Leader of the notorious “enforcement” syndicate Murder, Inc, Meyer Lansky (1902–1983), the organized crime boss emerged in the early 1930s as successor to the “old-line Mafia,” going forth to operate into the 1950s. ALS signed “Meyer,” one page (front and back), 5.5” x 9,” February 24, 1974. Letter to “Yushki.” In part: “We are short in everything except problems. With all our problems we are having a much easier and safer life than what you people are confronted with, so what are we complaining about, but human beings are like that. Jack can’t leave now. He is waiting to see my decision and that may not be until April; he should leave his itinerary with you (Joe), and he will let you know before he leaves (Jack), in that way he can see him on the way to Israel or in Israel. If the decision is against me I will try in higher court if they permit me on bail, all the better if not you will hear from me when I return home again. I have called Yoram and corresponded with him but I don’t get an answer. D. Rosen called him to mail some records that are very necessary for my taxes and he promised a prompt reply but no news. I will telephone when I enclose your letter. My telephone number is (305) 865-9693. Please don’t give it [to] Joe or Mushko the less I speak on the phone the better I like it, unless you come here of your family contact me the way you did.” In fine condition, with two unobtrusive binder holes to left edge and the return address portion of envelope stapled to the top of reverse of first page. Return address, penned in Lansky’s hand, reads: Mrs. Z. Sheer, 9457 Abbot Ave. Surfside, Miami, Florida, 33154.”
Lansky moved to Israel in July of 1970, whilst he was under investigation for tax evasion, and in the hopes of avoiding prosecution. Though he applied for citizenship under the Law of Return, which granted Jews the right to Israeli citizenship, he returned to Miami in November of 1972 defeated, and was immediately arrested aboard the plane. The character Hyman Roth in the Godfather Part II,” was said to be based upon Lansky, and the portion of the letter in which he writes here, “he is waiting to see my decision,” we believe, may have had to do with his attempt to return to Israel, as Lansky was acquitted in 1974, the year this was penned. This correspondence is full of interesting mobster content, especially the line, “The less I speak on the telephone, the better.”
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