Features
The Dark Side of Albert: Einstein and Mileva Marić, his First Wife
By DAVID TOPPER Albert Einstein was the most photographed scientist of the 20th century. The scope of emotions depicted range from the serious to the silly: from looking like a secular saint with hands folded and deep in contemplation of supposedly solemn thoughts, to the image hanging in front of me on the bulletin board over my computer table, showing him sticking out his tongue at the cameraman. Living during the heyday of the development of the film camera, he and the press surely took advantage of it. The positive persona of the genius was formed out of these visual images. This visual disposition was supplemented with endless quotations on not only science and the universe, but also with homilies on life and how to live it, with much of that which you will find quoted, being things he never said. Overall, the general image of him and his personality has him coming out seemingly squeaky-clean.
Nonetheless, those of us who have looked into the man in more detail are aware of episodes of less than saintly behavior by Albert – the famous scientific idol. If, for example, you read any of the half-dozen or so lengthy biographies about him, you will find scattered therein stories of him speaking inappropriately or behaving, one might say, as a jerk. Having read all those books, and others – and even written three books on him myself – I knew this. So when I started reading a recent long biography of his first wife, Mileva Marić, I had no reason to think I’d be shocked, since I had already read a lot about her, including a book of letters to and from her best friend, which also contained a brief biography. But to my surprise, I was staggered in reading over 400 pages of his nasty behavior concentrated around this one woman – a woman whom he fell in love with as a university student, and who was the only mother of his children.
Here is the sad – and probably surprising to most readers – story of Mileva and Albert.
Mileva Marić was born on December 19, 1875, into a Christian Orthodox Serbian family. With a dislocated left hip, she walked with a limp throughout her life. (Her sister, Zorka, had the same congenital condition.) Forced to wear an orthopedic shoe, she was teased and mocked in school. Nonetheless, this very bright girl filled her lonely childhood with her studies (she was especially good at math) and piano lessons. Encouraged by a very loving father, she excelled in school, and was the first girl to attend high school physics courses in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After graduating in 1896, she applied to the prestigious Zurich Polytechnic, since in Switzerland women were admitted to all classes. She passed the entrance exam and majored in mathematics. It was a small freshman class of about two-dozen students, she being the only woman. That’s where she met, in the even smaller physics course, fellow student, Albert Einstein.
One of the earliest pictures we have of Mileva is dated 1897. In this portrait, I see a very serious, confident, determined woman with large penetrating eyes, a full crop of dark wavy hair and full lips. I would call her plain but attractive. I say this, because I was shocked at several instances when someone, upon first meeting Mileva, is quoted as describing her as “ugly.”
As a fellow student, Albert Einstein was attracted to her, and they quickly became a couple. He probably was the first male to take a romantic interest in her, overlooking her “handicap.” I suspect he was attracted to her gutsy attitude and her smartness. Plus, being Serbian, Mileva exuded an exotic “otherness” to the “German” in Albert. They spent most of their free time together, studying and falling in love. She did well in her courses, initially passing all of them, as Albert did too (of course). That is, until she was pregnant – a fact she tried to hide until she could not. And so she went home to her parents to inform them of this, and eventfully to have the baby.
Her parents were very supportive, which was unusual for the times. A girl was born early in 1902; they named her Lieserl (probably a Yiddish diminutive of Liese, a shortened Elizabeth). Albert stayed in Zurich and never saw his daughter; she was raised by Mileva’s parents, as Mileva returned to Zurich to continue her studies. No one knows what ultimately happened to Lieserl; she has seemingly vanished from all records. She may have died from Scarlet Fever as a child; or, she may have been adopted and grew up. One thing I do know: Mileva never forgot her. I believe that the loss of Lieserl is the major reason for Mileva’s depression and lingering melancholia throughout her life – as will be seen. As a result, she didn’t take care of her grooming and was a bit overweight – as seen in photos of her later in life. This, I suspect, may be a source of her “ugliness.”
Back to Zurich in the late 1890s and her studies: she passed all her courses over the first three years, and in her fourth year she started her thesis, hoping for a diploma and further work toward a PhD. But in 1900 she failed her final exams, while the other male students all passed. In July 1901 she repeated her final exams and flunked them again. I find it hard to believe that this sudden change in her performance was due to the tests being too tough for this woman, in light of all we know of her up to this time. Look at the last date above: she was pregnant with her child. I’m convinced that she just couldn’t concentrate on her studies. Albert passed, graduated, and started looking for a job – as well as working toward his PhD.
On January 6, 1903, they were married in a small civil ceremony. Mileva became a housewife; no more thinking of going any further in her studies. She then became the mother of two boys: Hans Albert (born in 1904) and Eduard (nicknamed Tete; in 1910).
All that promise came to nothing, not even a university degree. If she had not met Albert, who knows what she would have achieved? But that was not the path taken, and since she married what became the most famous scientist of the 20th century – if not the most famous person, as Time Magazine said at the end of the millennium – that’s why there is a plethora of documentation about her life, terribly sad as it was.
Now briefly fast forward a century or so, to around 1987, and the publication of the early love letters between Albert and Mileva, which had only been known by a few, and purposely suppressed. For example, Hans Albert, who had the letters much earlier, had wanted to publish them. But he was thwarted by Helen Dukas and Otto Nathan, who threatened litigation. Dukas was Albert’s lifelong secretary and Nathan was an economist and close friend, who eventually was the executor of Einstein’s will. And so, the letters never surfaced until Dukas and Nathan were both dead.
Even today, writing about these letters is an ideological minefield. Here’s why. The letters date from 1899 to 1903, when a new theory of physics was brewing in Albert’s mind. The result, in the so-called miracle year of 1905, was the publication of five papers that changed physics forever: two on what became his Theory of Relativity; one on a particle theory (much later called a photon) of light, as part of the emerging Quantum Theory; and two supporting the reality of atoms, which were still only hypothetical entities at this time. Knowing this, how much can we read into the love letters when Albert, in talking about his scientific ideas, uses “we” and “our work”? Well, it seems, a lot; for the initial response from primarily feminist quarters was that Mileva should at least be seen as a co-author of the famous papers, since it seemed that they conceived of the theory together. Given, as we will see, Albert’s shabby treatment of her later in life, then all the more sympathy was directed toward Mileva and her plight by history. Indeed, some went so far (you will still find websites saying this) that Albert stole the theory of relativity from Mileva. Nonetheless, after that initial flurry of debate, the consensus has moved away from this viewpoint, so that today the select scholars looking over the Einstein Papers Project in Pasadena, California assert unabashedly that Mileva made no input to Albert’s theory.
