AI en Translation, Pages 51-75
Page 51
Newspaper:
Number:
Date:
The Iraqi government bans travel visas for Jews
America rejects our facilities for its aircraft in Basra
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a memorandum to its commission in Cairo
and its consulate general in Jerusalem requesting not to grant Jews transit visas through
Iraq of any kind, with the exception of Palestinian Arabs who are in possession of
travel tickets on American Airlines and others. It is understood that
American airlines rejected, when informed of the contents of the memorandum, the facilities
provided to them by Iraq to obtain fuel from Basra airport because of these
measures.
Page 53
The Newspaper: ⟦...⟧
Number: ⟦...⟧
Date: ⟦...⟧
Poisons of a Zionist newspaper
against Iraq
We publish a telegram published by the colleague newspaper
Al-Zaman regarding the allegations of a Zionist newspaper whose
only intent is to tarnish Iraq's reputation
and pressure the Iraqi government to be more lenient
with the advocates of Zionism than it already has been.
And here is the text of the telegram:
Jerusalem - The newspaper HaBoker
Jewish newspaper attacked the Iraqi government, claiming
that a wave of persecution against Jews is sweeping
Baghdad and that Jewish employees received
instructions requiring them to resign from
their jobs. The newspaper also claimed that
the Iraqi government continues its pressure on
the Council of the Israelite Community in Baghdad
until it issues a statement against Zionism, and
measures have now been taken to prevent Jews from
leaving the country. (Ends)
We do not need to respond to these allegations,
for they are exposed from their very origin. Some time
ago, we published an article in which we asked the government
to be fair between us and our Jewish fellow citizens,
neither their system nor ours, by appointing
them to government positions in proportion to
their number in the country and according to their representation
in the Parliament. If we wanted to
uncover the lid on many matters, we would find
that the Jews in this country enjoy the lion's share
of jobs, and it would become clear to us that they
occupy important positions that they would not dream
of even if they were able to form a Zionist
government anywhere in the world. For the Director of
General Finance in Iraq is a Jew, Ibrahim
Al-Kabir, and the Budget Director is a Jew, namely
Khedouri Ezra, and the General Budget Supervisor
is a Jew, Mizrahi. These people occupy
these positions in Finance and prestigious jobs
regardless of their abundance in other
places. In refutation of what HaBoker mentioned,
we publish this list, from which it is evident
that Jews occupy important positions in the
General Telegraph and Post Administration. Here are the names
of the persons who occupy key and important
positions in the Central Post Office in
Baghdad only:
1 - Assistant Postmaster, Correspondence Department: Karji Sassoon. This person has been residing in Palestine on leave for a year, and the department has not asked about the reasons for his stay all this time, nor has it dismissed him. Had he been a non-Jewish employee, the rope would not have been extended for him for all this time.
2 - Assistant Postmaster: Ibrahim Haroun Tarzi, brother of Selim Tarzi, the Inspector General of the Telegraph and Post Department.
3 - Assistant Postmaster: Saleh Menachem.
4 - Assistant Postmaster: Hayyim Ibrahim.
5 - Accountant: Zion Houki.
6 - Assistant Accountant: Ishaq Nathan.
7 - Treasurer: Salman Korji.
8 - Head of the Registered Mail Section: Shimon Nassim.
9 - Head of the Money Orders Section: Salim Zion.
10 - Head of the Parcels Section: Nassim Yaqub.
11 - Head of the Foreign Parcels Section: Salman Yusuf.
12 - Head of the Postal Section: Victor Yaqub.
13 - Head of the Sorting Section: Salman Eliyahu.
14 - Head of the Delivery Section: Shua Moshe. He is also on leave in Palestine for a long time; the department has never asked why he remains in Palestine, nor has it dismissed him, and he still receives a salary from the state budget.
15 - Assistant Treasurer: Sassoon Haroun Tarzi, brother of Selim Tarzi. This employee was a stamp seller for the post office and is elderly. After reviewers complained about him regarding buying stamps, he was promoted to the position of Assistant Treasurer and is still present despite his old age.
16 - Head of the Delivery and Registered Mail Section: Khedouri Salem. These people occupy these important positions, aside from employees occupying other positions, until one would imagine that this department is purely Jewish thanks to Mr. Selim Tarzi's control over the department previously and the efforts he made to cram his kin into this important department, which has been the subject of complaints more than once. How can we be sure that Zionist pamphlets were not smuggled by them? If there were a pursuit against Jews as HaBoker claimed, Selim Tarzi and his likes would not have been able to overcome the other communities that groan from the injustice that has befallen them and whom the government has not equated with this community.
