Letter of thanks from American Friends of Rabin Medical Center to Professor Elie Wiesel, sent to Rabbi Aaron Reichel

This letter, dated April 14, 2014, is from Bill Greenberg of Watertown, MA, to Elie Wiesel. Greenberg writes as the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombings approaches, sending Wiesel a "Watertown Strong" calendar created by the Watertown Police Foundation to foster community spirit. He notes that the calendar includes a poem by an 11-year-old Watertown resident, Hannah Marie MacDonald. Greenberg also offers a contribution to The Elie Wiesel Fund for Humanity and expresses anticipation for Wiesel's "Three Encounters" at Boston University in the fall. The letter mentions Jean Maras, with whom Greenberg has spoken, and concludes by sharing an anecdote about Becca Gilbert, a 9-year-old heart transplant survivor, who was thrilled by Wiesel's inscribed biography, "Open Heart." Becca's parents, Gary and Amy, teach her about Nelson Mandela and Wiesel's life lessons.

Relieved that her sister-in-law Maria made it home safely after her visit to Philadelphia, Rebecca updates her on the health and activities of family and friends. She also shares some society gossip.

Rachel expresses her longing and esteem for cousin Rebecca and the extended family. Her husband Solomon adds that he is considering their reloation to Philadelphia.

Rebecca tells her sister-in-law Maria of the deaths of Becky Cohen, her cousin, and Joseph Marx, her niece's father-in-law, and comments on the meaning of suffering. She also remarks on the portrait of Eliza Blair, Maria's sister.

Rebecca tells her sister-in-law Maria that her family has postponed their travels to Kentucky, due to the spread of Cholera. She also discusses the tragic death of a Louisana judge and announces the arrival of President Jackson and captured native leaders to Philadelphia.