Two Letters from Josette Keisermann to Elie Wiesel

Elie Wiesel sends a message to the leaders and friends of OSE, expressing his regret for not being able to attend their centenary celebration. He describes OSE as an extraordinary organization, dear to him for its warmth and dedication, and considers it a haven of relief and friendship, as well as the pride of the Jewish people. He concludes by stating that he will never forget what he owes to OSE.

This booklet serves as a memento of the proceedings for the 90th Nobel Anniversary Dinner, held at the New York Hilton on December 9, 1986. The event commemorated Alfred Nobel and honored American Nobel Laureates. The document includes a proclamation from New York City Mayor Edward I. Koch, a message from President Ronald Reagan advocating for peace in a nuclear age, and a message from Pope John Paul II emphasizing unity and cooperation. Dr. Henry A. Singer, Executive Officer of the American Nobel Anniversary Committee, played a key role in the compilation. Illustrated with photographs, the booklet features prominent attendees and speakers, including co-chairmen Dr. Henry Kissinger and Warren Anderson, Nobel Peace Prize winner Liv Ullman, and U.S. Ambassador Vernon Walters. It also details future initiatives such as biannual American Nobel Convocations and the establishment of American Nobel Laureate Fellowships to support emerging scientists and researchers, reflecting the ongoing commitment to recognizing and fostering contributions to humanity.

Dated March 21, 1990, this letter is from Elie Wiesel, writing on behalf of The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, to Vaclav Havel, the President of Czechoslovakia. Wiesel expresses his gratitude to Havel for accepting an invitation to participate in the foundation's upcoming Oslo Conference, titled "The Anatomy of Hate — Resolving Conflict Through Dialogue and Democracy," scheduled for August of that year. He highlights the conference's urgency and historic significance. Wiesel adds a personal, handwritten note expressing 'admiration and friendship.' A typed postscript mentions an enclosed program from the Avignon Festival that was held in Havel's honor, which Wiesel had mentioned in a prior 'Cathedral address'.

Joy and Irwin Kadaner write to Professor Elie Wiesel, recalling a past kindness he did for their family after his book "Open Heart" was published. They inform him that for Pesach, they have purchased several of his books: a Haggadah with his commentary and illustrations by Mr. Padwalh, and copies of "Souls on Fire" and "Messenger of G-d" for their nephew, Derek, who has shown an interest in Chasidism and Jewish storytelling. The Kadaners express their admiration for his work, agreeing with his sentiment that Pesach is a "cry for compassion" and a "story of hope." They conclude the letter by asking Professor Wiesel if he would be willing to personalize and sign three enclosed bookplates: two for their nephew Derek, and one for their own personal Haggadah. They enclose a reply envelope and state that a simple signature would also be acceptable. They wish him and his family well.

In a letter dated February 12, 1990, Elie Wiesel, on behalf of The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, writes to Vaclav Havel, President of Czechoslovakia. Wiesel expresses deep concern over the global resurgence of ethnic, religious, and national hatreds, which temper the joy of recent political changes in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. He announces an international conference titled "The Anatomy of Hate: Resolving Conflict Through Dialogue and Democracy," which his foundation is co-convening with the Norwegian Nobel Peace Committee and the University of Oslo. The conference is scheduled for August 26-29, 1990, in Oslo, and will be sponsored by the Norwegian government. Wiesel extends a formal invitation to President Havel to participate, highlighting his unique perspective and stating that his presence is crucial for the meeting's success. He notes that fifty prominent global figures are being invited and that French President François Mitterrand has already confirmed his attendance. The letter concludes by mentioning an enclosed description of the conference and expressing hope for a positive response.