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 501-525

Archival unit 501

Republic of Iraq
Ministry of Interior
Baghdad
Number /:
Date: / /

Archival unit 502

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number { 83531 President
5452 Secretary
Number T /: /
Date:
Subject:
Statement to the members of the Mosaic Community
⟦line⟧
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the eternal July 14th. His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khadduri
President of the Mosaic Community, announces to the members of his community that a religious ceremony will be held at the Frank Iny School
starting from 5:30 AM on the day of the holiday (Tuesday, July 14), during which Psalms
and prayers will be recited. At exactly six o'clock in the morning, the Torah scrolls will be opened and the horn (Shofar) will be blown.
This will be preceded by a special prayer by His Eminence for the preservation and prosperity of the eternal Iraqi Republic
with its great people and army, and a prayer for the life of the country's sole leader, Major General Abd al-Karim
Qasim.
Secretariat of the Mosaic Community

Archival unit 503

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
83531 President
5452 Secretary
Telephone Number
Number T /: /
Date:
Subject:
Statement to the members of the Mosaic Community
On the occasion of the upcoming holiday for the immortal July 14th day. His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khadhuri
President of the Mosaic Community, announces to the members of his community that a religious ceremony will be held at the Frank Iny School
starting from 5:30 AM on the day of the holiday (Tuesday, July 14), during which Psalms
and prayers will be recited, and at exactly six o'clock in the morning, the Torah scrolls will be opened and the horn (Shofar) will be sounded.
This will be preceded by a special prayer by His Eminence for the preservation and prosperity of the immortal Iraqi Republic,
its loyal people and army, and a prayer for the life of the country's sole leader, Major General Abd al-Karim
Qasim.
Secretariat of the Mosaic Community

Archival unit 504

TELEPHONE :
3531
5452
President of the Jewish Community
BAGHDAD
No.:
BAGHDAD ,: 12th July 195 9
Dear Sir,
We understand that your committee is considering granting awards for scholarship under the H.E. David bequest to graduates of Shamash Secondary School in Baghdad.
As we have already had some applications to such scholarships from this year's graduates, and in view of the fact that very little time is left for securing admissions for successful candidates to schools and universities in the United Kingdom for the session commencing September 1959, we request you kindly to take up the matter with your committee and let us know of the committee's decision as soon as possible in order to enable our selection committee in Baghdad to announce the decision and select the best candidates in due time.
An early reply would be very much appreciated.
Yours faithfully,
⟦Sassoon⟧
Rabbi Sassoon Khedoury,
President.
Charles S. Spencer Esq.,
Secretary, Anglo-Jewish Association,
London, W.C.1.

Archival unit 505

⟦illegible⟧ that ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧ in the ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧ of ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧ and ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧ and ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧ for ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧ and ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧ September 1959, ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧ take up the matter with your committee
⟦illegible⟧ the Committee's decision ⟦illegible⟧
in order to enable ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧ to announce the decision and what ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧ in due time.
An early reply would be very much appreciated.
Yours faithfully
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧

Archival unit 506

Head of the Jewish Community in Baghdad
July 24, 1959
The Honorable ⟦...⟧ respected
After greetings
We have learned that your esteemed committee is currently considering the applications
of a number of our school graduates in Baghdad to complete ⟦...⟧ studies
And as some of those in the current year have submitted their applications
This, and in view of the limited time allowed to obtain admission for our students wishing
to study in institutes and universities in England for the academic year
coming 1959 - 60, we hope to discuss this desire with your esteemed committee
and its connection to the possible mission, so that the ⟦...⟧ schools committee can
take the necessary action and adopt the best means in a timely manner
Finally, we thank you for the care you provide to the new generation
Sincerely
⟦...⟧
Head of ⟦...⟧

