The young boy’s letter reads as follows:

B”H
8 January 2006, 8th of Tevet 5766

“Zichron Menachem,” Jerusalem

Shalom,

My name is Elisha, I am 7½ years old, and I live in Jerusalem. Several times a year I give “tzedaka” (charity donations) from my weekly allowance money, and this time I decided to help children who are sick with cancer.

I have a second cousin who is 9 years old and sick with cancer, and I also have a great-grandmother who is 91 years old, and she is sick with cancer too. I therefore wanted to give you “tzedaka” money. It is very important to me that as few people as possible will die from cancer in pain and suffering, and that the People of Israel will be strong and large, so because of this, I don’t want people to die.

I wish a “refuah shlemah” – a complete recovery – to all of the sick children.

Wishing you success, and thanking you,

Elisha Roth

(enclosed please find 39 New Israeli Shekels)

• On view: Scan of child's letter, in Hebrew