Letter from Jacques Chirac to Elie Wiesel regarding antisemitism and racism

A message from Jean to a Professor, conveying greetings and a social invitation from Elaine Kirshenbaum. Elaine wishes the recipient a Happy New Year and Happy Birthday and proposes a meeting for brunch or a visit in New York during the Thanksgiving/Hanukkah weekend (November 29-December 1). A cell phone number for Elaine is provided.

Following Nat Turner's Rebellion and the subsequent racial violence in Virgina, Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Maria about the immorality of murdering innocent Black people, and expresses her belief that Maria could be an advocate for them, despite being a slaveholder.

This document contains Elie Wiesel's speech delivered on April 19, 1985, at the White House, on the occasion of receiving the Congressional Gold Medal. Wiesel dedicates the medal to the victims of the Holocaust and emphasizes his responsibility to both the living and the dead. He reflects on lessons learned over forty years, including the perils of silence and the sin of neutrality in the face of human dignity at stake. He recounts the suffering endured in concentration camps and laments the indifference of the 'free world' to the fate of Jewish children. Wiesel addresses the Bitburg controversy, urging the President not to visit the cemetery containing SS graves, asserting that the President's place is with the victims. He concludes by advocating for reconciliation and working towards peace and understanding in a tormented world.

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

This letter, dated October 15, 1986, is from Ronald Reagan (and Nancy Reagan) to Professor Elie Wiesel, extending congratulations on his 1986 Nobel Peace Prize. Reagan emphasizes the importance of remembering historical lessons, particularly the Holocaust, to secure future peace. He praises Wiesel's life as a powerful testament to truth, recognizing his dedication to the memory of Holocaust victims, including his own family. The letter highlights Wiesel's role in demonstrating humanity's capacity to resist evil and advocate for peace, asserting that his award is a fitting acknowledgment of his profound service to humanity.