Archival unit 508

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⟦illegible⟧

Archival unit 509

Presidency of the Jewish Community
Statement to the members of the Jewish Community
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the immortal July 14th day. His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khadduri, President of the Jewish Community, announces
to the members of the community that a religious ceremony will be held at the Meir Tweig Synagogue starting from 5:30 AM on the day of the feast
(Tuesday, July 14) during which psalms and prayers will be recited, and at exactly six o'clock in the morning the Torah scrolls will be raised and opened in
the sanctuary (Haikhal), followed by a special prayer by His Eminence for the preservation and progress of the eternal Iraqi Republic, its people,
and its brave army, and a prayer for the life of the country's sole leader, Major General Abd al-Karim Qasim.
Secretariat of the Jewish Community

Archival unit 510

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
Statement to the members of the Mosaic Community
⟦line⟧
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the eternal July 14th. His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri, President of the Mosaic Community, announces
to the members of his community that a religious ceremony will be held at the Frank Iny School starting at 5:30 AM on the day of the feast
(Tuesday, July 14) in which psalms and prayers will be recited, and at exactly six o'clock in the morning the Torah scrolls will be opened and the
horn (Shofar) will be blown, preceded by a special prayer by His Eminence for the preservation and prosperity of the eternal Iraqi Republic with its great people
and army, and prayer for the life of the country's sole leader, Major General Abdul Karim Qassim.
Secretariat of the Mosaic Community

Archival unit 511

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
Statement to the members of the Mosaic Community
⟦line⟧
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the immortal July 14th day. His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri, President of the Mosaic Community, announces
to the members of his community that a religious ceremony will be held at the Frank Iny School starting at 5:30 AM on the day of the feast
(Tuesday, July 14) in which psalms and prayers will be recited. At exactly six o'clock in the morning, the Torah scrolls will be opened and the
trumpet (Shofar) will be sounded. This will be preceded by a special prayer by His Eminence for the preservation and prosperity of the immortal Iraqi Republic with its great people
and army, and a prayer for the life of the country's sole leader, Major General Abd al-Karim Qasim.
Secretariat of the Mosaic Community

Archival unit 512

The Mosaic Community
A statement to the members of the Mosaic Community
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the eternal day of July 14. His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri, President of the Mosaic Community, announces
to the members of his community that a religious ceremony will be held at the Frank Iny School starting from 5:30 AM on the day of the holiday
(Tuesday) July 14, in which psalms and prayers will be recited, and at exactly six o'clock in the morning the Torah scrolls will be opened and the
trumpet (Shofar) will be blown, preceded by a special prayer by His Eminence for the preservation and prosperity of the eternal Iraqi Republic
with its great people and army, and a prayer for the life of the country's sole leader, Major General Staff Abd al-Karim Qasim.
Secretariat of the Mosaic Community

Archival unit 513

Presidency of the Mosaic Community ⟦line⟧
Statement to the members of the Mosaic Community ⟦line⟧
⟦line⟧
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the eternal July 14th. His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri, President of the Mosaic Community, announces
to the members of the community that a religious ceremony will be held in the Meir Tuweig Synagogue starting at 5:30 AM on the day of the feast
(Tuesday, July 14) in which psalms and supplications will be recited, and at exactly six o'clock in the morning the prayer rituals will begin and the
(Shofar) will be raised at the pulpit, followed by a special prayer by His Eminence for His Excellency the President of the Sovereignty Council, the Prime Minister, the Armed Forces, the Republic,
and our patient people, and for the loyal leaders of the Iraqi army's renaissance, Major General Staff Abd al-Karim Qasim.
Secretariat of the Mosaic Community

Archival unit 514

The Mosaic Community
Statement to the members of the Mosaic Community
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the eternal July 14th, His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khedouri, President of the Mosaic Community,
announces to the members of the community that His Eminence will receive well-wishers at the Frank Iny School starting from 5:30 PM on Saturday
(tonight) July 14th until eight o'clock. Furthermore, His Holiness the Rabbi, His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khedouri, will participate
in the procession (parade) which will be held in the morning by His Eminence for His Excellency the President of the eternal Iraqi Republic,
with its courageous people and army, and under the leadership of the faithful leader of the country, Major General Abd al-Karim Qasim.
Secretariat of the Mosaic Community

