AI en Translation, Pages 26-50
Page 26
AKERIB Clément
CORINE Building
Corner of Rue Georges Mercié
and Rue Lapérouse
CASABLANCA
(Morocco)
REGISTERED WITH ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT.
Casablanca, June 8, 1956
GRAND RABBINATE
BAGHDAD
(Iraq)
Gentlemen,
I am taking the liberty of asking you to kindly
send me a Certificate of Custom regarding the following
points:
1°) What is the status of IRAQI Israelites
a) are they governed by an Iraqi National law
b) are they governed by Mosaic law?
2°) More specifically, concerning IRAQI Israelites
a) what is the legal matrimonial regime
b) what is the rules of succession in the presence of a widow and
legitimate children (girls and boys)
c) do legitimate children benefit from a reserved share in the estate
of their father?
d) if so, what is this reserved share?
e) can a father disinherit one or more of his children during his
lifetime
f) can a father favor one of his children during his lifetime.
I thank you in advance for your kindness
and hope that you will send me by return mail this CERTIFICATE OF CUSTOM.
Please accept, Gentlemen, my distinguished
salutations.
⟦Akerib⟧
Encl. response coupons.
Page 27
Number
From Mr. Kamal Aqrab
February 5, 1957
To ⟦Secretary⟧
Secretary of the Mosaic Community Council (as such)?
Sir,
I take the liberty of writing to you following my recent
visit to His Excellency the Iraqi Ambassador in Rabat (Morocco),
who informed me to contact you to obtain the following information:
I need clarification on the following points:
(1) What is the system followed regarding the Jews of Iraq:
(a) Are they subject to Iraqi national law
or (b) are they subject to the provisions of the Mosaic religion?
(2) Especially regarding personal status:
(a) What is the legal system for marriage?
(b) What is the system of inheritance in the case of a widow and children?
Page 28
10
Legitimate (girls ⟦illegible⟧ and boys)
(c) Do legitimate children obtain a privilege in
the estate of their father?
(d) If the answer is yes, what is this privilege?
(e) Can the father disinherit from the estate one
or more of his children during his lifetime?
(f) Can the father grant a preference to one of
his children during his lifetime?
And if this official document requires fees,
please inform me by return mail to transfer them to you.
In any case, I ask you for urgency in answering me,
for the matter is very ⟦regarding⟧ (custom and habit) in the shortest
time.
And I thank you very much in advance and hope to receive your answer by return
mail. Please accept the assurance of my highest respect.
Page 29
Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number: 3531 / 5452
Number: 57 / T
Date: 15 / 2 / 1957
Subject:
To the esteemed and honorable Mr. Clement Akib
Greetings,
Mr. Munir Basri has referred to us your letter dated February 5, 1957, and accordingly we respond to
the required questions ⟦line⟧
1 - Iraqi Jews are subject to the provisions of Iraqi laws, but regarding the provisions of marriage and divorce, they are subject
to the provisions of the Mosaic Law according to the provisions and rules approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Justice published
in the Iraqi Al-Waqai' Gazette (the official gazette of the Iraqi government) in its issue numbered 2698 dated
31 / 1 / 1949. You will find enclosed a copy of these provisions and rules, marked with red ink (page
29 - 41).
2 - As for your question regarding inheritance, the provisions of Hanafi jurisprudence apply to Iraqi Jews, and what was mentioned in your questions in
paragraph B. C. D. E. F. falls under the Hanafi jurisprudence as we indicated above, according to the principles
established by the current Iraqi law.
We hope you find this answer sufficient for your requirements, and we hope you consider this letter as the
required certificate ⟦line⟧
Please accept our highest respect,
Rabbi Sassoon Khedouri
Acting President of the Community
Page 30
Presidency of the Israelite Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Number: T/ 57/⟦10⟧
Date: 3/8/1957
Subject:
To Mr. Naji Yaquob bin ⟦Bas⟧iri
Registrar of Betrothal and Marriage Contracts
The previous restriction against performing the rituals and ceremonies of marriage contracts in public
places is canceled, and from the date of this letter, the Community Presidency allows you to perform these ceremonies
in synagogues and schools.
On behalf of
Rabbi Sasson Khedouri
Acting President of the Community
⟦...⟧
Page 31
41 Mr. ⟦illegible⟧
Medicine and Marriage
A moment to draw caution, Mr. ⟦illegible⟧ princes of purity ⟦illegible⟧
Marriage contracts in general cases ⟦illegible⟧ about it
The book allows the heads of the sect their performance ⟦illegible⟧ of the fees
In churches and schools
Page 32
T / 5 / 285
25 / 5 / 57
Translation of a Marriage Certificate
To -
The Honorable Notary Public of North Baghdad
We return herewith the letter of the Honorable Court of First Instance of Sulaymaniyah, Unlimited No.
1/M Sh/ 957 dated 17 / 3 / 1957, sent to us via your marginal note No. 439 dated
19 / 3 / 957, along with the marriage certificate belonging to the woman named Piroza daughter of Benjamin. We inform you
that for legal Sharia reasons, we unfortunately cannot translate the attached marriage certificate unless
the court kindly instructs the aforementioned Piroza to appear before this Presidency to perform
the legal Sharia offer and acceptance.