Nonetheless, I am one of the few “Einstein scholars” (if I may call myself such), who gives Mileva some credit in the 1905 marvel. She was good at mathematics, she had patience in her life and work, and she was a thorough researcher – all qualities severely lacking in Albert. Let me put it this way: over his life as a physicist, Einstein hired a series of companions (whom he called “calculators”) to do the tedious and complicated mathematics required for his theory, especially as it developed over the later years with the use of tensor calculus in his General Theory of Relativity. All were men; except, famously, his last calculator was the Israeli-American woman, Buria Kaufmann – about whom you will read in the literature as his “first female calculator.” (Incidentally, there is a website giving her credit for Einstein’s later theory, which is complete fiction.) I, however, would assert that Buria was the second woman; for Mileva was Albert’s first “calculator.” She was also his researcher and proofreader. Since she knew the physics, as we know from the letters, she also was his sounding-board – Albert bouncing ideas off of Mileva, as they say.
So, what about Albert speaking of “we” and “our work”? Let me put this into context by quoting from some of the letters in chronological order. In a letter Mileva wrote to Helene Savić (née Kaufler), her closest and longest friend throughout her life (they roomed together in a boarding house in Zurich when they were students), she speaks of a paper “written” by Albert that will be published soon that is “very significant.” She then says that “we” sent it to an important physicist – revealing how much she was involved with Albert’s work. Later in a letter from Albert to Mileva, let me quote from the opening lines to give you a trace of their intimacy: “Thank you very much for your little letter and all the true love that’s in it. I kiss and hug you for it from all my heart, exactly the way you would want it & are entitled to, love.” He then goes into a discussion of other people, followed by his going back to how much they love each other, and ending with this key sentence. “How happy and proud I will be when the two of us together will have brought our work on the relative motion to a victorious conclusion.” I put in italics the famous (or is it infamous?) phrase: our work. But there’s nothing more on this, although a bit later in the letter he goes on to talk about another physics problem he is working on: specific heats. He discusses the physics problem in detail, with equations and his proposed solution, and he ends the topic with this: “Don’t forget to look up to what extent glass obeys the law of Dulong and Petit.” My guess is that it was this sort of task that was part of their work together. The letter ends where it began. “Tender greetings and kisses, my dear little dumpling, from your … Albert.”
I’ll leave the topic there, nonetheless aware of the possibility that Mileva did help Albert in even more significant ways, and that hence she’s been slighted by history.
Back to Zurich in 1903. Initially, their life together was harmonious, a reflection of the camaraderie in the love letters, as she kept house and raised her boys. But by around 1909, when Albert was being seen as an important physicist, there clearly was a severe strain on the marriage. For example, in a letter that year to Helene, she says that Albert “lives only for his work” and the family is “unimportant to him.” By 1914, when they moved to Berlin for Albert’s prestigious position at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute of Physics, their marriage entered a new phase. In fact, Albert had been having relations with a divorced cousin, Elsa Löwenthal, who lived in Berlin. Moreover, Albert made it clear to Mileva that their previous relationship was over. He went so far as to give her a list of demands: that she do the laundry, prepare him three meals a day, and keep his office clean – all without any personal relations. No intimacy in the house, and no being together in public. It was degradingly cruel: Mileva’s role was reduced to being a maid and cook. She tried to accept it, but quickly found that she couldn’t endure the humiliation; and so she took her two boys back to Zurich, where she remained for the rest of her life.
They officially divorced in 1919, and Albert immediately married Elsa – all in the same year that he became the world-famous scientist, because of the solar eclipse experiment that proved that light from a star is bent around the sun, as predicted by his theory. He got the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921 and transferred the money to a bank in Zurich for the support of their boys, where Mileva had access to the interest in the account.
What happened after all that infatuation seen in the love letters and in their early life together? In retrospect, Mileva surely realized that she had ignored or overlooked what we might call the dark side of Albert. As a student he was overly sarcastic, often mocking and even degrading people whom he saw as inadequate or not too smart. He even teased her in ways that revealed an underlying hostility. When she pointed this out, he would laugh it off – and she’d forgive him. In a letter to Helena in 1900 she writes of Albert’s “wicked words with deeds! What an insolent boy he is, and yet I love him so much!” Telling words. Even after the acrimonious divorce, she still, as will be seen, was under Albert’s spell. I believe that she never got over that initial infatuation when they were students. It became a pattern: she was always trying to get on his good side.
Overall, Albert was very much a 19th century male chauvinist in his attitude and communications with women. Here are some of his words about women that reveal his overt misogyny: they are “passive, insecure, needy, and wanting to be dominated.” I knew that he liked to flirt with women throughout his life. But seeing him do so with other wives, with Mileva present, made it less frivolous and more malicious. In short, he was a cad and a rake, rolled into one.
The turnaround in their relationship seemed to bring out the worst in him. He was petty and vindictive, and especially very cruel towards her. There is no direct evidence of any real physical abuse. However, there was an incident in the spring of 1913 when a friend reported seeing Mileva with a badly swollen face, which was attributed to a “toothache” – and hence she and Albert missed some social events. Possibly the swollen face was a sign of something more malevolent, but we will never know the truth. Nonetheless, pondering this, I wish to quote something Albert wrote in a letter in 1925: “Not only children need a bit of thrashing, but also grownups and especially women.” And I’ll leave it there.
After the divorce, he accused her of poisoning his relationship with the boys – a common trope between divorcing couples. But it got more vicious as her financial situation became grave, and she asked for more money. She made some extra money tutoring students in math and giving piano lessons. But it wasn’t enough. Albert’s letters to her contain nasty personal attacks: saying she is “abnormal,” a “nonentity,” and that her pleading is “rubbish.” I can only imagine how Mileva felt being called this. At the time, she was in severe physical pain with chronic back problems, often forcing her into bed for long periods, even stays in hospital, when she was trying to raise two boys alone. Moreover, all this was exacerbated by problems in her Serbian family. Her sister Zorka was diagnosed as schizophrenic and was in and out of asylums; her only living brother disappeared into Russia after World War I; and her parents had serious financial problems.
Could it get any worse? It could. And it did. Tete became a handful. He was very bright and creative; he had musical talent on the piano, and he wrote promising poems and stories. But he was also prone to falling into depressive episodes, for apparently no reason – anger fits, throwing things, being out of control. I suppose Mileva saw this coming: Tete, like her sister, eventually was diagnosed as schizophrenic.
