One of Lbj’s Last Letters Was Written to UJA National Official

One of the last letters written by the late President Lyndon B. Johnson before his death Jan. 22 was addressed to Irving Bernstein, executive vice-chairman of the United Jewish Appeal. It was a response to an invitation to meet with the UJA’s National Young Leadership Cabinet at a seminar scheduled to be held next Sept 13-16 in Austin, Texas. Bernstein, in releasing the letter, described it as “a poignant footnote to the life of Mr. Johnson and only one reflection of his interest and action on behalf of the Jewish people.”

President Johnson’s letter, dated Jan. 17, received by Bernstein on the morning of his death, was in reply to a letter from Bernstein dated Jan. 12 in which the UJA official, described the nature of the National Young Leadership Cabinet which he said was “composed of the most active and influential members of our Young Leadership Program.” He advised President Johnson that the group was holding its annual retreat in Austin next Sept., the first in the Southwest.

Bernstein asked Mr. Johnson “if you could agree to meet with them during their retreat at a special seminar dealing with the situation affecting the people of Israel as you saw it during the period of the Six-Day War, as well as anything else you may wish to discuss with them.” Bernstein suggested that the seminar could be held at the retreat site or at the Johnson Library.

In his response, the former President said he was “interested to know more about the Youth Leadership Program and the seminar planned for September,” adding: “You were kind enough to invite me to meet with the young men — to share with and learn from them. I will hope to be able to do this, but I must ask that you get back in touch with me closer to the date, so that I will better know what my health and schedule situation will be. I want to do it and will remember your invitation.”