Henry Kissinger's gift of a learning experience for me.

 There is an outstanding story by James Stavridis in the Wall Street Journal just now about the challenges in Gaza especially about his relationship with Henry Kissinger

Kissinger and Alan Batkin were clients of mine for many years both for their personal collections and providing gifts for clients of Kissinger and Associates.

One day I received a call from Alan that a pipe had burst over Kissinger's office and caused water damage for over 200 personal, inscribed photographs.  We immediately picked up the collection and started the restoration which took 90 days to facilitate.

Restoring those photographs was the best lesson in 20th century world history imaginable.  He knew EVERYBODY and those inscribed, highly personal, laudatory pictures provided a moving panorama of the 200 men and a few women that shaped the world that we live in today.

My lesson from seeing them was that Henry Kissinger was the true father of Israel.  Starting off as the busboy for his parents catering business in Manhattan his proximity to the Jewish risk takers and genius managers is what formed his priorities and values - deep careful thinking, fiercely keeping your word, humanity, a sophisticated sense of humor, respect for motherhood, a passion for history and fine art permeated the ethos of his parents clients and friends.  This was the foundation for America's greatest statesman.

Living on the Upper East Side of Manhattan for the last 40 years is what has kept me young, stimulated and happy.   It is heaven here.  Everyday provides a compelling learning experience. 

Graham