Archival unit 515

The Mosaic Community
A Statement to the Sons of the Mosaic Community
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the eternal July 14th Day, His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khadduri, Head of the Mosaic Community,
announces to the members of his community that a religious ceremony will be held in the Meir Elias Synagogue starting from 5:30 PM on Saturday
(Tuesday) July 14, in which religious lectures will be delivered. At exactly six o'clock, his eminence will receive the melodies of music and praise
in the (illuminated) courtyard. This will be preceded by a special prayer by His Eminence for His Excellency the President of the Council of Sovereignty and the eternal Iraqi Ministers,
for its loyal people and army, and a prayer for the life of the country's sole leader, Major General Abd al-Karim Qasim.
Secretariat of the Mosaic Community

Archival unit 516

The Mosaic Community
Statement to the members of the Mosaic Community
⟦line⟧
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the eternal July 14th. His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khadduri, President of the Mosaic Community, announces
to the members of his community that a religious ceremony will be held in the Meir Taweig Synagogue starting from 5:30 AM on the day of the holiday
(Tuesday) July 14th, in which psalms and prayers will be recited, and at exactly six o'clock in the morning the Torah scrolls will be opened and the
horn (Shofar) will be sounded, preceded by a special prayer by His Eminence for His Excellency the President of the Sovereignty Council and the Leader Prime Minister,
personally and in their capacity as representatives and executors of the principles and life of the revolution, the loyal Staff Colonel Abd al-Karim Qasim.
Secretariat of the Mosaic Community

Archival unit 517

The Mosaic Community
A statement to the members of the Mosaic Community
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the eternal July 14 Revolution, His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khadhuri, President of the Mosaic Community, announces
to the members of the community, that a religious ceremony will be held in the Meir Tuwaig Synagogue starting at 5:30 AM on Sunday
(Tuesday) July 14, in which psalms and prayers will be recited by the senior Rabbis, accompanied by the melodies of the choir, and it will open
in the afternoon (the program) by delivering a speech by His Eminence praising the anniversary of the establishment of the eternal Iraqi Republic,
its people and its valiant army, and paying tribute to the country's sole leader, Staff Major General Abd al-Karim Qasim.
Secretariat of the Mosaic Community

Archival unit 518

Presidency of the Mosaic Community ⟦line⟧
Statement to the members of the Mosaic Community ⟦line⟧
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the eternal July 14th. His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khadoori, President of the Mosaic Community, announces
that the members of the community will hold a religious ceremony in its synagogue for this purpose starting from 5:30 AM on the day of the feast
(Tuesday, July 14) in which psalms and prayers will be recited, and at exactly six o'clock in the morning the flags of the revolution will be raised and cheers will be made in the name of
the ⟦(redeemed)⟧ Leader for the sake of saving this people by His Eminence to His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Iraqi Republic, the community ⟦entirely⟧
And the loyalists greet him and we pray for the life of the country's sole leader, Major General Staff Abd al-Karim Qasim.
⟦illegible⟧
Secretariat of the Mosaic Community
5/14/11
5/14/10
7/12/1959

Archival unit 519

Iraqi Government
Baghdad Execution Vice Presidency
A - D - 10:
Please refer to the file number and the outgoing number when replying:
Hijri Date:
Gregorian Date: 4 / 12 / 57
File Number: 5 / 5129
Outgoing Number: 7
To: The Israeli Community in Baghdad
We are sending you herewith a check numbered (4868) and dated 4 / 12 / 57
for the amount of 2/286 obtained from the debtors whose names are listed below
requesting a receipt for it.
⟦signature⟧
For Accountant of Baghdad Execution Department
Abdul Latif Abdul Razzaq
Presidency of the Mosaic Community
Special No. ⟦line⟧
Date ⟦line⟧
Fils | Dinar | Name of Debtor | File Number | Book Number | Book Date
286 | 2 | Asloum | 5/5129 | |

