Yom Hashoah 5774 - Holocaust Remembrance Day Program at Fifth Avenue Synagogue

Elie Wiesel, writing on behalf of The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, sends a letter to President Nicolas Sarkozy. Wiesel expresses his gratitude for an invitation extended to him and Marion to attend the bestowal of the Ordre du Mérite (Grand Officer rank) upon their friend, Maurice Lévy. However, Wiesel regrets that he and Marion will be unable to attend, as they have a long-planned gala in Monaco scheduled for the same evening, which is being held in his honor. He concludes by offering his highest regards to the President.

This letter, dated June 6, 1985, from Eli Pfefferkorn of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, is addressed to Mr. Racmiel Peltz. Pfefferkorn responds on behalf of Professor Elie Wiesel, conveying appreciation for Peltz's interest in Yiddish language and culture. The letter also addresses Peltz's query regarding Sari Palta and the Wiesel families, clarifying that there is no relation to Professor Wiesel, despite the existence of other unrelated extended families named Wiesel.

This document profiles the eight recipients of the 2009 National Humanities Medal: Robert A. Caro, Annette Gordon-Reed, David Levering Lewis, William H. McNeill, Philippe de Montebello, Albert H. Small, Theodore C. Sorensen, and Elie Wiesel. Each section details the medalist's significant contributions to the humanities, their background, major works, and lasting impact. Robert A. Caro is recognized for his biographies of Robert Moses and Lyndon B. Johnson, focusing on political power. Annette Gordon-Reed is honored for her groundbreaking work on the Hemings family and Thomas Jefferson, and her contributions to African American history. David Levering Lewis is celebrated for his definitive biographies of W.E.B. Du Bois and his studies on various historical subjects. William H. McNeill is recognized as a pioneer in world history, particularly for "The Rise of the West." Philippe de Montebello is lauded for his three-decade tenure as director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, expanding its collections and public engagement with art. Albert H. Small is acknowledged for his philanthropy and extensive collection of American historical documents, which he has donated to institutions like the University of Virginia Library. Theodore C. Sorensen is celebrated as a pivotal speechwriter for John F. Kennedy, known for crafting inspiring presidential addresses. Finally, Elie Wiesel is honored for his lifelong work as a Holocaust survivor, author of "Night," and advocate for human rights through the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The document highlights the diverse ways these individuals have deepened the nation's understanding of the humanities.

This document is a prologue by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel, titled "To Our Children," extracted from his keynote address delivered on May 28, 1984, at the First International Conference of Children of Holocaust Survivors in New York City. The excerpts are published in the 2015 book "God, Faith and Identity from the Ashes," edited by Menachem Z. Rosensaft. Wiesel addresses the post-Holocaust generations, particularly the children of survivors, reflecting on the challenges of memory and conscience after the Holocaust. He draws parallels to the Talmudic legend of Rabbi Shimon ben Yohai and his son Rabbi Eleazar, who emerged from a cave to an unchanged world, to illustrate the disbelief and anger felt by survivors. Wiesel acknowledges the healing power of the younger generation's anger and their commitment to carrying forward the message of history and identity. He emphasizes the shared responsibility to learn from suffering, prevent its recurrence, and maintain the continuity of Jewish memory and identity, transforming pain into a commitment to heal the world.

A personal letter from Oprah Winfrey to Elie Wiesel, dated January 31, 2006, from her office in Chicago. Oprah expresses deep affection and a sense of missing Elie, stating that Elie's spirit calms her own. She mentions having just returned from a shared trip and is preparing for a meeting to discuss how to tell "this story," presumably referring to their recent travel to Auschwitz concentration camp. The letter concludes with Oprah looking forward to their next visit, emphasizing the strong personal bond.