Letter from George P. Shultz to Elie Wiesel

This document is an official letter of patent issued by William Jefferson Clinton, President of the United States of America. It formally appoints Elie Wiesel, residing in New York, as a Member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. The appointment is for a term expiring on January 15, 2001, granting Mr. Wiesel all the powers, privileges, and emoluments associated with the office, subject to conditions prescribed by law. The document, signed by President Clinton, was issued in the City of Washington on the twenty-first day of February, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-six, which also marks the two hundred and twentieth year of the Independence of the United States of America.

The document comprises two informal, handwritten notes from Dov Seidman to Elie and Marion. In the first note, Seidman expresses his hope to meet them while they are all in Davos and provides his cell number. The second note is a thank-you message where Seidman expresses gratitude to Marion and Elie for including him in "The Benefit in honor of The Foundation," describing the evening's concert as "profoundly special and meaningful" and "uplifting." He concludes by reiterating his pleasure in seeing them. Both notes are signed by Dov Seidman and feature a printed letterhead.

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.

This document is a holiday greeting card sent from Ambassador Ron Dermer and Mrs. Rhoda Dermer of the Embassy of Israel. The card, featuring the emblem of Israel, extends "Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season." It was sent to Professor Elie Wiesel at The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, located at 555 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10022. The postage mark on the envelope indicates it was mailed from Washington, D.C. on December 11, 2013.

Elie Wiesel's message for the Galien Prize ceremony in Lyon, where he regrets his absence due to a busy schedule. He emphasizes that the Galien prizes recognize not only scientific creativity and technical mastery but also ethical considerations. Citing Rabelais' adage, "Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme," Wiesel highlights the misuse of human knowledge in the 20th century and the need for optimism in the 21st. He stresses the moral imperative of choosing life, alleviating suffering, and promoting health for all, viewing these as the ethical stakes of medical work. He connects the word "médecin" (doctor) to "méditer" (to meditate) and references Emmanuel Levinas on the doctor's role in hearing and responding to human suffering. Wiesel concludes by congratulating the laureates on their well-deserved recognition and mission.