Public Grief in Personal Papers: Condolence Letters to the Klinghoffer Family By Leanora Lange Personal papers are usually just that—personal. They relate to an individual and may reveal what may have otherwise been private, information that was exclusive to this person and perhaps a select group of relatives or friends. The Klinghoffer Family Papers are unlike any other personal papers I have processed. They…
An Evening of Conversation & Stories On October 8, 1985, terrorists representing the Palestinian Liberation Organization stormed the Achille Lauro cruise ship, murdering Leon Klinghoffer, who was vacationing with his wife and friends. His tragic death became a rallying cry in the fight against terrorism. In the ensuing years the story was co-opted and retold through the lens of popular culture. Featuring Ilsa…