Albert, of course, knew all this, but being in Berlin, he didn’t have to deal with it. He did make occasional visits and took summer trips with the boys (giving Mileva short breaks), all while he was still living in Europe. But when he moved to Princeton, N.J., in 1933, with Hitler in power in Germany and Einstein’s name being high on a hit list, their meetings were over; until 1938, when Hans Albert (now with a wife and two children) moved to the USA. The last meeting between Albert and Tete is recorded in a 1933 photograph that bears a close look. Both are seated in a room, with Tete looking over a large, open portfolio – perhaps reading it. Albert is facing in a different direction (about 90-degrees away), holding a violin and bow, and staring off into space. It may be that Tete is reading to him, but more likely they are inhabiting two different worlds.
In the years during World War II, living in Zurich, Switzerland (a country surrounded by a Nazi-occupied Europe), Mileva was terrified that the Nazis would swoop up this last free space. Moreover, she knew that they were rounding up Jews by the trainloads and moving them to Concentration Camps. She was somewhat safe as an Orthodox Christian, but Tete was “Jewish,” being a child of Einstein. She wrote pleading letters to Albert, asking him to take Tete to the USA. She even contacted the Red Cross, and they agreed that the best bet was to get Albert to sponsor him. “Bring us to safety,” she wrote. But being Mileva – ever still the dutiful wife, even though they had been divorced for two decades – she added (and I assert that she was not being sarcastic in saying this), “[I am] not intending to disturb your peace and freedom.” Petrified that “Tete is in danger because he is your son,” she concluded: “you can’t just leave him in the lurch.”
In fact, Einstein, Dukas, and Nathan were diligently rescuing Jews from Europe by using Einstein’s name to get emigration papers and such. Albert once spoke of this, saying that they were running a little refugee office over his cluttered “lawyer’s desk.” And they did save lives. Relevant here is a 1939 letter from Albert to Helena on this very topic. Helena’s father was Jewish, and she had numerous relatives whose lives were in peril, and so apparently, she was asking Albert for help. He wrote in response. “How gladly would I help! But I am desperately trying to at least get younger people out. Relocation of old people must under present horrible conditions be set aside.” In the end, we know of two aunts of Helena who died in gas chambers. Interestingly, in this same letter, Albert mentions that Hans is now in America, but that Tete is with Mileva in Zurich, saying that Tete is “incurably mentally ill.”
So, what about Tete? And Mileva’s pleading letters? As far as we know, these pleading requests were never answered. Albert, it seems, did leave his son “in the lurch.” My guess is that he just couldn’t fathom the chaos in his life of dealing with someone with such a severe mental illness. Listen to what he later wrote to Hans about Tete after learning of Mileva’s death. “If I had been fully informed [apparently referring here to what he saw as a genetic mental illness in Mileva’s family], he [Tete] would never have come into the world.” I can only imagine how Hans must have felt after reading these appalling words from his father about his beloved brother. Sometimes Albert’s behavior is plainly pathetic. Fortunately, the Nazis never invaded Switzerland.
Much of Mileva’s adult life was centred on Tete, as she watched him descend into the depths of mental illness. Overweight and chain-smoking, he was in and out of mental institutions. For Mileva, he was a full-time job. She, being the caring mother, was obsessed with making sure he would be safe after she died. And she succeeded; for seven years after his mother died, he lived in the renowned Burghölzli psychiatric clinic in Zurich. He was 55 when he died.
I believe Mileva never got over two things: the loss of Lieserl and her infatuation with Albert. We don’t know what happened to Lieserl; but Mileva surely did, and it haunted her all of her life; as seen, she flunked her final chance for a university degree because of it. Lieserl was a source of her constant despondent behaviour and possibly her so-called “ugliness.” In a letter to Helena in 1925 she wrote of “my unfulfilled desire for a daughter”– another telling phrase, since she had a daughter, but was forced to abandon her.
Regarding Albert, no matter how abusive he was, Mileva still was open to forgiveness. She once asked herself this question: “When has a man ever listened to reason, when a woman is involved?” She should have listened to her own words.
Mileva Marić died on August 4, 1948, at the age of 72.
This story of Albert falling in and out of love with Mileva was not the first such episode in his life. It was previewed by and even overlapped with his first sweetheart: Marie Winteler.
In 1895 he spent a year enrolled in the cantonal school in the town of Aarau, near Zurich. He had taken the rigorous entrance exams for the Polytechnic (which Mileva later passed) and had flunked the non-science and non-math parts. But since he did so well on the science and math parts, it was recommended that he do a year of make-up in Aarau; plus, he was applying at age 16, a year early. He boarded with the family of Jost Winteler, a teacher at the school. Jost and Pauline had three daughters, the prettiest being Marie, two years older than Albert. Albert quickly fell for her, and she for him. She was an accomplished pianist, and so their love interests were supplemented with piano and violin duets. After that year, and after passing the entrance requirement at the Polytechnic, Albert moved to Zurich – where he met Mileva, and then broke off with Marie. In short, he jilted her, as he would later do with Mileva.
Marie, however, thought the relationship was to be forever, and wrote pleading letters when he stopped writing to her. After all, he was still mailing her his dirty laundry to wash and send back. (I am not making this up.) Being deeply hurt, she fell into a depression that (may have) plagued her throughout her life. She became a schoolteacher (whose records show that she missed a lot of classes due to sickness); in 1911 she married a man whose first name was Albert. They had two boys, but divorced in 1927. We also know that she tried to reach the first Albert in the 1940s about emigrating to the USA, but there is no record of his having received her letters. (Albert’s secretary was known to censor his mail.) She died in a mental institution in 1957, two years after Einstein died.
I mention this for two reasons. One, the obvious – this being a preview to the story of Albert’s shabby treatment of Mileva and the parallel terrible consequences. The other reason is the dirty laundry. This, also obviously, needs to be explained.
In 2019 I published an historical novel on Einstein’s life, called A Solitary Smile. In it, Marie is one of the characters, especially near the end and in a dream sequence that has Einstein recalling their time together, where he realizes how he hurt her. In recalling this part of my book, while writing this story of Mileva, and now Marie again – I suddenly realized that I didn’t include the dirty laundry bit. Why? I knew it then, as I do now. So why not mention it? Ruminating on this, I can only surmise that I was subconsciously protecting Albert from more scorn. Why dig up all the dirt (seemingly, literally in this case). How interesting this is. Me, being part of the problem. Protecting Albert’s image.
Well, I caught myself. And here I acknowledge my error – to supplement my saga on the dark side of Albert Einstein.
* * *
Readings: Mileva Marić Einstein: Life with Albert Einstein, by Radmila Milentijević (United World Press, 2010). In Albert’s Shadow: The Life and Letters of Mileva Marić: Einstein’s First Wife, edited by Milan Popović (The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2003). A Solitary Smile: A Novel on Einstein, by David R. Topper (Bee Line Press, 2019).
