Voices from the Archive

IJA 3712

Correspondence from Baghdadi Jewish Community Including Legal Issues (Marriage, Inheritance, Endowments), Financial Matters, School Administration

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Description

These are archival documents from the Baghdadi Jewish Community. They contain requests for community records and residency confirmations; wire transfers; correspondence regarding the adoption of Jewish laws in the Diaspora; communication from the Ambassador of Iraq in Rabat regarding Moroccan officials requesting information on laws applicable to the Iraqi Jewish community (customary laws pertaining to marriage, inheritance, etc.); legal agreements for engagement and marriage; requests for marriage confirmations, death certificates; employment separations; lawsuit regarding the management of an endowment; repairs to school buildings; correspondence regarding sending sefarim (Jewish religious books) to New York; letters referencing the Law of Acquisitions, 43/1934; discussions about tearing down or rebuilding a wall; invoices and accounting information from the Ezra Menahem Daniel Sports-Ground Committee; school administration; requests for vaccines; property laws; deeds; the administration of scholarships; announcements about community meetings and ceremonies; requests for food provisions for prisoners during the holidays; and requests for clarification of laws in conflict with the interim constitution of 1958. These documents reflect the Baghdadi Jewish community's name change to the Mosaic community.

Metadata

Archive Reference
IJA 3712
Item Number
12284
Date
Approx. January 1, 1951 to December 31, 1960
Languages
Arabic, English
Keywords
Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews, Al-Ja’ferīah Shar’ia Court, Al-Jumhūrīyyah, Alliance School, Al-Mahdiyyah Primary School for Boys, Al-Rāfadīn Bank, Al-Zamān, Annotation, Architectural Plans, Baghdadi Jewish Community, Baghdad Jail, Baghdad Municipality, Basrah, Bills, British Embassy, Burial, Burial Society, Butcher, Calcutta, Charity, Chief Rabbi, Citizenship Laws, Correspondence, Court of Appeals – Baghdad, Court of Personal Property, Court of the Chief Rabbi – London, Crown Crest, Death Certificates, Deed, Deed Administration – Baghdad, Department of Passport and Nationality, Department of Posts & Telegraphs, Directorate General of Police, Education Administration Headquarters of Secondary Schools, Employment, Endowment, Envelope, Ezra David Synagogue Association, Ezra Menahem Daniel, Ezra Menahem Daniel Sports-Ground Committee, Financial, Form, France, Frank Iny School, French, Hakham Sassoon Khedouri, Handwritten, Heskel Menahem Daniel, Ḥevrah Ḳadishah, Hospital, Illustration, Income Tax, India, Ink Stamp, Invoice, Iran, Jewish Cemetery, Jewish Law, Jewish Lay Council, Jewish Life, Labor, Laura Khedouri School for Girls, Legal, Legal Document, Letterhead, Marriage Certificates, Medicine, Meir Elias Hospital, Menahem S. Daniel's School, Menashy Saleh School, Military, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Guidance, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Trade, New York, Office for Oversight and Operation of Jewish Property, Office of Citizenship - Abrogation Branch, Office of Education – Baghdad, Office of Income Tax, Office of Telephone Administration, Office of the Haham of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews of Great Britain, Office of the Mint, Ottoman Bank, Personal Letterhead, Postage Stamp, President of the Jewish Community, Property Commission, Railways, Receipt, Rent, Revenue Stamp, Student Health, Telegram, The Royal Hospital, Torah, Travel, Typed, Vaccines, Vendor, Waqf

AI English Translation, Pages 26-50

Archival unit 26

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

Archival unit 27

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. ⟦line⟧ 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Number T/: 57/ ⟦illegible⟧
Date: 8/3/1957
Subject:
♡
To " Mr. Naji Yaquob Beniri
Registrar of Engagement and Marriage Contracts
The previous ban on performing engagement and marriage contract rituals and ceremonies in public
places is cancelled, and therefore, from the date of this letter, the Presidency of the Community permits you to perform these ceremonies
in synagogues and schools.
On behalf of
Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri
Acting President of the Community

Archival unit 28

To Mr. ⟦illegible⟧
Sermons and Marriage:
I have received the good news regarding the submission of the procedure ⟦illegible⟧
Marriage contracts in public places, and accordingly ⟦illegible⟧
The book allows you to see the sect, so it is known ⟦illegible⟧ always
In churches and temples

Archival unit 29

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

Archival unit 30

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

Archival unit 31

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Number: T/ 85 / 57
Date: 7 / 4 / 1957
Subject: ⟦line⟧
8
⟦line⟧
Administrative Order
⟦line⟧
The guard of the external playground, Abed Thani, is dismissed from his position as of the date
8 / 4 / 1957 .
⟦illegible⟧
Assistant
8 / 4 / 1957
⟦illegible⟧
Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri
Acting President of the Community
A copy to :-
Presidency of the Ezra Menahem Daniel Playground to take the necessary action
Corresponding to ⟦line⟧

Archival unit 32

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

Archival unit 33

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

Archival unit 34

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.

