Hanna Szenes, a short handwritten note, addressed to Gusta [Gusta Strumpf-Rechav]. [Eretz Israel], probably, March 5, 1944.
"Gusta! I must thank you for everything, regards to all, from Hagar". "Hagar" is the code name given to Hanna Szenes prior to her departure on a mission and served her when she arrived in Yugoslavia and Hungary. Hanna Szenes signed by this name, a short while before her departure, a letter to Yehuda Barginsky, member of HaKibutz HaMeuhad secretariat, who took care of her departure on mission to Europe, before leaving Eretz Israel. [See: Braslavsky, Moshe (editor): Hanna Szenes, diaries, poems and testimonies. HaKibutz HaMeuhad publishing, 1994 - "Letters by Hanna Szenes - on the Verge of Departure"].
Gusta mentioned in the note is Gusta Strumpf-Rechav (1891-1982), one of the first pioneers who made Aliya from Germany following World War I, member of Kvutzat Kineret during the early 1920s. Worked with David Remez in "Solel Boneh" management, edited "Davar" newspaper in German, established and managed the first Beit Hachalutzot in Haifa, and managed the maritime and fishing company "Nachshon" for tens of years. Attached is the original envelope in which the letter was found. An inscription on the envelope reads "Last letter from Hanna Szenes, keep!!". Note 8.5x7 cm, fair-good condition. Staining. Missing corner, creases. Envelope 12x9.5 cm, minor damages and omissions.