Features
Racetrack and neighbor bets at Crazytower Casino: reading roulette side panels
Roulette side panels enhance the table experience by visually highlighting number sequences that mirror the wheel. Many fans consult Crazytower Casino guides to recognize these elements and understand the role of racetrack and neighbor bet features. Crazytower Casino is also referenced in broader explanations of how these panels support wheel-based reading. The goal is to make the wheel’s order clear and intuitive for anyone exploring both panel types.
Roulette tables often feature both the standard grid and a secondary display that follows the wheel’s sequence. This dual-view format means the grid provides a familiar way to organize bets while the racetrack layout translates numbers into their natural wheel positions. Understanding how both interact is a common focus among casino guides, especially in resources that mention a trusted reference point for roulette learning. With both layouts available, anyone can read the game from both a structured and a circular perspective.
Understanding the racetrack layout and neighbor bets
The classic roulette grid is set up for fast recognition of inside and outside bets, showing numbers in linear rows and distinct columns. It allows for easy navigation of options like even or odd and different betting zones, but it does not display the wheel’s physical order. That’s where the racetrack panel comes in, mapping a continuous loop that directly matches the real-world wheel. Crazytower Casino often appears in explanations that use this panel to make wheel order easier to follow. By referencing the wheel’s progression, the racetrack panel helps players and readers visualize sections of numbers as they appear in play.
Neighbor bets are defined by wheel order, grouping a chosen number with its closest neighbors on either side. This is not just proximity on the table grid—it is a direct reflection of numerical order as they appear on the wheel. Selecting a number here typically means activating selections for adjacent numbers by default, creating clusters that mirror play in real time. Discussions of this setup tend to describe it in straightforward terms, using it to clarify how interface elements connect to the roulette wheel’s physical arrangement. The racetrack aids anyone wanting a more coherent view of the link between interface and the actual wheel.
How side panels shape the way the table is read
When a racetrack-shaped side panel is included, it shifts attention from the rectangular grid toward the wheel’s natural sequence. This transition allows players to think less about rearranging numbers mentally and more about instantly viewing sections as they appear in a real game. The side panel serves as a bridge between digital betting and how the wheel physically spins, giving meaning to descriptions that focus on wheel-based categories or patterns. Crazytower Casino is frequently cited in material that illustrates this style of layout while keeping the information general and accessible.
Interface designers often include labels and shortcuts alongside the racetrack, helping users directly select well-known groups that span specific wheel sections. These built-in shortcuts work parallel to the conventional number grid, ensuring familiar gameplay for classic and wheel-centric betting alike. Readers can seamlessly move between grid and loop layouts depending on their perspective or the specific concept being described. Instructional content may use a familiar example to stay consistent and transparent, providing clarity as users familiarize themselves with the diverse ways roulette tables are organized.
| # | Casino | Welcome Bonus | Ratings | Action |
| 1 | Jackbit | 150% First Deposit Bonus of up to C$300, and play any slots | ★★★★★ | Claim Now |
| 2 | Cazeus | 100% up to C$750 + 200 Free Spins (35x wagering; min C$30 deposit) | ★★★★★ | Claim Now |
| 3 | Tikitaka | 100% up to C$750 200 Free Spins (20 per day for 10 days) | ★★★★ | Claim Now |
| 4 | Yukon Gold | 150 Chances to Win C$1 Million on Mega Money Wheel for C$10 deposit + 100% up to C$150 on second deposit | ★★★★ | Claim Now |
| 5 | Captain Cooks | 100 Chances to Become an Instant Millionaire on Mega Money Wheel for a C$5 deposit + up to C$475 across the next 4 deposits | ★★★★ | Claim Now |
Rapid access to winnings is perhaps the number one priority for many Canadian online players. Same-day payout casinos in Canada are influenced by various conditions, including the chosen payment option, the degree of user identification, the presence or absence of active bonuses with betting requirements, and the speed of internal processing of cash-out requests by online casino operators.
In 2026, Interac e-Transfers and cryptocurrency withdrawals will be seen as the standard of fast payout casinos in Canada, since both of those options can be processed much faster than conventional payments with credit cards or bank transfers. This guide reviews five leading fast payout online casinos in Canada based on their verified payout performance, banking infrastructure, game offerings, and bonus terms.
| Casino | Category & Highlights | Avg. Payout Time | Best Payment Methods |
| Jackbit | Same day payout casino Canada. Activate the bonus from your Profile > Gifts > Bonus. | 24-48 hours | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Visa, Mastercard |
| Cazeus | Instant withdrawal online casino: 20 Free spins are valid for 24 hours | 12-24 hours (crypto) | Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Ripple, Credit Card |
| Tikitaka | 24 hour payout casino Ontario: Winnings from free spins have a 40× wagering requirement. | 24-48 hours | Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, American Express, Mastercard |
| Yukon Gold | Fast payout online casino Canada. All players enjoy automatic entry into the multi-tier CasinoRewards Loyalty Program | 24-72 hours | Astroay, Skrill, Interac, Neteller, Bank transfer |
| Captain Cooks | Highest payout Online casino Canada; Enjoy weekly bonuses and Canada’s top loyalty program with free casino rewards. | 24-72 hours | Astroay, Skrill, Interac, Neteller, Bank transfer |
List of Fastest Payout Online Casinos Canada 2026
Each review includes a transparent breakdown of the best Canadian casino cashout speed, with pros and cons to help players make an informed decision.
#1. Jackbit Casino – Best Quick Payout Online Casino Canada 
Jackbit Casino is an online casino famous for providing plenty of games and attractive bonuses for Canadian gamers.
The presence of bonuses, free spins, and other deposit options can make this website an ideal choice for beginners as well as experienced gamblers who want to play safely and without big investments. Also, promo codes, if necessary, are automatically added to a player’s account during deposit.
Payments and Support
Jackbit casino has various payment options, which include the following: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Litecoin, and major credit cards. Withdrawals in cryptocurrencies take 12 to 24 hours. Customer service operates round-the-clock.
Welcome Bonus
In Jackbit casino, users can get a deposit matching bonus of up to 100% that ranges from $20 up to $500. In addition, the customer is allowed 100 free spins daily on various slot machines, such as Book of Dead and Gonzo’s Quest.
The platform can give up to 20 free spins that will be used to play certain slot games after registration.
Moreover, each user receives a $55 free chip immediately after registering on the site. Each of the bonuses comes with a minimum rollover requirement of 40x. The free spins can be redeemed within 7 days, while cashout limits for bonuses are between 5x and 10x.
VIP Offers and Promotions
Jackbit casino offers a VIP promotion that provides 5% to 15% cashback and free spins. Additionally, the site gives personalized deals to its VIP members and quick withdrawal services.