As for preventing them from traveling outside Iraq, it is a pure lie, and our proof of that is the presence of employees in Palestine for a long time. So how did these people go, one wonders?
We are not mistaken if we say that this news is received by HaBoker from the Jews who enjoy long leaves at the expense of Iraq's budget, and it wants to make room in Muslim Iraq for sad plays to be performed on its stage, which were perhaps not in the interest of the Jews themselves, or it seeks more, and perhaps all this does not satisfy it until it sees Iraq from its furthest reaches to its furthest reaches as a property for the Jews.
And perhaps HaBoker will not believe if we tell it that we opposed returning Selim Tarzi to the General Telegraph and Post Directorate as Inspector General, but the government threw our words against the wall and brought him back despite our grumbling about him. So, is there pursuit after this, one wonders, or is it pampering?..
It is better for HaBoker to thank Iraq, which cherishes the Jews more than it cherishes the rest of the communities. Perhaps the Rabbi's statement will gag it with a stone and refute its argument.
Page 55
Newspaper ⟦line⟧
Number ⟦line⟧
Date ⟦line⟧ Kh
Text of the decision of Ana Criminal Court
And the decision of the Court of Cassation of Iraq
Containing the sentence of four Jews to rigorous imprisonment
for a period of four months for attempting to escape to Palestine
⟦line⟧
We found this decision by chance with one of the brothers, and it
pertains to the escape of Zionists from Iraq to Palestine. This
decision has gained legal status through appeal and cassation, and we
publish it for a lesson and reminder to those who think of tampering with the
laws of the country with the intent of aggression against the greater Arab homeland.
Editor
- Conviction Decision - | His certificates and documents showing his competence
Ana Criminal Court was formed on day | and eligibility for employment, especially since most of them
6 - 1 - 947 by its judge Diya Sheit | are high school graduates according to
The judge of the first degree authorized | what appeared in their statements. Also, he who wants
to judge in the name of His Majesty the King of Iraq | employment must bring with him some
And issued its following decision: | things he needs, such as bedding and clothes
Through the investigating judge of Ana, the defendants Ishaq | and others. Also, there is no need to plead with
Eliyahu, Hasqeel Sassoon, Dawood Ishaq | the police when they were arrested and ask them
and Moshe Ephraim [were brought] before this court | to release them for a bribe. Furthermore, their statements
since 20 - 21 - 12 - 946 until | to the police and in the court are contradictory, which
now to conduct their trial according to Article | indicates this. In view of what was stated in the testimonies
(10) of the Passport Law | of witnesses and the interpreted confession of the defendants, the
No. 65 of 1932. The | court was convinced that the mentioned defendants
court leveled against them the charge according to paragraph | had attempted to leave Iraq without having
(A) of Article (10) of the mentioned | a passport, in violation of Article (3)
law, so they denied it. As a result of the trial | of the mentioned law. Since paragraph (A)
and hearing witness testimonies, it appeared that | of Article (10) of the aforementioned law
the mentioned defendants agreed among themselves and with | punishes the attempt to leave Iraq without
a person named Hammad whom the police have not found | having a passport, and the defendants
until now, and the case has been separated regarding him, | have attempted that, the court leveled
to escape to Palestine by way of | against them the charge according to the mentioned article, with
Syria with the help of that unknown person. | the observation of the necessity of taking aggravating reasons
They made their preparations and wore Arab | against them because they want to go to Palestine
clothes (which are the Agal, Yashmagh, Zaboun, | for political purposes. So it decided to convict them according to
and Abaya) to hide the reality of their appearance | paragraph (1) of Article (10) of
with these disguise clothes. They rented | the Passport Law
a car to escape by way of Ana District, | No. 65 of 932, and convicted them accordingly
and when they arrived at Ana, they hid from | and informed them of it) 6 - 1 - 947.
