Letter from Martin Vidlák to Elie Wiesel regarding Václav Havel's intention to nominate Yohei Sasakawa for the Nobel Peace Prize

This is a brief letter from Elie Wiesel to President Barack Obama, dated May 7, 2010. In the letter, Wiesel expresses his appreciation for a recent lunch they shared, highlighting how special it was and how deeply impressed he was by Obama's openness and willingness to understand his feelings and perspective. Wiesel concludes by offering his assistance if ever needed and reaffirms his friendship.

This letter, dated December 18, 2012, is from Martin Vidlak in Prague to Elie Wiesel. It conveys a posthumous message from the late President Vaclav Havel, expressing Havel's unfinished desire to nominate Yohei Sasakawa for the Nobel Peace Prize. The letter details Sasakawa's extensive humanitarian efforts, particularly his tireless work to eliminate leprosy not only as a medical issue but also as a human rights issue, which led to a UN General Assembly resolution in 2010. It highlights Sasakawa's broader humanitarian activism, including work on hunger in Africa, healthcare in developing countries, and assistance for marginalized and internally displaced ethnic minority people in Myanmar. The letter also mentions Sasakawa's role as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Welfare of National Races in Myanmar and his co-founding of Forum 2000 with Havel and Wiesel in 1996. Vidlak requests Wiesel's support for Sasakawa's nomination to fulfill President Havel's wish.

This letter, dated February 5, 1999, is from Elie Wiesel of The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity to Václav Havel, President of the Czech Republic. Wiesel thanks Havel for the invitation to this year's Forum 2000 and expresses relief at Havel's improved health. He confirms that both he and Marion Wiesel will be happy to attend the October 1999 conference and offers their support for Havel's endeavors. The letter concludes with warm wishes to Mrs. Havel and President Havel himself, signed by Elie Wiesel.

Václav Havel writes to Elie and Marion Wiesel from Prague on December 17, 1998. This document is a translation of the original letter. Havel expresses his regret that the Wiesels were unable to attend that year's Forum 2000 conference, noting that their presence was greatly missed. He then formally invites them to the upcoming conference in 1999, which is scheduled to take place at Prague Castle from October 10th to 13th. The theme for the conference will be "The Process of World Integration – Alternative Visions," focusing on various aspects of globalization. Havel stresses the importance of their attendance and mentions his desire to continue a conversation they previously had in Geneva.

In a letter dated March 14, 2001, Dagmar Havlová and Václav Havel, founders of the "Dagmar and Václav Havel Foundation Vision 97," write to Mrs. Marion Wiesel. They announce the foundation's expansion into the United States through a new not-for-profit corporation aimed at gaining moral and financial support. The letter outlines the foundation's broad interests in cultural, humanitarian, educational, healthcare, and social issues, emphasizing a proactive, forward-looking approach. The Havels formally invite Mrs. Wiesel to become an honorary member of the Board of Directors of the new U.S. foundation, highlighting her esteemed reputation and contributions to public life. They mention prominent members of the Czech foundation's board, such as Josef Tošovský, Petr Weigl, Jiřina Šiklová, Táňa Fischerová, and Karl Schwarzenberg, to illustrate the caliber of its leadership. The letter concludes with a list of enclosures, including annual reports and project descriptions, and expresses hope for her acceptance of the position.