March 25th, 1951,
Tel Aviv

Dearest Darling,

This evening you will probably be in Geneva, in some pleasant, comfortable hotel, eating good food and thinking perhaps about three years ago, when you were there with your old girl. I wish I could join you for a little while. How long are you going to stay in Switzerland, Poiky, and are you going back to London?

Today we are having a beast of a hamsin, and I think it started yesterday when I went to Haifa. I felt terribly ill there and am afraid disgraced myself at Ruth Cohen’s, whom I visited, by being mightily sick, and the flush wouldn’t work and her poor Mama had to deal with the mess. I felt most awkward about the whole affair but there was nothing I could do except apologise. I was praying to be home again, in bed and resting, and after sleeping for about 12 hours, I felt all right again. It would happen, wouldn’t it, Poiky, and all the time I felt how much easier it would be if you were there as well. However I saw the Kfms. off, and they were delighted with the present I got for their son. He wanted to pay me for the fare there and back but I wouldn’t have any of it. I believe they enjoyed their visit very much and they said they would see you before your return here. I felt a bit awkward on account of the money he gave my brother once because he mentioned it to me. I told him to send me a copy of the letter he wrote to the Minister but to which he had no reply, and I shall go to the Consulate here and see if anything can be done. Do you think we should invite his son here? He could stay at our place. We wouldn’t have him around much as he would want to see the country. See what you think of it and if you go there again and think it the right thing to do, you can invite him in our name.

Ruth C. looked very well and has started on her new work. Remember she told you about it. She has to work very hard as they are understaffed but is enthusiastic.

The journey to Haifa was very beautiful, the whole countryside being green and fresh, and the whiff of blossom was delightful but kindled my hayfever. There is a snag to everything.

I told you in my previous letter that the children’s things are delightful. The shoes are just right, but I fear the children will grow out of them very quickly. You will have to get a size larger, too.

Malchi was here again to enquire how I am and to invite me to a cinema. I must say he is most attentive – much more than any of your friends. I did not accept the offer to see the film as the children gave your mother a lot of trouble the day I went to Haifa, and she was up this week when I went to Simons. I did not think it was fair to ask her again. Maybe some other time.

Liki found a photo of you and was very thrilled with it. She fed you with chocolate and you had to look at her ‘petza’ and she said she wanted you to come home soon. How are you getting on with your business?

Dearest boss, I don’t know what else to tell you just now. I’ve run completely dry. Shall add another line tomorrow. Moshe has just woken up and is crying.

….. Here we are again. A terrible day today, my love, it’s pouring and there is a very strong wind, so I shall not go out and shall leave posting this letter until tomorrow.

Nothing has happened today. We have all been lazy. My hayfever, or it may be a cold, is in full swing. My nose runs like a river and my eyes are inflamed. I shall go to bed in a minute and hope it will be better tomorrow. Wonder if Geneva is pleasant just now.

I had meant to tell you what happened last time I went out with the children. Moshe had run in one direction and Liki in another. That was in the London Square. I dashed after Moshe, naturally, and by the time I retrieved him I could hear Liki yelling somewhere. When she yells you can hear her for miles. By the time I reached her one of the photographers there was talking to her and a lot of women who were sitting nearby were sympathising. I called out “Liki” and the photographer asked me whether I knew the child. I said yes, very well. So he asked me, do you know where her mother is, to which I answered that I was her Mama. At that all the old ladies started buzzing and the photographer looked very awkward, and I could hear behind my back how old everyone thought I was. It was rather a flattering sum total!

Mrs Luss came last week for a few minutes. I hadn’t seen her since the funeral and I must say she looks much better after her month in Tiberias. She said the business was good, though they are not receiving any textiles at all.

We had another meatless weekend and very few eggs. In order to give anything at all for Pesach, one has to do without most things three weeks beforehand. Thousands of new immigrants have come again, and many more are on their way. Aba Ebans has asked the USA for help as otherwise the country would be economically crippled. When I know where you are I shall send you the full text.

Excuse all typing errors, but I can’t see for looking. ALL my love, darling, sweetheart, adorable and write soon,

Bossy.