sight inside a valley, so the driver suspected | - Sentencing Decision -
them and informed the police. The police | Ana Criminal Court was formed on the day of
arrested them in a place located on the | 6 - 1 - 947 by its judge Diya Sheit
monitored Syrian border called Al-Mashhad. When | the judge of the first degree authorized
the police asked them about their identities, | to judge in the name of His Majesty the King of Iraq
they replied in agreement that they | and issued its following sentence:
were from the people of Hama and wanted to go to | The court sentenced each of the | convicting Ishaq Eliyahu, Moshe Ephraim,
Syria. The police knew they were Jews | criminals Ishaq Eliyahu, Hasqeel | Hasqeel Sassoon, and Dawood Ishaq according to
wanting to go to Palestine from | Sassoon, Dawood Ishaq, and Moshe Ephraim | paragraph (1) of Article (10) of the
their spoken accent and from their Arab disguise | to rigorous imprisonment for four months for | Passport Law (No.)
clothes. Then the mentioned defendants | each of them starting from the date of | 65-932 for attempting to leave Iraq without
began pleading with the police and asked | their detention occurring on 2 - 12 - 1946 | having a passport, and sentenced
them to release them and offered them a bribe | according to paragraph (A) of Article (10) of | each of them to rigorous imprisonment for four
of twenty Dinars, but the police | the Passport Law | months. The convicts appealed the mentioned sentence
refused that and brought them to the station. As for | No. 65 of 1932 and informed | to the Grand Court of Baghdad region,
the defendants, they confessed that they had come | them of it 6 - 1 - 947. | and upon its review, it decided on 25-1-47
to this place, but they stated that they | - Cassation Decision - | by consensus to confirm it. Based on the request of
intended to seek employment in (T-1 Company), | Number 32 T - 1947 | the convicts, the Court of Cassation brought on
but that is refuted for several reasons: | The Court of Cassation of Iraq was formed on | 27-1-47 the case papers and all its branches
that whoever wants employment in the company | 10 - 2 - 947 by President Mr. | to conduct cassation audits on them.
as a clerk does not need to wear these | Prichard and members Hassan Reda and Mustafa | Upon auditing and deliberation, it appeared that
disguise Arab clothes; rather they should | Al-Ankarli, authorized to judge in the name of His | the two decisions of conviction and sentencing are in accordance
have worn their normal clothes. Also, | Majesty the King of Iraq, and issued the | with the law. It decided to confirm it, and the decision
he who wants employment in the company | following sentence: The appellants are Ishaq Eliyahu and his companions. | was issued by consensus on 10-2-1947.
as a clerk must bring with him | The judge of Ana Criminal decided on 6-1-947 | President
Page 56
Newspaper: ⟦line⟧
Number: ⟦line⟧
Date: ⟦line⟧
People's Opinions ...
In one of the private schools that we do not want to mention its name now, there is
a teacher who teaches history in a racist, sectarian manner, and differentiates between the sons of the
same nation .. so this one is a Jew, and this one is a Muslim, and this one .. etc .. ! We want the
officials to tell us .. is this act considered an act of building in their view, they who
consider every loyal patriot a destroyer?
Page 57
Newspaper ⟦line⟧
Number ⟦line⟧
Date ⟦line⟧
To the Ministry of Education
Because of Sectarianism
We received a letter from one of the students of
Al-Tafayd School evening section complaining
about the behavior of one of the teachers in
the aforementioned school. He says that
his teacher stood to deliver a speech to the second-grade
students in which he attacked
one of the Iraqi sects and methods of
eliminating them, describing them as creators of
strife and unrest in the school. One student
opposed him, which led to an altercation
between the student and his teacher. Consequently, the
principal arrived and reconciled both parties, but
the problem did not end. The students split
into two groups: one group opposed the teacher
and a group was with the teacher. The incident
evolved to encompass the whole school and finally
led to a clash outside the school, which
caused the police to intervene in the matter to break up
the conflict. The result was that one of the
opponents was admitted to the hospital.
Al-Sha'ab
We draw the attention of the government
and the Ministry of Education in
particular to the necessity of combating the spirit of
sectarianism in schools and imposing
strict punishments on those who work to divide
the children of a single nation.
Page 58
Newspaper: ⟦........⟧
Number: ⟦........⟧
Date: ⟦........⟧
We are not against Al-Tafayyudh School
O you who have been blinded by ignorance and ulterior motives
No official or private school is devoid of the presence of harmful elements among teachers or students. It is the duty of the "press" to draw the attention of officials to the actions of these harmful elements. In fulfillment of this duty, we drew the attention of officials to the incident that occurred at Al-Tafayyudh School a few days ago, and we demanded that the Ministry of Education take the necessary measures against those who carry out acts of division among the people of one country. Our statement did not include any prejudice against Al-Tafayyudh School.
