21st March, 1951
Tel Aviv

Dearest Love,

It’s Purim tonight and there is a lot of noise, and the streets are full of masked boys and girls. I believe we went to a party last year. Or am I mistaken?

You can’t be cross with me now because I am writing to you everyday and posting the letters express.

Your father took the results of the analysis to Daniel today and he is coming to see me tomorrow. He told your father that it is the best result I have had for a long time. I shall tell him that my kidneys are hurting again, probably because it is hamsinish. But otherwise his visit is a pure waste of time!

I had the shock of my life this morning. My ration books had disappeared. I asked your mother whether they weren’t downstairs and she said no. To cut a very long story short after I had been nearly frantic searching and worrying, they were discovered downstairs and the harassing story came to a happy ending. Buka was here and washed for me, but with the spring cleaning in the kitchen we got no further than the kitchen cupboard. She had been here 6 hours by then and couldn’t cope with any more. The house was in a most frightful mess and I spent the whole afternoon getting things organised again.

This evening your mother came up so that I could go to Ruth’s. She has taken my measurements:- waist: 75-77, hips: 103, length of skirt: 75, bust: 98, front and back length to waist: 45, long sleeves: 62.

I spoke to her Pappa too and I don’t know whether to be pleased with the arrangement. The whole thing seems to depend on having had British nationality in 1945, and he tells me to see at the Legation whether I can’t get a letter to say that I was then under British protection, working at the BBC. On second thoughts I think you might be able to do more in London, and you can also get a letter there from the BBC, saying that I was employed there for four and a half years. Please let me know your opinion. If this cannot be achieved, would it not be better to come to terms with Steffens and you get in touch with the people your father mentioned to you. What was auntie’s opinion on the matter? Also why didn’t you take my father’s watch? There was also outstanding the matter of a few bonds. I told S. to answer Cahn and to tell him to sell same and the money is to be used for the upkeep of the grave, through Mrs S. I think that is best and I do want the grave to be kept nicely.

Liki found a photo of you today and was absolutely thrilled with it. She asked me to give her some chocolate and I found her later on giving it to you, and kissing you and being altogether very excited. She wanted to know when you were coming back. Have you made up your mind yet?

I also wonder whether you have seen Arnold yet and whether he has any offsprings. Is Alice in London, and don’t forget to call at the Hofbauers.

There is no more news and I am longing to go to bed. So good night, sweetheart, pleasant dreams and all good wishes. Till we meet again,
Bossy.

P.S. If you want me to go to the Legation please tell me what I must say there. Also explain to me again the actual benefit to be derived from having been a member of the UN in 1945. I understand there is a 10 to 1 reduction – in what, Boss darling? Something (unintelligible) or other. I don’t think I grasped it completely. Or is it only the mortgages which get reduced?

Dr Daniel has just been here. He said the analysis was the best for a long long time and there is just a chance that if I have the patience and the perseverance, I can get cured. But it will take a long time since the illness is at least 10 years old, he thinks. He insisted that I should stay in bed on hamsin days or on very wet days and that I must wear a belt or something similar all the time. Also I should rest at least 2 hours each day and must see to it that my teeth are perfectly all right. Otherwise diet, diet and more diet.

Maybe I should get someone again on a monthly basis. What do you think? I do want to get well again. I owe it to all of us. Today I also got the toothbrushes. Wonderful!!! And the children’s things. Even more wonderful and absolutely adorable!!! The poor man incidentally was literally turned upside down and inside out and had a much too thorough welcome. Daniel wants to be remembered and asks you to remember.

Once again all love,

Bossy.