Begin Menachem

Menachem Begin Historic Letter - "our efforts for peace" - to Philip Habib, U.S. Envoy to the Middle East

Two typed letters, each signed by 6th Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin (1913-1992) as "M. Begin", ca. 1978-1981. Both letters are on cream stationery paper, each sheet featuring "The Prime Minister" letterhead and a blind embossed Emblem of Israel showing a menorah flanked by two olive branches. Very good to near fine condition.

The lot includes two letters addressed to American career diplomat Philip Habib (1920-1992):

1. 1p TLS dated January 24, 1978 from Jerusalem. Prime Minister Begin sent get well wishes to U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Philip Habib, who had just suffered a major heart attack. With expected minor paper folds and staple holes in the upper left hand corner. Scattered horizontal impressions/stains from a scrapbook found recto and verso. 8.625" x 10.875". Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope, its return address printed as "Prime Minister's Bureau / Jerusalem".

The letter reads in part:

"You gave us all an anxious time, and to hear from you now that you are feeling much better is welcome news indeed.

We need you, my friend. And therefore, as one who has had some past experience with hospitals, I ask you to nurture your strength by not attempting too much too soon.

All of us involved in the eventful episodes of these past months have felt your absence. So as I thank you for the best wishes you extend to me for the success of our efforts for peace I express to you, in return, my sincere prayer for your best of health so that we all might benefit from your wisdom and experience."

Philip Habib began his term as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs--the highest post granted to a Foreign Service officer--in July 1976. In this role, Habib had worked with Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1977, and his negotiations had paved the way for Jimmy Carter's Camp David Accords. After his heart attack in 1978, Habib's health would continue to deteriorate; he suffered at least two more heart attacks before his death in 1992.

2. 1p TLS dated May 28, 1981 from Jerusalem. A central vertical paper fold, and light toning to the upper left hand corner, else near fine. 6.5" x 8.25".

Begin wrote in part: "In reply, I could use many sentences, but I will limit myself to one: It was good to work with you."

In the spring of 1981, Begin and Habib had collaborated in attempting to avert a major conflict between Israel and Syria, threatened when the latter country mobilized missiles in Lebanon within striking distance of Israel. Tensions would explode into the Lebanese War just a year later. In August 1982, Habib would return to the region to facilitate a peace process resulting in the withdrawal of Palestinian Liberation Organization combatants from Beirut.

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.