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 “Dad,” one onionskin page, lightly-lined, 8.25 x 10.75, December 21, 1970. Letter to his daughter Sandra and her husband Vince Lombardo. In part: “I paid a check to I. David Rosen Dec. 15 $1000.00…Did my last letter state 2 checks that I made out here one cash; the other for my bank in Tel-Aviv…Ben Messinger will be in Miami Dec. 28…He will need my records: deposit slips; check book and cancelled checks. Don’t let him tear the pages out of the check book of my withdrawals—let him copy it. It is better for my records to have the check book in tack…After the Holiday rush inquire in the Post Office what size and weight Parcel Post air mail accepts and let me know. You also inquire what a boat charges I want you to send me some things; I have plenty of time for the need so I may have you ship it by boat.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, and a few scattered light spots and creases. Accompanied by the original Sharon Hotels mailing envelope, addressed in Lansky’s hand.
Under investigation for tax evasion, Meyer Lansky moved to Israel in July of 1970 in hopes of avoiding prosecution. Shortly before penning this letter to his daughter, he applied for citizenship under the Law of Return, which granted Jews the right to Israeli citizenship; those ‘likely to endanger public welfare,’ however, were exempt from that right. Though he had not been convicted of the myriad crimes attributed to him, Lansky’s reputation as an elusive and dangerous mob kingpin left his request up for contention. As he arranged help to set his financial records straight back in Miami, he also hired federal attorney David Rosen to secure testimonials of his character from prominent Jews to bolster his case. After his initial application was denied, it was passed to the Israeli Supreme Court; they unanimously ruled against him. Defeated, he returned to Miami in November of 1972 and was immediately arrested aboard the plane. Noting arrangements for his personal financial records and mentioning payment to the attorney who would later represent him in his skimming and tax evasion trials, the content of this piece is highly desirable. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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