But the ignorant and the biased interpreted our statement as hostility we hold toward Al-Tafayyudh School. In fact, we do not care if the biased interpret clear words as they wish, but it is important to us that everyone knows that we are not hostile to Al-Tafayyudh School, and that we fully appreciate the efforts of Al-Tafayyudh School and its long service, but we see no alternative but to draw its attention and the government's attention to the fact that this does not justify the school's leniency with those who damage its reputation, and that it must strike at their hands. As for those who see in Al-Tafayyudh School something sacred that must not be touched, they are the true enemies of Al-Tafayyudh School.
This is our word that we direct to those who are truly jealous for Al-Tafayyudh School. As for the lying hypocrites, we have no business with them.
⟦line⟧
Page 59
Newspaper: ⟦line⟧
Number: ⟦line⟧
Date: ⟦line⟧
(Al-Sha'ab)
A Heinous Crime in Sulaymaniyah
They strangled him due to a dispute over his debt to them
The telegraph brought us the following cable from | before them a day before the incident by paying the amounts
Sulaymaniyah signed by (134) signatures | on the day of the incident and they took him to their house
We publish it for public opinion to view | and strangled him there after precise planning
It requests the responsible authorities to conduct | for the felony, such as sending their families outside
investigations against the criminals and bring them to | for an outing, and they transported him in their car as they are
justice. | car owners, and the signs
On 4-23-947, an | and strong evidence indicating the crime are available
aching incident occurred in Sulaymaniyah itself that wounded | but despite the passage of this period until
the depths of the hearts of everyone with human sensitivity | now his body has not been found due to their display
and caused an extraordinary terror in the souls | of dominance, and no one dares to come forward
in which the maximum limits of brutality were represented | with testimony, despite its abundance, for fear of them. Therefore
which is that a young man named Saadi Yusuf | we seek help through the strength and justice of your
at the age of twenty-five and who has | respected government to take urgent measures to find
three children, the oldest of whom does not exceed | the body of the victim and to reveal the crime
seven years of age, and is responsible for supporting | clearly to present it to the judiciary
many people, he was owed by ⟦line⟧ | so that the perpetrators receive the legal punishment
⟦line⟧ under a promissory note an amount of | in fulfillment of justice and as a deterrent to the influential.
862.500 dinars, and he was promised by | * * *
Page 60
Al-Jarida:
Number:
Date:
Withdrawal of Mr. Shalom Darwish
from the ninth district elections
What is the position of the other party candidates?
We received from Mr. Shalom Darwish | from the list of Jewish candidates.
The National Democratic Party candidate | It is expected that Mr.
for the Jewish representation in Baghdad | Nail Samhairi, the National
a copy of the letter he submitted to | Democratic Party candidate for Christians,
the Baghdad Governorate, in which | will also announce his withdrawal for the same reasons.
he says that in implementation of the | Also, the position of the Independence Party
Central Administrative Committee's decision | in the parliamentary elections and the current
to withdraw the party's deputies from the | Council indicates that its candidates, Mr.
Parliament, and since the Parliament has | Ismail Al-Ghanim for Muslims and Talal
decided to rerun the ninth district elections, | George for Christians, will withdraw
he has decided to withdraw from the | from the elections as well.
aforementioned elections and requests to strike his name. |
⟦line⟧
Page 61
The Newspaper ⟦line⟧
Number ⟦line⟧
Date ⟦line⟧ 15 May ⟦...⟧
Demands of Teachers in the Schools
of the Jewish Community
We received a word from a "teacher" describing
the status of various institutions belonging to the Jewish
community in Baghdad, and then he says that about
four months ago, the male and female teachers
of the Jewish community schools submitted
a petition to the Jewish Schools Committee
requesting the equalization of their salaries with the salaries
of public school teachers and the establishment of a fixed
system for promotion and guaranteeing a retirement pension
on which the teacher can live during old age or inability
to work.
However, the Jewish Schools Committee
ignored this request, and after several
follow-ups, the committee promised the teachers it would fulfill
their aforementioned demands, but to no avail.
The committee finally resolved to increase
the salaries of teachers who did not receive
an increase last year by an amount of one and a half
dinars, and increase the salaries of teachers who
were promoted last year by an amount of one dinar.
