a brief, handwritten note from Jonathan B. Segal of Alfred A. Knopf to someone named Elie, dated October 3rd. The note states, "Here is the jacket sketch for Hostage. Very, very strong." It concludes with "All best, Jon." The document is printed on stationery with the Alfred A. Knopf logo and Jonathan B. Segal's name, indicating a professional context for the communication about a book called 'Hostage' and its cover design.

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.

A personal letter from the Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, dated August 4, 1999, to Elie Wiesel. The author thanks Elie for a report, memoirs, and a "generous inscription," and expresses enjoyment of their dinner conversation. She mentions having just returned from Pristina and Sarajevo, noting the pain but also resilience in those areas. The letter concludes with a statement about the U.S. commitment of funds and the need for full support and cooperation from the Europeans, and looks forward to their next meeting.

This document is a typed schedule for Václav Havel's presidential visit to Japan from December 3-6, 1995, updated as of November 27, 1995. The itinerary includes arrival in Tokyo, meetings with Japanese officials, an audience with the Emperor and Empress, media interviews, and various formal dinners. A key part of the visit is a trip to Hiroshima to attend the "Future of Hope" conference, where Havel was to receive an award and deliver a speech, and visit the Peace Memorial Museum. The document, a fax sent from the Imperial Hotel, is addressed to "Elie & Marion" (likely Wiesel) and contains extensive handwritten annotations. These notes update the schedule, propose a meeting for Elie with someone named Nakae, and confirm arrangements involving Ted Koppel and Lawrence Eagleburger, indicating active coordination of the Wiesels' activities during Havel's visit.

Roger Fajnzylberg, General Director of OSE (Oeuvre de Secours aux Enfants), writes to Elie Wiesel (via his assistant) to update him on various OSE activities and to invite his participation. The email expresses pride in Elie Wiesel's work and shares news that Nicolas Sarkozy accepted OSE's proposal to elevate many former "Enfants de Buchenwald" living in France to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor, with a joint ceremony at the Elysée pending confirmation. Fajnzylberg also reports on the recent inauguration of "Café des psaumes" in Paris, a social and cultural hub for the elderly, attended by the Mayor of Paris and over 600 people. Upcoming events include a private fundraising visit to the Petit Palais for major donors, featuring André Glucksmann as guest of honor. Finally, Fajnzylberg informs Wiesel about the preparations for OSE's centenary celebrations throughout 2012, to be held in Paris, Saint-Petersburg, Warsaw, Berlin, Morocco, Israel, and potentially the United States, and asks about Wiesel's possible involvement and availability to visit Paris.