Meyer Lansky, the "Brains" of the Mob, ALS on Menachem Begin, Being Jewish, & Where are His Millions?

Two page autograph letter signed. Dated "Jan.1, 1978", and signed by Meyer Lansky as "Shalom Meyer". 8" x 10". Penned on rectos with versos blank. Near fine condition with two punch holes along right edge not affecting text, and toning to the outer edge of the paper.

Meyer Lansky, most often known as the "Mob's Accountant", was an American major organized crime figure who, along with his associate Charles "Lucky" Luciano, was instrumental in the development of the National Crime Syndicate in the United States.

His letter reflects on "Begin" (Menachem Begin), who at that time had been functioning in the capacity of Prime Minister of Israel for about 6 months. "… I made my letter brief and to the point to Begin. I also mailed a copy to Burg of Begins letter. I told Burg I wrote to him two times and not an answer. I would have liked to say more to that good Jew (Burg) at a later day I may, win or lose.

Uri Dan visited with me for a day, he suggested different attempts, asked if I had any suggestions. I said I have one suggestion I'm a Jew and that should be enough to permit me to visit Israel. I know Uri would like to help in my return to Israel and I appreciated his attempt …As for myself I am the same old way. When the news media lacks news they show my picture on television - and say the retired millionaire or the brains. I am retired, where is the millions? "

Uri Dan, an Israeli journalist, had been working on a book which was later published in 1979, titled "Meyer Lansky: Mogul of the Mob", most likely Uri's visit revolved around information gathering for his book. However in the book, it was revealed that Lansky said he was motivated by patriotism, and specifically detailed the event when he worked with his colleague Lucky Luciano to help the Navy stop sabotage and spying on the docks of New York City. Their intent was for the future safety and security of the harbor, and there were never again incidents of sabotage in the harbor of New York.

Perhaps it was his final comment which left many people scratching their heads. He has a legacy of being one of the most financially successful gangsters in American history. He has been called the brain of the Mafia. Before he fled Cuba, he was said to be worth an estimated $20 million (equivalent to $193 million in 2019). However, when he died in 1983, his family was shocked to learn that his estate was worth around $57,000. On paper, Lansky was worth almost nothing. At the time, the FBI believed he left behind over $300 million in hidden bank accounts, but they never found any money. However, Lansky's biographer Robert Lacey describes his financially strained circumstances in the last two decades of his life and his inability to pay for health care for his handicapped son, who eventually died in poverty. For Lacey, there was no evidence "to sustain the notion of Lansky as king of all evil, the brains, the secret mover, the inspirer and controller of American organized crime." He concluded from evidence including interviews with the surviving members of the family that Lansky's wealth and influence had been grossly exaggerated.

Certainly worthy of further research!

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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