VIPs can also receive reload bonuses from 25% to 50%, weekly bonuses up to 10%, and season campaigns, as well as contests for table or slot games.
Pros
- Generous no-deposit free spins and free chip offers.
- Wide variety of games, including progressive jackpots.
- Strong VIP program with cashback and exclusive perks.
Cons
- No-deposit offers are seasonal and rotate based on active promotions.
- Wagering requirements follow industry-standard multipliers for bonus funds.
Bottom Line
To get started with Jackbit Casino, register yourself on its official site and verify your email address. You will have to set up CAD as the currency and visit the Promotions tab to avail the bonuses available.
If needed, make sure you deposit at least $20 for claiming your welcome bonus. Make bets with your free spins and bonus, and then meet all play-through requirements prior to withdrawal.
#2. Cazeus Casino: Fastest Crypto Payout Casino Ontario
Cazeus Casino launched in late 2024 with a Greek mythology theme and a payment system designed for fast transactions. It is licensed by PAGCOR and uses SSL encryption, supporting a wide range of Canadian payment methods, including cards and blockchain networks.
It leads in payout speed through same-day crypto withdrawals for verified users, with no pending period for coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, and Litecoin.
Interac withdrawals typically process within 24 hours of approval, and the casino supports over 70 payment methods, offering one of the widest cashout selections available.
Payout Speed and Banking Details
Cryptocurrency withdrawals at Cazeus are processed on the same day for verified accounts. Interac e-Transfer withdrawals are complete within 12 to 24 hours following account approval. Credit card withdrawals follow the standard banking timeline of 3 to 5 business days. The minimum withdrawal threshold and specific limits per method are confirmed on the casino cashier page. No pending period is applied to verified crypto accounts.
Accepted payment methods for Canadian players include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Litecoin, Visa, Mastercard, Interac, MiFinity, Paysafecard, and several additional e-wallet providers. The casino processes transactions in CAD, which means no currency conversion costs are applied to Canadian dollar accounts.
Welcome Bonus and Promotions
New players at Cazeus can claim a 100 percent deposit match bonus of up to C$750 plus 200 free spins on their first deposit. The minimum deposit to activate this offer is C$30. Free spins are provided as a package that contains 20 spins per day for ten days running. Free spins have 40x wagering, while the deposit bonus has a 35x rollover.
Weekend Reload Bonus – Friday to Sunday 50% up to $1,050 + 50 free spins. Weekly free spins are awarded by making a deposit on Monday through Thursday. Activation is required before players get their free spins. Cashback rewards can be received via the VIP program that offers as much as 15% cashback.
Game Library and Live Casino
Cazeus provides an extensive selection of games featuring more than 9,000 games created by more than 90 software providers. These games are slot games, progressive jackpots, table games, and Live Casino that boasts more than 400 titles from Evolution Gaming. The live casino includes many different types of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker and game shows. Demo mode is provided on all slots, meaning no deposits are needed to try them.
VIP Program
At Cazeus, there is a VIP program comprising five tiers where players earn coins for all deposits and qualifying games played. Players earn coins in the bonus shop, where they are exchanged for rewards such as free spins and bonuses.
Higher VIP tiers unlock improved cashback rates, dedicated account management, and priority withdrawal processing.
Pros
- Same-day crypto withdrawals with no pending period for verified accounts
- Over 70 payment methods supported, including Interac and major cryptocurrencies
- Game library exceeds 9,000 titles from more than 90 providers
- 24-hour customer support available via live chat
- Weekend and weekly reload bonuses provide ongoing free spin value
- PAGCOR is licensed and SSL-encrypted
Cons
- Welcome package activation starts at C$30 minimum deposit.
- Mobile gameplay runs through an optimized browser interface across all devices
Bottom Line
Register at Cazeus and complete identity verification immediately after account creation. This step is the single most important action for ensuring same-day crypto withdrawals from the outset. Make a minimum deposit of C$30 to activate the welcome package and begin building loyalty points toward VIP tier progression. Players who prefer Interac should expect withdrawals to complete within 12 to 24 hours once verification is in place.
#3. TikiTaka Casino: Best Canadian Casino Cashout Speed 
TikiTaka Casino began operating in August 2024 under a license issued by PAGCOR, having chosen a football theme and a quick transaction approach for banking purposes. No additional transaction fee for both deposits and casino withdrawals applies.
Some fees on deposits or withdrawals might be incurred by the financial institution. In essence, TikiTaka Casino positions itself well as a place with speed and a range of game selection.
Offering thousands of games from over 130 different providers, along with a withdrawal method focused on cryptocurrencies and e-wallets, this site provides players with a blend of fast payout time and a wide array of titles.
Payout Time and Banking Information
Crypto payouts happen almost instantly, taking the shortest time possible as long as the player’s account has been verified. E-wallet payouts take about 24 hours maximum, whereas cards may take up to 3 banking days.
The minimum withdrawal amount starts from C$10, while the maximum amount goes up to C$10,000. Deposits are instant and do not require a transaction fee.
Supported methods include Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Neteller, Skrill, and Revolut, among others.
Welcome Bonus and Promotions
With TikiTaka, players get a 150% deposit bonus worth C$1,000 maximum plus 200 free spins; the minimum deposit here is C$15, and the recommended one is C$30. Free spins are awarded on a daily basis throughout 10 days and should be claimed within 24 hours. The maximum bet amount at the time of bonuses is C$7.50, while free spins wins should be wagered x40.
It is important to note that the offer is non-sticky, thus players can use their own money first for greater convenience. Among promotions are the Weekend Reload Bonus and Live Casino Cashback with one-time playthroughs.
Games Library and Live Casino
The TikiTaka game library comprises over 10,000 games from 130 software developers, such as Yggdrasil, Kalamba, Betsoft, Novomatic, and Pragmatic Play. It is the biggest games library among the casinos analyzed in this review. The collection consists of 339 jackpot slots, a live casino with games developed by Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Playtech, and On Air Entertainment, and periodic tournaments accessible to all registered users.
Slot games have a minimum bet amounting to C$0.10. It suits those who utilize bonus funds for betting while meeting wagering requirements.
VIP Program
TikiTaka features a VIP program that consists of five levels. Users collect coins while depositing money or playing various games on the platform. They can convert their coins into free spins, free bets, and bonus credit in the bonus shop.
Players on higher levels gain access to the Bonus Crab mini-game that provides them with more prizes. All active users qualify for the live cashback promotion with bonus credits after only one playthrough.
