Letter from François Gros to Elie Wiesel concerning his heart operation

The Dalai Lama appeals to global leaders, parliamentarians, NGOs, and the public concerning the escalating situation in Tibet. He expresses gratitude for their concern over the recent tragic events and encourages them to persuade Chinese authorities to show restraint and engage in dialogue. The appeal highlights the deep-rooted resentment among Tibetans in the Tibet Autonomous Region and other traditional areas now incorporated into Chinese provinces like Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan, and Yunnan. He notes the deployment of Chinese troops, severe crackdowns, and the sealing off of protest areas. The Dalai Lama urgently calls for an end to the crackdown, the release of detainees, and adequate medical treatment for the injured, citing fears among Tibetans to seek care in Chinese-run facilities. He also requests support for an independent international investigation into the unrest, advocating for media and international medical teams to visit affected areas to reassure Tibetans and exert a restraining influence on the Chinese authorities.

Rebecca informs her friend Maria on the presence of typhus in Philadelphia and the social activities of friends and relatives.

The document is a philosophical address, likely by Elie Wiesel, to Rabbi Keermaier on the occasion of his induction into a leadership role. It begins by interpreting the Pirkei Avot passage "Assé lekha rav u'kné leha khaver" (Make for yourself a teacher and acquire for yourself a friend), exploring the complex relationship between a student (hassid) and a teacher (Rebbe). The author reflects on the nature of a true Rav, referencing the compassionate yet suffering Hasidic masters of Wizsnitz. The text then broadens to discuss the current era of global distrust and the unique challenges facing the Jewish people. Citing the destruction of the Temples and centuries of persecution, the author posits that Jewish survival is a mystery sustained by the unwavering commitment to learning the Torah. An anecdote about advising the Dalai Lama on survival in exile underscores this point: the Jews carried the Torah from Jerusalem, and this love of learning preserved their memory and soul. The address concludes by directly encouraging Rabbi Keermaier, emphasizing that his own learning will be central to his new leadership position.

Madeleine Albright sends a thank-you letter to Elie, expressing gratitude for his kind letter and positive comments about her new book. She also notes a lovely coincidence: both her father and Elie are Andrew Mellon professors at the University of Denver. Albright expresses that she would very much enjoy meeting him.

Rebecca continues her exchange with her friend Margaret (Peggy) about their letter-writing pact and reflects on both their family situations.