The author of the word says that this rate
of increase is unfair, and he requests the fulfillment
of the teachers' demands referred to above.
Page 62
⟦21 / 1 / 1948⟧
(1948)
And God is with us!
The colleague (Iraq Times) published in
its local news the day before yesterday the following report.
(Iraq Times) recently received
an unsigned letter written in carbon on
unstamped paper (without a distinguishing watermark)
It was written in French and placed inside
an envelope sent by mail from Baghdad and written
in French: -
« We have waited for a very long time while
our Zionist enemies were working secretly and openly
trying to steal Palestine from us ».
« And it will not be long before the world talks about
(Arab Defenders of Palestine), which is an institution
founded by (our President) with the help of several dignitaries from
every country that wishes to put an end to the power of the international
Zionists and fight the forces of evil ».
« Our brothers in Palestine ask for nothing
other than to live in peace with the peaceful Jews,
but nevertheless they will not be able to remain quiet
without lifting a finger when they see their country
turning into a battlefield. Likewise, we
cannot remain idle, because their cause
is our cause ».
« We have decided to fight the invader and
we have laid our plans, and with the help of our
European friends we will strangle evil at its source ».
« (Our President) has ordered us not to carry out any
action in Palestine temporarily because there is much
misery prevailing in the country. But justice
will take its course - this is as certain as
night follows day - and the hour has drawn near
and God is with us » . ⟦The News⟧
Page 63
30 June 947-10701
Anonymous Letter
to the Editor
The letter below is published al-
though it is anonymous not be-
cause the Editor considers it to
have news value, but to prove that
this paper is not afraid of critic-
ism, particularly when it is child-
ish. Because he has, since the
publication of the message it des-
cribes, been bombarded by letters
from apparent Zionists, he takes
this opportunity to point out that
the circular on the Arab under-
ground was published, not as a
Letter to the Editor, but as a news
item as a matter of very consider-
able public interest. Any further
anonymous letters on this subject
will go, like the earlier ones, into
the waste-paper basket. Letters
accompanied by names and ad-
dressed are always welcome.
To The Editor,
SIR, In The Iraq Times dated 21st
June, 1947, you published an
anonymous message in the local
news column under the heading
"Arab underground to fight for
Palestine."
It is indeed very amazing to know
that paper like The Iraq Times
which abides by the publishing rules
goes out of the way to publish an un-
signed letter after taking the trouble
of translating it from French to Eng-
lish.
The motive in publishing such let-
ters are too obvious to the public, it
is part of the British Policy to start
enimosity between Jew and Arab
and to give instructions to the Arabs
by way of suggestions.
The world is tired of the well
known British Policy of "Divide and
Rule" and the Arabs know too well
who is the real enemy.
We advise the respectable paper
not to publish such absured letters
less, by so doing it will draw ridicule
to itself, and in the end we ask the
honourable editor if in publishing
that letters he was promted by the
freedom of the press; will he apply
the same rule to this letter thereby
showing us the British democracy
and freedom of the press of which
we have heard a lot.
Yours (X).
Baghdad, 22nd June, 1947.
June 21
5191
LOCAL NEWS
Arab Underground
to Fight for
Palestine
The following anonymous mes-
sage, duplicated on unwatermarked
paper, was received by The Iraq
Times recently. It was written
in French, and contained in an en-
velope posted in Baghdad and ad-
dressed in French:
"We have waited too long while our
Jewish enemies have worked.
Openly and covertly, they have
tried to steal our Palestine from
us.
"Soon the world will talk of the
Arab Defenders of Palestine, an
organisation created by our Chief
with the assistance of many no-
tables from every country, who
wish to put an end to Jewish
world power and to fight the for-
ces of the spirit of evil.
"Our brothers in Palestine ask no-
thing except to live in peace with
the peaceful Jews; nevertheless
they cannot remain undisturbed
when they see their country trans-
formed into a field of battle. We
also cannot remain inactive, since
their cause is our cause.
"We have decided to fight the in-
vader. Our plans are made and
with the help of our European
friends we shall stifle the evil at
its source.
"Our Chief has ordered us to take
no action in Palestine for the mo-
ment, because there is already too
much misery. But as surely as
day follows night justice will be
done. The hour approaches and
God is with us."
Page 65
Regarding the theft of questions
Much has been said about the theft of questions
for general examinations, and rumors have
gone in various directions regarding how to obtain
them; some were accurate and some were not, but I
in this statement clarify what I felt with my hands, what
I saw with my eyes, and what I heard with my ears.
