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Lot #118
Meyer Lansky Autograph Letter Signed

The 'Mob’s Accountant' seeks to aid Soviet Jews: "I will help if you can find out who this Society is also that they are recognized to be helpful for our Russian Brothers to help get them to Israel"

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Description

The 'Mob’s Accountant' seeks to aid Soviet Jews: "I will help if you can find out who this Society is also that they are recognized to be helpful for our Russian Brothers to help get them to Israel"

Legendary organized crime leader (1902-1983) who headed the notorious ‘enforcement’ syndicate Murder, Inc., which emerged in the early 1930s as successor to the warring Prohibition gangs and the old-line Mafia, and continued to operate into the 1950s. ALS signed “Shalom, Meyer,” two pages, 6.25 x 9.25, January 23, 1973. Handwritten letter to Joseph “Yoshki” Sheiner, an Israeli Security Agency officer. In full: "It is always good to hear from you. Better late then never. Don’t be concerned about not writing often; do when you are free and at ease.

I want to thank your Adonis for his picture, he looks good. How is he doing at school? I’m willing to sponsor him to High School if he is willing to learn. If he will take his studies as serious as his eating he should be a good scholar.

Zeppi looks real good. I hope she feels as well? I’m sorry that I can’t be a customer in her enterprise. I remember her baking very well.

I’m not surprised at what that little Jew may do. I hope Joe will get his money back. If he didn’t he should get his Lawyer to press it to the limit. I dislike weasels and he resembled one to me. When he rushed Joe about the money I felt less confident but who knows Nicarogua could have been worst. I wonder if your trip has put you on the list here? Can you let me know if Mike is on your list? I don’t recall what you said to Dave but I will ask him to repeat it to me.

At present I feel better and I’m little concerned of what may happen; in this materiallistic, monetary world a man has to be geared to take things in stride.

A Russian refugee by the name of Avron Shifrin who claims he belongs to the Society—Maoz which is out to help Jews and Christians get out of the communist concentration camps came to see me for help. At present it is I who needs help. As usual I will help if you can find out who this Society is also that they are recognized to be helpful for our Russian Brothers to help get them to Israel.

Avron is on a lecture tour in U.S. He left for Washington today he will speak before a committee of Congress (this is what he says). I’m also having my Rabbi check on him. Avron will be back in Israel about Feb. 15. Israel is the main office of Maoz Society.

Teddy and I wish Zepora the best of luck in her new endeavor. Our warmest and kindest wishes to all of you. The same to all my friends." He adds a postscript at the conclusion: "P.S. let me know as quick as possible on Maoz. If it is a good cause for us Jew I want to be helpful." In fine condition, with two file holes to the right edge.

Lansky fled to Israel in 1970 to evade charges of federal tax evasion but was deported by the Israeli government in 1972. It was Sheiner who accompanied Lansky on his infamous flight from Israel to Switzerland and South America. Unable to secure asylum, Lansky ultimately returned to Miami, where he was promptly arrested by the FBI on an outstanding warrant. He was acquitted in 1974, though he was never allowed to return to his beloved Israel. Lansky passed away in Miami in 1983.

In the present letter he refers to the Maoz Society, founded in 1958 to to promote the emigration of Jews from the Soviet Union to Israel.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Animation
  • Dates: #668 - Ended June 14, 2023





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