Thank You Letter to Irshad Manji from Marion and Elie Wiesel

This document is a letter from Elie Wiesel, University Professor and Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University, to Mr. John Train, Chairman of The Train Foundation, dated May 7, 2009. Wiesel writes with strong conviction to nominate former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell for the 2009 Civil Courage Prize. He praises Powell's distinguished career as a statesman, his efforts to reconstruct what wars destroy, his dedication to serving good and noble causes, and his denunciations of racism, bigotry, and anti-Semitism. Wiesel highlights Powell's intellectual honesty, integrity, and tireless defense of victims of injustice in various regions, including East Asia (Tsunami), Africa (Darfur), and Latin America. He commends Powell's decision during the first Gulf War not to enter Baghdad to avoid bloodshed and his voice of reason and moderation during the second Gulf War, emphasizing his preference for reconciliation, peaceful dialogue, and human solidarity. Wiesel concludes by stating that Powell embodies the ideals of the Civil Courage Prize and that honoring him will encourage mutual respect and hope.