The theft of questions stems from two sources
in addition to the rest of the sources that we cannot
deny: The first source is the children
of prominent figures whose cars
were roaming the streets all night; leave this aside,
as they meet in the morning by themselves
and discuss them, so if a student arrives
who has no knowledge of the questions, the course of the conversation changes.
They spread through them, as each gave them
to his friend, and so from friend to friend
and from relative to relative. Likewise,
these individuals were at the forefront of students solving the questions
at a time when the strongest students could not complete
the questions, even though the level of these individuals is much
lower than the level of some students, and that is
due to what you know about their abilities in school,
and school averages are the best witness and proof.
As the general results appear, we hope they are compared
with school averages; at that point, the truth
will emerge. The other point is that
these individuals, when solving the questions, you see them with the pen
flowing like a torrent; neither does their pen stop for a moment
nor do their tongues falter for a second, as if revelation
descends upon them while they write. This is
the first source.
As for the second source, it is what I heard with my ears
from one of the students of Shamash School, right after
his exit from the hall, when his friend asked him
inquiring about his answer, and he said: How could I not answer?
The school administration bought the questions for (400)
dinars and distributed them to the students for free, and this
spread is only through us. After this
confession, we cannot speak except by presenting
these actions to the Ministry of Education so that
it may conduct an investigation with the real thieves
and so that justice takes its course.
Muhammad Ahmad Al-Khafaji
Al-Sijill: What we have learned is that the questions
were given to Al-Hilla by telephone and there they became
in high demand.
Page 67
Regulation Bill of the ⟦illegible⟧
Religious Courts for Communities
The following is the speech of His Excellency Ezra Menachem regarding the Regulation Bill of the Religious Courts
for the Christian and Mosaic communities, which he delivered in the session of the Senate held on
Saturday 1947/7/5:
It is known that the Spiritual Councils do not | the Community within three days of receiving the order
have a code of procedure, nor a law | a list of the names of five clerics whose
organizing its affairs. The government has done | election was proposed for this purpose. However, the
well by presenting this bill for the sake of organizing them. | Ministry informed the head of the community in its letter
We also welcome their interest in presenting a second bill | dated April 20 that one of the members
on the rules of procedure for the communities. | resigned and that it appointed someone else. However,
the member appointed by the ministry directly
The reasons for my opposition to this bill are | also resigned. Therefore, it requested the head of the
because I see that some of its articles do not align with | community to send it a list of names of those you nominate
the foundations upon which the state proceeded in the trial | of the rabbis to choose one of them to complete
of judges, and that others | the special council intended to
do not align with the provisions of the Constitution. | reconsider the decision of the Court of Cassation. Accordingly,
The Constitution defined the jurisdiction of each of | the head of the community submitted a list of names of seven persons
the three categories of courts: the civil courts, | from among the rabbis for the Ministry to elect one
the religious courts, and the special courts. | of them. At the request of the Ministry, the head of the
Each of these three categories must | community submitted another list with the names of the remaining rabbis
adjudicate cases of the type and limits specified | whose names were not submitted because they had excuses
in the Constitution, and they may not look into others. | for not accepting membership in the special council, along
Furthermore, the Constitution does not allow amending its texts | with a statement of their excuses.
by a law. | The last letter was submitted on June 10,
The article concerning the jurisdiction of the Spiritual | and the head of the community has not yet received
Councils is: | any response from the Ministry of Justice regarding the name of
The Spiritual Councils shall look into: | the member whose election to the vacant membership
1- Matters related to marriage, | of the special council it had decided upon, even though the head of the
dowry, divorce, separation, alimony, | community nominated seven clerics
and the validation of wills unless they are | who are ready to accept membership so that His
certified by a notary public, except for internal matters | Excellency may elect one of them.
within the jurisdiction of civil courts | Based on this argument, and even before
regarding members of the community, excluding foreigners | the cause of this argument occurred, the Ministry
among them. | is presenting a bill, Article 18 of which provides for the
2- Other matters of personal status | Minister to refer a case from religious courts
pertaining to the recognition of communities upon | to civil courts upon refusal, and Article 10
the agreement of the litigants. | of it empowers the Minister to dismiss a religious judge
I regret that His Excellency the Minister of Justice | without trial or right of defense, alleging no
did not remain in the committee until the end of the discussion | harm to his dignity.