Archival unit 520

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
In Baghdad
No. T /: ⟦illegible⟧ / 59
Date: 25 / 5 / 1959
Telephone No.: 83531 / 5452
Subject ::
His Excellency the Military Governor General
Greetings and respect
On the night of 18 / 5 / 59, Majid Karim al-Jiji gained access via a ladder to the house belonging to the community located
on the main street (Al-Kifah) and managed to break the door and reside in it with his family, and despite contacting the police and the investigating judge with our letter
Number T / 127 / 59 dated 20 / 5 / 59, he is still occupying this house.
What this person has done constitutes a flagrant crime and a breach of security, and since he has not left the house despite contacting the authorities,
I have come with this petition of mine requesting that the necessary measures be taken against this trespasser and to evacuate the house.
This is for your Excellency's command ⟦line⟧
Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri
Acting President of the Community
Enclosed
A copy of the petition submitted to the Rusafa investigating judge.
⟦illegible stamp⟧

Archival unit 521

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number { 83531
5452
Number T/: 127 / 59
Date: 25 / 5 / 1959
Subject ::
His Excellency the Military Governor General, Respectfully
Greetings and respect
On the night of 18/5/59, Majeed Karim al-Jubouri accessed the house belonging to the community located
on the main street (Al-Kifah) by means of a ladder, and was able to break the door and reside in it with his family, and despite contacting the police and the investigating judge via our letter
No. T/127/59 dated 20/5/59, he is still occupying this house.
What this person has done constitutes a flagrant crime and a breach of security, and due to his failure to vacate the house despite contacting the authorities
I have submitted this petition of mine requesting that necessary measures be taken against this trespasser and that the house be vacated.
This, and the matter is yours to decide ⟦line⟧
Rabbi Sassoon Khedouri
Acting President of the Community
Attached
Copy of the petition submitted to the Rusafa Investigating Judge.

Archival unit 522

Presidency of the Jewish Community
In Baghdad
Telephone Number { 83531
5452
Number T / / 59
Date May 20, 1959
Subject: ⟦line⟧
The Honorable Judge of the Rusafa Investigation Office
After greetings
On the night of May 18/19, 1959, the house No. 60 / 140 Al-Kifah Street (Tatran) was empty and on that
night Majeed Karim Al-Jiji gained entry using a ladder from the street and broke the door of the house and he and his family resided in it. When the
competent police were consulted about the matter, they requested that your honor be notified of this to take legal action against these trespassers
on the aforementioned house.
This is for your honor to command ⟦line⟧
Rabbi Sassoon Khadhuri
Acting Head of the Community
⟦illegible⟧

Archival unit 524

Presidency of the Jewish Community in Baghdad:
Telephone Number: 83531 President / 5452 Secretary
No. T/: — / —
Date: 24 / 12 / 1958
Subject: ⟦line⟧
Announcement
His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khadduri, President of the Community, announces to the honorable members of the community that
the Presidency of the Community will teach those of its members who wish to learn about the slaughter of sheep, and at the same time it is
ready to assist those interested by providing financial aid during the period of teaching and training if they so desire.
His Eminence wishes everyone success and prosperity.
⟦illegible⟧
Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad

Archival unit 525

Distribution ⟦illegible⟧ the Sect ⟦illegible⟧
Baghdad
Number ⟦illegible⟧ / ⟦illegible⟧ / ⟦illegible⟧
Date ⟦illegible⟧ / ⟦illegible⟧ / 1948
⟦line⟧
To ⟦illegible⟧
In ⟦illegible⟧ 1948 ⟦illegible⟧ the date ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧
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⟦circular stamp - illegible⟧