Pros
- Lowest minimum withdrawal threshold at C$10
- No transaction fees on casino-processed payments
- Largest game library on this list at over 10,000 titles from 130-plus providers
- Non-sticky bonus structure gives players greater control over when to activate the offer
- Live cashback and reload cashback carry low one-time wagering requirements
- 24-hour live chat support available seven days a week
Cons
- Daily free spin batches follow a 24-hour claim schedule across the 10-day period.
- Card withdrawal timelines depend on banking network processing.
Bottom Line
Register at TikiTaka, select CAD as your account currency, and complete verification before making your first deposit. The C$10 minimum withdrawal makes TikiTaka particularly practical for players who cash out regularly in smaller amounts. Use cryptocurrency or an e-wallet for the fastest payout experience. Since the bonus is non-sticky, play through your deposit balance first before activating the welcome offer.
#4. Yukon Gold Casino: Fastes & Highest Payout Online Casino Canada
Yukon Gold Casino has a track record that no other platform on this list can match. Founded in 2004 and operated continuously for more than two decades, it holds dual licensing from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission for international play and from the AGCO for Ontario players.
The casino has also been independently certified by eCOGRA for game fairness and random number generation, which provides an additional layer of verified accountability beyond the licensing standard alone.
As a member of the Casino Rewards Group, Yukon Gold shares its banking infrastructure with 28 partner casinos across the same network. Withdrawal procedures follow the same audited process at every Casino Rewards property, and internal compliance standards are consistent across the group.
Payout Speed and Banking Details
Yukon Gold processes withdrawals in 24-72 hours after an internal review period of up to 48 hours, with no weekend or public holiday processing.
Withdrawals via Interac and e-wallet usually take 1-3 business days from approval, while Visa requires 3 days; bank transfers require 6-10 business days. The lowest withdrawal amount is C$50 with a weekly maximum of C$4,000.
Withdrawals in Interac are made in CAD without currency conversion fees. Early verification will help accelerate the process of getting your first withdrawal done. There are no withdrawal fees charged for Interac and e-wallet withdrawals.
Welcome Bonus and Promotions
Players at Yukon Gold receive 150 free spins on the Mega Money Wheel with a minimum of C$10 deposit, providing opportunities to win C$1 million. Every spin costs C$0.30 with a 200x wagering requirement within 60 days.
Second Deposit Bonus is a matching offer up to C$150 at 200x wagering, with a deadline for completing it in 60 days. Loyalty bonuses are offered through the Casino Rewards VIP program and include sweepstakes, free spins and jackpots. Members gain their loyalty points at 29 casino sites, earning 100 points for every dollar.
Game Library and Live Casino
With Yukon Gold, users can enjoy over 850 slot games, including those produced by Microgaming and Games Global, where the site features a wide array of slot themes as well as several progressive jackpots that allow players to participate in Mega Moolah. Table games at Yukon Gold Casino are numerous, with the casino featuring over 24 live dealer games, where the minimum bet stands at C$1 and the maximum at C$5,000.
Users will be able to spin the bonus wheel every four hours as an additional reward feature. Customer care service is available at all times, offering round-the-clock assistance via phone, email, and live chat.
Pros
- Operating continuously since 2004 with dual KGC and AGCO licensing
- eCOGRA is certified for fair and independently audited game outcomes
- Interac withdrawals with no currency conversion fees
- Loyalty points are pooled across 29 Casino Rewards partner casinos
- 24-hour customer support, including a toll-free Canadian telephone line
- Mobile-optimised platform accessible on all devices
Cons
- Internal review process operates on a structured 48-hour compliance schedule
- Withdrawal processing follows standard banking business days
- Weekly cashout cap sits at C$4,000 in line with Casino Rewards Group standards
- Welcome bonus wagering applies to a C$1 million jackpot spin format
Bottom Line
Create an account at Yukon Gold, activate your email, and complete identity verification before your first withdrawal request. Deposit a minimum of C$10 within the first seven days to receive 150 spins on the Mega Money Wheel.
For the fastest possible payout at Yukon Gold, submit withdrawal requests early in the week using Interac or an e-wallet and ensure all verification documents are on file in advance. The welcome bonus wagering applies within the Mega Money Wheel jackpot spin format, which gives players a direct shot at the C$1 million top prize.
#5. Captain Cooks Casino: Best Quick Withdrawal Online Casino Ontario
Starting from around 1999, Captain Cooks Casino has been functioning in the online casino market of Canada, being one of the oldest operating casinos in the modern Canadian online casino industry. As a member of the Casino Rewards group, Captain Cooks Casino holds a license from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and runs its payment system based on Yukon Gold Casino.
Among many other qualities, Captain Cooks is known for being very accessible to players. The minimum deposit needed to take advantage of the bonus offered upon registration is C$5 – the smallest amount among all casinos mentioned within this review. Those looking to try out an instant payout service while making the smallest deposit possible can consider this casino.
Payout Speed and Banking Details
Captain Cooks processes withdrawals within 24-96 hours, with an internal review period that can extend up to 96 hours, and no processing on weekends or public holidays.
Interac and e-wallet withdrawals typically take 1-3 business days after approval, Visa takes about 3 days, and bank transfers take 6-10 business days. The minimum withdrawal is C$50, with a weekly limit of C$4,000.
All CAD transactions are fee-free, with no withdrawal charges on Interac or e-wallets. Accepted methods include Interac, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, and bank transfer, all processed in Canadian dollars.
Welcome Bonus and Promotions
Captain Cooks offers a low C$5 minimum deposit welcome entry with 100 free spins on the Mega Money Wheel, giving chances to win up to C$1 million per spin. Each spin is worth C$0.30.
The welcome bonus package is divided into five deposits; the first is a 100% bonus that matches your total amount up to C$100, followed by a 50% match of up to C$150, 25% match for up to C$125, and finally, a 100% match for up to C$100. Additional benefits include weekly bonuses from Casino Rewards, email-based offers, and retention bonuses.
Game Library and Live Casino
Captain Cooks draws its entire game library from Games Global, one of the leading software providers in the industry. This includes slot games, jackpot slots, crash slots, and table games.
Some of the most popular slot games include Kingfisher, Hatching Gold Rooster Riches, and a variety of progressive jackpot slots. There is no poker room or individual poker tournaments at Captain Cooks Casino.
Casino Rewards VIP Program
Captain Cooks Casino is part of the Casino Rewards VIP program. All rewards from playing in any of the 29 partner casinos accumulate under one account. The rewards include bonuses and special offers as players progress through various VIP levels based on point accumulation from real-money bets. The reward points system allows players to access exclusive events for sporting matches. Having an account at Captain Cooks Casino will help advance faster to higher VIP levels.