With our highest respect to your presence.
Rabbi Sassoon Khadhuri
Acting President of the Jewish Community in Baghdad
Page 33
Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number 3531
5452
Number T / 884 / 57
Date 31 / 3 / 1957
Subject:
V
The Honorable Judge of the Sunni Sharia Court in Baghdad
The endowers Menachem and his brother Sassoon, sons of Saleh Daniel, had endowed some of their properties according to the deeds
issued by your esteemed court, the numbers and dates of which are shown below, on the condition that their yield be spent on teaching, educating
and feeding poor Jewish students according to the conditions of the endowers.
Since the aforementioned endowments are community endowments for charitable purposes, I request Your Eminence's order to provide me with five certified copies
of each of the mentioned deeds.
With utmost respect to Your Eminence
Rabbi Sassoon Khedouri
Acting President of the Community
Number
1 | Endowment deed numbered 181 and dated 9 Shawwal 1336
1 | "Guardianship" 152 | " 14 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1342 attached to the deed mentioned above
1 | "Endowment" 179 | " 8 Shawwal 1336
1 | "Guardianship" 151 | " 14 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1342 attached to the deed mentioned above
4
Page 34
Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Number: T / 57 / ⟦805⟧
Date: 7 / 4 / 1957
Subject:
8
Administrative Order
The stadium guard, guard Muhammad Thani, is dismissed from his position as of the date
8 / 4 / 1957 .
⟦to be⟧
Rabbi Sassoon Khadhuri
Acting President of the Community
Copy to :-
Presidency of Ezra Menahem Daniel Stadium to take necessary action
The aforementioned
Page 35
Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Number:
Date: ⟦illegible⟧ / ⟦illegible⟧ / ⟦illegible⟧
Subject: ⟦line⟧
Administrative Order
The current stadium guard ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ is considered as such
effective from the date 8 / 4 / 57
General Notification ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧
Chairman of the ⟦illegible⟧ Committee
Copy to
The Respected Ezra Menahem Daniel Stadium Committee
For reference
Page 36
Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Number:
Subject:
Date: 7 / 4 / 54
Administrative Order
The stadium guard, guard Abd Muhammad, is appointed to the position starting
from the date 8 / 4 / 54
Rabbi Sassoon Khedouri
Acting President of the Community
Copy to
The Ezra Menahem Daniel Stadium Committee for necessary action
Respected
Page 37
Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Number:
Date: ⟦57⟧
Subject:
Administrative Order
The guard Abdul Muhammad is transferred to the position of guard
from the date 4 / 8 / 57
To His Honor Sassoon Khidhouri
The Respected President of the Community
Copy to
The President of the Ezra Menahem Daniel Playground to take the necessary action
The Lawyer Mr.
Page 38
Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
No.: T / 858 / 57
Date: 7 / 4 / 1957
Subject: ⟦line⟧
Administrative Order
The stadium guard, guard Abid Nazih, is dismissed from his position as of the date
8 / 4 / 1957
⟦illegible signature⟧
Rabbi Sassoon Khedouri
Acting President of the Community
Copy to :-
Presidency of the Ezra Menahem Daniel Stadium to take necessary action
The aforementioned
Page 39
Presidency of the ⟦Jewish⟧ Community
In Baghdad
Telephone No. { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Number: T/ 285 / 57
Subject:
Date: 7 / 4 / 1957
Administrative Order
The stadium guard Abdul Falih is dismissed from his position as of the date
8 / 4 / 1957
⟦signature⟧
Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri
Acting President of the Community
Copy to :-
Presidency of the Ezra Menahem Daniel Stadium for necessary action
The aforementioned
Page 40
Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
No: T/ ⟦3858⟧ / 57
Date: 12 / 4 / 1957
Subject: ⟦illegible⟧
His Excellency the Honorable Al-Rusafa Investigating Judge
After greetings
The Presidency of the Community has dismissed the guard ⟦Abd Fatih⟧ from the Ezra Menahem Daniel Stadium according to
administrative order No. T/3858/57 dated 7 / 4 / 57. He was notified of the dismissal, yet he remained with
his family residing and staying in the aforementioned stadium. We request Your Excellency's order for his eviction and to prevent him and his family
from entering the stadium again.
Please accept our highest respects
⟦signature⟧
Rabbi Sassoon Khdhuri
Acting President of the Community
Page 41
Presidency of the ⟦Jewish⟧ Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
His Excellency the Honorable ⟦Investigating⟧ Magistrate of Rusafa
The Community Presidency dismissed the guard at the time by the name of Habib Ezra
Menachem Daniel according to Administrative Order No. ⟦and Date⟧
4/7/57 and he was notified of the dismissal at the time and he remained with his family
living and residing in the mentioned stadium. We request from Your Excellency
the order to deport him ⟦and evict him⟧ from the mentioned stadium because the place is no longer under ⟦his trust⟧.
