Description:

Reagan Signed Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp Remarks Following Bitberg Backlash. Amazing Judaica!

A signed copy of remarks given by Ronald Reagan at Bergen-Delsen Concentration Camp. 4 typed pages, measuring 8.5" x 14", Bitburg Air Base, dated May 5, 1985. The "Remarks of the President" is signed at the top of the first page in blue ink, "This for you Ronald Regan." Minor creasing at the upper left corner where the pages are stapled together. Boldly signed, very fine.

In part:
"Today, we've been grimly reminded why the commandant of this camp was named ``the Beast of Belsen.'' Above all, we're struck by the horror of it all -- the monstrous, incomprehensible horror. And that's what we've seen but is what we can never understand as the victims did. Nor with all our compassion can we feel what the survivors feel to this day and what they will feel as long as they live. What we've felt and are expressing with words cannot convey the suffering that they endured. That is why history will forever brand what happened as the Holocaust.

Here, death ruled, but we've learned something as well. Because of what happened, we found that death cannot rule forever, and that's why we're here today. We're here because humanity refuses to accept that freedom of the spirit of man can ever be extinguished. We're here to commemorate that life triumphed over the tragedy and the death of the Holocaust -- overcame the suffering, the sickness, the testing and, yes, the gassings. We're here today to confirm that the horror cannot outlast hope, and that even from the worst of all things, the best may come forth. Therefore, even out of this overwhelming sadness, there must be some purpose, and there is. It comes to us through the transforming love of God.

We learn from the Talmud that: ``It was only through suffering that the children of Israel obtained three priceless and coveted gifts: The Torah, the Land of Israel, and the World to Come.'' Yes, out of this sickness -- as crushing and cruel as it was -- there was hope for the world as well as for the world to come. Out of the ashes -- hope, and from all the pain -- promise…"

These remarks were given by President Reagan during a reconciliation tour in Europe. Reagan had been criticized by many, especially American Jewish leaders, when it was announced on April 11, 1985, that the president would lay a wreath at the German military base Bitburg but would not be visiting Dachau or any other concentration camp. Among the vocal critics was Holocaust survivor and author, Elie Wiesel, who considered refusing to accept a Congressional Gold Medal on April 19 due to his outrage. In the face of growing opposition, it was finally decided that Reagan's trip would also include a trip to Bergen-Belsen. Most, however, were still angered that the U.S. president was still scheduled to visit Bitburg following the trip to Bergen-Belsen. Israeli Prime Minister, Shimon Peres, commented, “When a friend makes a mistake, it is still a mistake. And a friend is still a friend. Mr. Reagan remains a friend, but I haven’t changed my view: I regret this decision.”

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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September 6, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
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