Archival unit 35

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

Archival unit 36

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

Archival unit 37

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

Archival unit 38

Presidency of the ⟦...⟧ Community - ⟦...⟧
in Baghdad
Number
Date ⟦...⟧ / ⟦...⟧ / ⟦...⟧
Telephone Number { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Subject
His Excellency the Governor of ⟦...⟧ Al-Rusafa, the respected
The Presidency of the Community has dismissed the guard ⟦...⟧ Habib ⟦...⟧
from his position ⟦...⟧ according to Administrative Order No. ⟦...⟧
on 7 / 4 / 57 and he was notified of the dismissal, however he remained with his family
living and residing in the aforementioned council ⟦...⟧ from your Excellency
the order to evict him ⟦...⟧ from it ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ nicknamed ⟦...⟧
for this ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧
Rabbi Sassoon Khadduri
Acting President of the Community

Archival unit 39

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Number:
Date: 18/4/57
Subject:
His Excellency the Governor of Rusafa District, Respected
The Presidency of the Community has dismissed the guard Abboud bin Habib Ezra
from his service according to Administrative Order No. ⟦illegible⟧ dated
7/4/57 and he was notified of the dismissal, however he remained with his family
living and residing in the aforementioned playground. We request from your Excellency
the order to evict him. Please accept our highest respect.
Rabbi Sassoon Khadduri
Acting President of the Community

Archival unit 40

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

Archival unit 41

AIR MAIL
OTTOMAN BANK
OTTOMAN BANK
(INCORPORATED IN TURKEY WITH LIMITED LIABILITY)
BAGHDAD.
IRAQ.
POST BOX NO. 4
TELEPHONE 87161 (Private Branch Exchange)
TELEGRAMS "OTTOMBANK, BAGHDAD"
CODES A.B.C. 5TH EDITION
BENTLEYS COMPLETE PHRASE
PETERSONS 2ND & 3RD EDITION
IN YOUR REPLY PLEASE QUOTE: Inquiries
Baghdad on: 23 / 5 / 1957
To -
Presidency of the Jewish Community
Baghdad
Greetings,
Please inform us of the date of death of the late Salman
Ibrahim Yehuda (also known as Salman Jouda)
With many thanks,
Assistant Manager
Manager
⟦circular stamp with checkmark⟧
⟦illegible faded text in bottom left⟧
AF

Archival unit 42

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

Archival unit 43

4/19/1957
To the Honorable President of the Israelite Community in Baghdad
Subject: "The Cemetery"
Based on the instructions of the Secretary, Mr. Naji Chachak, and the Accountant, I have inspected the cemetery
several times, specifically the section where Hajj Issa Abu Tabra has built.
Hajj Issa Abu Tabra has built inside the cemetery after removing a number of graves and constructed three
walls, creating something resembling a khan, and has completely buried it with soil such that it is difficult to find
the original graves except after excavating the newly filled soil. We warned Hajj Issa of the necessity to remove these
walls, but he paid no heed; instead, he completed his construction and filled 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 Excellency to order what can be done ⟦line⟧
This is for your command ⟦line⟧
The Engineer
The Secretary
⟦line⟧
A warning shall be written 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
President of the Administrative Committee

Archival unit 44

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

Archival unit 45

22
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
Therefore please
the warning
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧

Archival unit 46

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

Archival unit 47

Statement
The Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad has debris from the buildings of the former Alliance School and according to
the former Al-Rashid and the schools located in the Torah neighborhood. Those interested should contact the Community Property Committee
until Wednesday, corresponding to 10/22/1958
The Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews
Al-Jumhuriya Newspaper
Al-Zaman Newspaper

Archival unit 48

Announcement
At the Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad, there are building ruins of the former Alliance School and the former
Orphanage and real estate properties. Located in the Al-Tawrat neighborhood, those interested should contact the Community
Expropriation Committee until Wednesday, 22 / 10 / 1958.
⟦illegible⟧
The Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews
Al-Jumhuriya Newspaper
Al-Zaman Newspaper

Archival unit 49

Sale of Rubble
The Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad has the rubble of the former Alliance school buildings, the former
Al-Rashid shelter, and the Midrash. Located in the Torah neighborhood, those interested should contact the Community Property Committee
until Tuesday ⟦Wednesday⟧ ⟦falling on⟧ 2⟦2⟧ / 10 / 1958.
The Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews
Rabbi Sassoon Khidhouri
Acting Head of the Mosaic Community
Al-Jumhuriya Newspaper
Al-Zaman Newspaper

Archival unit 50

SALE OF DEBRIS
The Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad has the debris of the former Alliance school buildings, the former
Al-Rashid shelter, and the Midrash located in the Al-Tawrat neighborhood. Interested parties should contact the Community Property Committee
until Tuesday, October 21, 1958.
Rabbi Sassoon Khidhouri
Acting President of the Mosaic Community
Al-Jumhuriya Newspaper
Al-Zaman Newspaper