Letter to Michael Bloomberg

My darling,

This is the letter I wrote to Michael Bloomberg and hope it does the trick. I'll keep you informed and hope you can attend. They all would be so very proud! and you'll tell me how much they kept of the 2 days interview I gave them!! probably no more than 2 minutes if that!!

Many thanks and much love

Maman

Did you talk to Isabel re the archives?

Dear Michael Bloomberg,

Letter from Elisabeth Maxwell, (Ghislaine's mother) inviting you to attend the premiere of the film: Nicholas Winton ICA the Power of Good and/or your help in securing an interview for this amazing 93-year-old rescuer of Czech Jewish children.

Much water has flowed under the traditional bridge since you interviewed me on your channel in 1994 on the launch of my book, 3 years after my husband Robert Maxwell's death, and more recently when we met for dinner at Ghislaine's New York apartment.

You have crowned your career with a spectacular trophy, on which I am pleased to congratulate you. Meanwhile, I have carried on with my enduring interest in the history of the Holocaust and Jewish Christian relations.

It was whilst working in this field in 1986, that I discovered the extraordinary life of Nicholas Winton, a righteous gentile who saved 669 Czech children from certain death at the hands of the Nazis by organising their transport to England, leaving behind their courageous parents and siblings who were later all sent to Auschwitz and murdered. Many of the rescued children eventually made their way to the United States.

A 35mm documentary film in Dolby Digital Sound, made by the Czech Director, Matej Minac and entitled Nicholas Winton ICA The Power of Good, will be premiered in New York on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 7:00 pm, in SYMPHONY SPACE, Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, at Broadway and 95th Street, New York. It recounts the story of courage and determination of one man, like Oscar Schindler and Raoul Wallenberg who cared for others. Mr. Winton is one of the last living rescuers; he is now 93 and has been persuaded to travel by Concorde from England for the New York opening. He will be in New York from 14th to 21st September, accompanied by some of the children he rescued. Whilst in New York, he will be awarded the American Joint Distribution Committee Prize (they are also one of the main organizers of the event). It is unlikely, in view of his age that he will ever come to New York again and I do believe that it would be fitting if his exploits were brought to the knowledge of the American public through some of the best American TV shows, such as Larry King Live or the Oprah Winfrey show or any suitable program of your choice.

Nicholas Winton's active humanitarian approach to life resulted not only in the rescue of 669 children, but also in the construction of a whole chain of houses for the elderly in Britain, and many projects for handicapped children or the street children in Rio de Janeiro. He has much to say to today's audience, especially after the terrorist attacks of September 11th and the endless suicide killings in Israel. He is the living example of the courage to care.

Your presence at the premiere would be a great honour to Nicholas Winton, and his many friends in Great Britain and Czechoslovakia, and would of course signify the US public's recognition for his efforts done 60 years ago, which could still be repeated in our present day situation and remain a beacon for future generations. However, having only just been called upon myself to help, I do realise that it is very late in the day for such a request and would perfectly understand that with your very busy schedule you might not be able to attend. But if you could use your considerable influence to procure a space for my old and dear friend on one of the main TV shows, I would consider it a great personal favour.

The Czech sponsors are prepared to send by FedEx either to you or any one you suggest, the whole package of materials, plus a tape of the film in NTSC.

Thank you in advance for considering my double request and in the hope that our paths will cross again in the not too distant future, I send you my very best regards and best wishes for your success in your challenging new position.

Yours most sincerely,

Elisabeth