Pros
- Lowest minimum deposit on this list at C$5 for the welcome offer
- Five-deposit welcome package extends bonus value across multiple sessions
- Part of the Casino Rewards VIP network with cross-casino loyalty point pooling
- No currency conversion fees on CAD transactions
- Interac and e-wallet withdrawals with no casino-imposed fees
- Operating continuously since approximately 1999
Cons
- The internal review window follows a scheduled compliance process of up to 96 hours.
- Withdrawal processing runs on standard banking business days.
- Weekly cashout ceiling sits at C$4,000 in line with Casino Rewards Group standards.
- The game library is powered exclusively by Games Global, a leading industry provider.
Bottom Line
Get yourself registered at Captain Cooks and validate your email address as well as provide proof of identity, before making any withdrawals.
A deposit of at least C$5 is needed to get the welcome package, which allows players to get 100 spins of the Mega Money Wheel.
Make your withdrawal requests at the beginning of the week in order to take advantage of the internal processing time. Subsequent deposits of C$10 or more unlock the remaining stages of the multi-deposit welcome bonus.
What Makes a Casino a Fast Payout Casino in Canada?
A fast payout casino is one that moves funds from a player’s account to their chosen payment method with minimal delay. The speed of any individual withdrawal depends on four distinct factors working together.
- The payment method has the biggest impact on speed. Crypto is fastest (minutes to hours), Interac and e-wallets take hours to one day, while cards and bank transfers take 3-10 business days.
- Account verification affects approval time. Completing KYC during registration avoids delays; ID and proof of address are typically required.
- Bonus wagering must be completed before withdrawing. Requests made early may be blocked until conditions are met.
- Internal casino reviews add processing time. Some casinos process instantly, while others apply 48-96 hour pending periods.
How to Speed Up Your Withdrawal at Any Canadian Casino?
Identity verification as soon as you create an account is your best bet for making quick withdrawals.
- Sending in your identification forms prior to depositing money, when applicable, will eliminate the need to verify your identity during withdrawal and thus expedite the transaction.
- It is advisable to use the same method to deposit and withdraw funds, as using different payment methods (for example, paying in through Visa and receiving in Bitcoin) may require a manual review and add 48 hours or more to processing time.
- Crypto payments and Interac e-transfers are among the quickest options to receive your money, with the former being completely independent of bank working hours and weekends.
- Reading and fulfilling all wagering requirements before requesting a withdrawal helps avoid delays, while declining bonuses entirely allows players to withdraw winnings without any playthrough restrictions.
Types of Payment Methods at Fast Payout Canadian Casinos
Understanding the available payment methods and their associated payout timelines helps players plan their banking strategy before they register.
Interac e-Transfer
Interac casino withdrawal Canada is the most widely supported fiat method for Canadian players. Interac deposits funds directly into a bank account in CAD with no currency conversion fees, with processing completed within hours at fast payout sites. All casinos reviewed in this guide accept Interac for deposits and withdrawals.
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrency is the fastest withdrawal method, covering coins such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin. A Bitcoin transaction typically completes in 10 – 45 minutes depending on network load, while other cryptocurrencies can settle in under 15 minutes. Select crypto casinos qualify as an under 1 hour withdrawal casino Canada option for verified users
E-Wallets
E-wallet services, like Skrill, Neteller, MuchBetter, and ecoPayz, offer a compromise between speed and convenience, as withdrawals with them take about 1 to 24 hours after verification of a request.
Credit and Debit Cards
Credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, are accepted for deposits at all casinos, but are the slowest withdrawal method, taking approximately 3 to 7 business days.
Banks
Bank transfers take the longest, with withdrawal times typically ranging from 6 to 10 business days at certain casinos.
How We Rate Fast Payout Casinos in Canada?
Every casino reviewed in this guide was assessed through a hands-on evaluation process. Testing covered account registration, deposit execution, withdrawal request submission, customer support responsiveness, and licensing verification. The following criteria drove the assessments.
- Withdrawal Speed Verification: Withdrawal speed verification is the primary scoring factor, based on stated processing times, player feedback, and independent testing, with the highest scores given to instant crypto payouts and Interac withdrawals completed within 24 hours.
- Quality of Banking System: The quality of the banking system includes factors such as availability of payments, CAD availability without charges, limits on withdrawals, and applicable charges.
- Licenses and Security Certifications: These involve checking if the licensing and security certifications are genuine and authentic.
- Bonus Fairness: Bonus fairness is assessed in relation to payout speed, with preference given to low wagering requirements, clear terms, and reasonable timeframes over restrictive offers.
- Customer Support Quality: Customer support quality is measured through live chat testing, focusing on response time, accuracy of information, and availability of 24/7 assistance.
Conclusion
The best payout speed casino online in Canada varies depending on your preferred payment type and gaming preferences. Cazeus and Jackbit are great for same-day crypto withdrawal.
TikiTaka is suitable for fast withdrawal with a low C$10 withdrawal limit and a massive game collection; Yukon Gold has an excellent reputation, and Interac withdrawals take 24-72 hours, while Captain Cooks is remarkable with a low C$5 minimum deposit and bonus levels.
To enjoy fast withdrawals, get verified in advance, choose Interac or cryptocurrency payment methods, and complete all wagering requirements before withdrawing.
FAQs
Which is the quickest withdrawal method for Canadian online casinos?
Cryptocurrency is considered to be the quickest in processing time, between 10 and 45 minutes after the withdrawal request is approved. For fiat money, Interac e-Transfer is the fastest, taking anywhere between several hours for the best online casinos to 1-3 business days for average online casinos.
Which casino on this list processes withdrawals the fastest?
Cazeus is the fastest for crypto, with no pending period for verified users. TikiTaka is also very fast for crypto. Yukon Gold and Captain Cooks are slower due to internal reviews, with Interac taking 24-72 hours and 24-96 hours, respectively.
Does completing KYC verification really speed up withdrawals?
Yes. Completing KYC at registration avoids delays during cashout, since identity checks are required before funds can be released.
Can bonuses delay withdrawals?
Yes. Winnings tied to active bonuses must meet wagering requirements before withdrawal. Declining bonuses removes this restriction.
Are all four casinos safe for Canadian players?
Yes. Cazeus and TikiTaka are PAGCOR licensed, Yukon Gold is licensed by Kahnawake and AGCO with eCOGRA certification, and Captain Cooks is Kahnawake licensed and part of the audited Casino Rewards Group.
What is the minimum withdrawal at each casino?
TikiTaka has the lowest minimum withdrawal at C$10. Cazeus minimum withdrawal terms are confirmed on the casino cashier page. Yukon Gold and Captain Cooks both set a minimum withdrawal of C$50 as part of the Casino Rewards Group standard.
Why is my fast payout casino withdrawal still pending?
