Our first conversation, our first real conversation, as adults, was at your father’s birthday. When we went together to get extra drinks at the Albert Heijn, around the corner in the picturesque neighborhood where you grew up, we talked about our lives. I don’t remember exactly what I said at that time, but what stuck with me was that you found the poetry I had recently written and shared on Instagram very beautiful. Additionally, you also thought it was very brave that I shared my feelings in such a vulnerable way. You were the first person to ever say something like that out of the blue. The idea that someone who had gone to a strange country years earlier, had given part of her youth to serve an ideal she believed in, found me brave for something like that deeply touched me. I remember feeling very much a part of the Baruch family in that conversation, and also that the connection between us, although sometimes it felt very distant to me, was still very strong.

In April, you were back in the Netherlands, and you came to Eindhoven with enthusiasm. In our conversations, I felt a mutual fascination for how we had spent our years, and I often felt as if I were explaining my childhood to someone who was infinitely more mature, but sometimes there were very vulnerable and almost innocent moments, like not being able to get used to having to choose my own clothes and the struggles of adjusting to civilian life. Nicole, my girlfriend whom you also met then, thought you were a very brave person and clearly had a tremendous amount of respect for you. Looking back on that beautiful day now, the most valuable thing about it is actually the naturalness that was in our bond; we were family so it was just there. I am very grateful for that feeling, the beautiful conversations we had that day, and the invitation I received from you to have dinner with the family the next day.

Unfortunately, we haven’t had much contact since then. Especially not since October, when your father rightfully asked us to keep direct contact with you to a minimum. With the current situation, I wish I were somewhat more rebellious and hadn’t followed that advice.

Currently, you are fighting the toughest battle you will probably ever fight; a battle that is taking place entirely within your own body. With the strength you have shown in all these years, I have the utmost confidence that you will win this fight. More than a thousand people stand by you in thought and eagerly await any updates your father, mother, brother, or sister shares. For this battle, you are supported by the best doctors and medical professionals, people who think of you all over the world, and all the loved ones who faithfully stand by your side.

When your father told me the news of the current situation you are in a few days ago, I immediately took action to also, as soon as possible, be one of those loved ones by your side. In the meantime, I will continue to send you letters, but ultimately one of those letters will not be delivered to you through another voice, but I will deliver it to you myself while holding your hand.

With all my love, Levi