Please accept our highest respect,
Rabbi Sassoon Khidhouri
President of the Jewish Community
Page 42
Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone number { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Number:
Date: 4/18/57
Subject:
Honorable Governor of the Rusafa District
The Community Presidency has dismissed the guard Abid from the Ezra
Menachem Daniel stadium according to the administrative order numbered and dated
4/7/57. He has been notified of the dismissal, however he remained with his family
living and residing in the aforementioned stadium. We request from your honor
an order for his eviction. Please accept our highest respect.
Rabbi Sassoon Khidhouri
Acting President of the Community
Page 43
Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Number: T / 2864 / 57
Date: 17 / 5 / 1957
Subject:
To " ⟦line⟧ "
Ottoman Bank
Greetings
With reference to your letter dated 13 / 5 / 1957, the deceased Salman Ibrahim
Yehuda (also known as Salman Joudeh) had died in Baghdad on
28 / 3 / 1957 .
Please accept our highest respect
Rabbi Sassoon Khadhouri
Acting President of the Community
a
Page 44
AIR MAIL
OTTOMAN BANK
OTTOMAN BANK
(INCORPORATED IN TURKEY WITH LIMITED LIABILITY)
BAGHDAD
IRAQ
POST BOX NO 4
TELEPHONE 87161 (Private Branch Exchange)
TELEGRAMS 'OTTOBANK BAGHDAD'
CODES A.B.C. 5TH EDITION
BENTLEYS COMPLETE PHRASE
PETERSONS 2ND & 3RD EDITION
IN YOUR REPLY PLEASE QUOTE Inquiries
Baghdad on 5/23/1957
To -
Presidency of the Jewish Community
Baghdad
After greetings
Please inform us of the date of death of the late Salman
Ibrahim Yehuda (also known as Salman Jouda)
With much thanks
Assistant Manager
Manager
⟦circular red stamp⟧
F
Page 45
Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number: 3531 / 5452
Number: T / 862 / 57
Date: 20 / 5 / 1957
Subject:
To the honorable Haj Issa Abu Tabra - Shorja 163/3
Through the Honorable Second Notary Public of Southern Baghdad
Greetings,
You have previously encroached upon the cemetery lands by fencing a large part within your lease, and therefore please demolish
the buildings that you have constructed as an encroachment and limit your construction to within the plot leased to you, otherwise we will unfortunately
take legal action against you ⟦line⟧ .
Therefore, please hand over the encroached lands to us free of any occupants within one week from the date
of your receipt of this notice.
Please accept our highest respect
Lawyer
Naji Jeek
General Proxy for the Presidency of the Community
Page 47
1957/4/19
To the Honorable Head of the Jewish Community in Baghdad
Subject: The Cemetery
Based on the instructions of the Secretary Mr. Naji Chachak and the Accountant Mr. I have inspected several
times the cemetery, specifically the section in which Hajj Isa Abu Tabra built.
Hajj Isa Abu Tabra has built inside the cemetery after removing some of the graves. He built three
walls so that it became something resembling a Khan, and he completely buried it with soil so that it is difficult to find the
original graves except after digging up the new burial soil. We warned Hajj Isa of the necessity of removing these
walls, but he did not care about that; rather, he completed his construction and buried the land, which is no less than 400 m2 in area.
Given that this act is a flagrant violation of the sanctity of the cemetery, I refer this case to
your sovereignty to order what can be done ⟦line⟧
The matter is yours to decide ⟦line⟧
The Engineer
The Secretary
Write a warning regarding the necessity of returning to the original boundaries, otherwise we will be forced to take legal action.
Submit the warning through the notary public.
Signature
Head of the Administrative Committee
Page 48
1957/4/19
To the Honorable President of the Jewish Community in Baghdad
Subject - The Cemetery
Based on the instructions of the Secretary Mr. Naji Chachak and the accountant Mr. ⟦...⟧, several inspections
were conducted at the cemetery, specifically the section where Haj Isa Abu Tabra built.
Haj Isa Abu Tabra has built inside the cemetery after displacing a section of the graves and built three
walls such that it has become something resembling an inn, and he has completely buried it with soil so that it is difficult to find
the original graves except after digging up the new burial soil. We warned Haj Isa of the necessity to remove these
walls, but he did not heed that; rather, he completed his construction and enclosed the land, which has an area of no less than 400 m2.
Given that this act is a flagrant violation of the sanctity of the cemetery, I refer this case to
Your Excellence for orders on what can be done ⟦line⟧
The matter is yours ⟦line⟧
Secretary Engineer
A warning is to be written regarding the necessity of returning to the original boundaries, otherwise we will be forced to take legal measures.
Submit the warning via the Notary Public.
Signature
Chairman of the Administrative Committee
Page 50
Sale of Debris
At the Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad, debris from the former Alliance School buildings, the former
Al-Rashid Shelter, and the Midrash, located in the Al-Tawrat neighborhood. Those interested should visit the Community
Property Committee until Wednesday, October 22, 1958.
Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews
Al-Jumhuriya Newspaper
Al-Zaman Newspaper