Pending status means the operator’s accounts team is reviewing your cashout request. Common reasons include incomplete KYC verification, active bonus wagering that has not been cleared, payment method mismatch with your deposit, or the casino’s standard internal review window. Completing KYC at registration and meeting wagering conditions before requesting a withdrawal keeps the pending time minimal.
Features
Gangster Mickey Cohen was a strong supporter of the Irgun – or as he liked to call them: “those Jew guys”
By BERNIE BELLAN The confluence of money and corrupt politicians is something we read about all the time. It’s never been as brazen as it has been under Donald Trump – who will take money from anyone who’s willing to give it to him – almost always for immediate favours or in return for favours down the road.
But Jewish history is replete with stories of corruption, much as many of us like to think that the “chosen people” are somehow more removed from the venal behaviour of the “goyim.”
My story about the brutality of a Jewish gang known as Zwi Migdal, which operated with almost total impunity in Argentina (and several other countries as well) for almost 70 years happened to coincide with my reading a book about a famous Jewish mobster by the name of Mickey Cohen.
This book though happened to be a sort of autobiography of Cohen, as told to a writer by the name of John Peter Nugent. It’s quite an old book – having been published in 1975, just one year before Cohen’s death.
What sets this particular book apart from other books about mobsters, however, is it’s told in Cohen’s own words.
When he refers to his fellow Jews, for instance, he often describes them as “dem Jew guys” or something like that. There was nothing particularly admirable about Cohen. He was a thug, a thief, and a killer, but to read his descriptions of his various sordid activities, you’d think: “Well, that’s one way to make a living.”
Perhaps best known for his friendship with Benjamin Siegel (who hated to be called “Bugsy,” by the way,) I suppose what sets Cohen apart from so many others of his ilk is that he died peacefully in his bed, at the age 62. There had been nine separate attempts on his life during his lifetime, so you might say this guy was extraordinarily lucky to have survived them all.
Cohen is very matter of fact in his descriptions of mob hits – even hits on his own guys. When someone had to be killed, more ofen than not he says the guy “had to have his lights out.” While he certainly enjoyed beating up people – he was only 5’3″, yet he was a terrific fighter who had fought many times as a boxer when he was younger. Still, quite often, while he was beating the crap out of someone – and could easily have killed whoever it was he was mauling, he would hold off. It was just business – you understand. The next day, he would often sit down with the same guy he had just about killed – hey, just because you had to teach someone a lesson didn’t mean you couldn’t still be friends.
I suppose one way you could describe Mickey Cohen was “cruel, but fair” – if you can accept that there is an accepted code of conduct among mobsters.
But, in reading his colourful autobiography, one chapter jumped out for me. Cohen’s being Jewish almost never comes into play in any of the stories he tells. He doesn’t describe having family gatherings during Jewish holidays, for instance and, as for attending synagogue – forget about it.
Other than his preferring to be in the company of other Jews – in the same way that Italian and Irish gangsters also prefer to associate with individuals with whom they share common backgrounds, there wasn’t much about Mickey Cohen that made him seem Jewish – other than his name.
It was in the year 1947, however, that Mickey Cohen’s otherwise totally submerged Jewish identity came to play a prominent role in leading him to become heavily involved in the fight that was going on at that time between Jewish groups and British soldiers in what was then British Mandate Palestine.
Mickey Cohen describes how he first became aware that Jews were trying to get the British kicked out of Palestine. He explains that he had a friend by the name of Mike Howard, who introduced Cohen to the famous Hollywood screenwriter Ben Hecht (of whom Mickey Cohen had never heard. As you might expect, MIckey Cohen was hardly what you would call “worldly,” although he did enjoy the company of many famous Hollywood celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and for a time, Lana Turner – with whom he had a love affair.)
In any event, here’s how Cohen explains what led to his becoming a strong supporter of the Irgun (a para-military force that fought against the British, but which was also a rival to the Haganah, the widely recognized Jewish military force established prior to Israel’s establishment as an independent state and which became Israel’s de facto army during the 198 War of Independence.)
“Mike knew that I would do anything for a cause that was right, and particularly Jewish causes. So they come back and we sit down to talk. And the guy tells me this story about the Haganah, which was organized by the David Ben-Gurion guy. And he tells me especially about the Irgun and the type of war they’re fighting against the British, and they type of guys they are and all this. And I got high on him.
“But you know when you’re kinky, your mind runs kinky. I still figured this must be a racket thing. So I says to the guy, ‘Lookit, I don’t know nothing about these things. I didn’t even know there was a war going on in Israel. Let me think it over.’ “
Later, Cohen explains that he was invited over to meet with someone from the Irgun: “This guy (from the Irgun) got me so goddamn excited. He started telling me how these guys actually fight like racket guys would. They didn’t ask for a quarter and they gave no quarter.”
Cohen goes on to describe how he got quite caught up in raising funds for the Irgun: “Now I got so engrossed with Israel that I actually pushed aside a lot of my activities and done nothing but what was involved with this Irgun war. It’s a nature of mine, see. Either I go whole hog or nothing. So I got involved with this goddamn Israel war…”
He goes on to tell how incensed he was when the British hanged three Irgun members. He warned Ben Hecht that unless the Irgun got a hold of three British officers and hanged them in the same public square as where the Jewish kids from Irgun were hanged, “that’s going to be the end of my involvement with it.”
“And they done it. They hung up some British officers right in the public square.”
The same chapter describes how, with the help of some of his Mafia buddies out East, like Albert Anastasia, they were able to get a hold of a lot of U.S. army surplus that had come back from World War II and was destined to be mothballed, but instead a lot of it was sent to Israel because the Mafia controlled all the docks on the Eastern seaboard.
Why am I writing about Mickey Cohen? you might be asking yourself. Well, it’s the same reason that when I write about what went on during Israel’s War of Independence I say there’s a lot we don’t like to admit happened. I don’t want to revisit all those arguments over the “Nakba” and what happened to the Palestinians. I just thought it extraordinarily interesting to introduce one little known aspect of that war – and that was how Mafia types – some Jewish, some Italian, lent their support to Jews fighting, first against the British, then later against the Arabs.
Just as my story about Zwi Migdal exposes a little known side of Jewish history – including how cruel Jews can be to their own fellow Jews, writing about a famous Jewish mobster may awaken some people to the realization that not all Jews aspire to “Tikkun Olam,” which is a phrase we hear repeatedly is the maxim by which Jews should live. No – there is a very dirty side to Jewish history, but one we should not shy away from examining. I don’t suppose you’re ever going to hear a sermon from any rabbi about Zwi Migdal or Jewish gangsters though. It doesn’t really jive with the notion that Jews are righteous and the “People of the Book.”