due to being occupied with other matters, as he left the committee | The trial of a religious judge, like other judges
and entrusted the response to His Excellency the Head of Legal | and magistrates before a special committee for this purpose,
Drafting, who was present with him in the committee | is a matter dictated by public interest and harmony in
and who remained keen that this | our laws. A refusal should not be considered
bill not be touched by any amendment. I believe that what | a refusal unless all members of the spiritual
His Excellency stated before the committee—that | council, usually numbering between 25 and 30, refuse
thirty members of the Mosaic Spiritual Council | and the Minister is unable to form the court.
refused to hear one of the cases for which | In such a serious case, it must be reflected upon
His Excellency the Minister requested a reconsideration of its | if there are serious substantive reasons preventing
cassation ruling—had a profound impact on the acceptance | all members of the spiritual council from looking
of the bill by the committee as is, without | into a case within its jurisdiction to hear and judge
change. | according to their specific religious laws.
In view of the seriousness of the statements of the Head of | I do not wish to say with these words that
Legal Drafting, I proceeded to investigate | community justice does not need organization and
the news from the competent authority. This is what | rules codified by law, because the rules currently
I learned from him, so let the Minister be certain of | followed in religious courts are based
its accuracy. | on custom and tradition. Furthermore, rulings | and their translation into Arabic so that they can be relied | Because His Excellency the concerned Minister was not
His Excellency the Minister of Justice requested from | issued by religious courts, despite being | upon in judgment, which enables the government | present in the committee until the end of the discussion, I ask
the head of the Jewish community, based on a | based on established religious rulings, appear to those | and the litigants to review and discuss them in | His Excellency the Minister, or the head or rapporteur
judicial decision issued last March 23, the formation of | unfamiliar with specific religious rulings as if they | case of their violation. Also, setting rules of procedure | of the committee, to request that this bill be
a special council to reconsider the decision of the | do not align with the provisions of other laws. | will eliminate the other part of the problems which are | returned to the committee to amend some of its
Jewish Sharia Court of Cassation regarding a case | These problems will disappear after the issuance of this | the greatest cause of misunderstanding. | articles in a way that fits the constitutional texts
of alimony, where the amount ruled was claimed to be | bill, which mandates the collection of religious texts | In view of the serious reasons I have listed | and the rules followed in our laws regarding
disproportionate to his financial ability. The head of | | | the trial of judges.
Page 68
The Israeli Council
the Jewish
Denounces the statements of Zionist leaders
Damascus 26: The Israelite Community Council
in Syria holds a general meeting
to draft a memorandum to be submitted to the Secretariat
General of the United Nations, declaring therein that
what the International Commission of Inquiry heard from
some Zionist leaders about the persecution
of Jews in the Arab countries has no basis in
truth; and the Council will send a telegram to this
effect to the Commission of Inquiry in Geneva.
Page 69
Newspaper:
Number:
Date:
A Word of Reproach
To our Jewish brothers in Iraq
Recent telegrams reported that the Jewish
communities in Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon have
sent various telegrams and messages to the
International Commission of Inquiry, expressing their solidarity
with the Arabs with whom they have lived in permanent harmony
and sincere affection, and expressing
their absolute support for the just Arab demands
and the national rights claimed by the original
people of Palestine. More importantly, those
communities responded violently to the statements
of Zionist leaders in which they declared that
Jews live a life of misery, tyranny,
and humiliation in Arab countries. They showed that
since they settled in these lands, they have had
the same rights as all citizens
and attained all the privileges enjoyed by their
Arab brothers, and that Arabs and Jews in
the East lived for century after century dealing
with each other and living together as any
citizen lives. And if any misunderstanding
occurred, it was due to the Europeans who
intervened between the sons of the nation, wanting to
divide them.
And how beautiful it would have been if our brothers
in Iraq had done this, while the Arab nation is in a
decisive position among its positions in the fields of struggle. And how
much of a beautiful impact this work would have had on the souls
of the people of the Arab countries, who would have known that among
them are Jewish communities who feel
their feelings and fight their struggle.
And how much we regretted that Iraqi Jews did not
participate in this arena and declare, along with
their Jewish brothers in the Arab countries, that they
lived in Iraq in affection and harmony and that they
refute the Zionist allegations that distort
the situation and attack the Arabs on every occasion
accusing them of harming the Jewish community
and not treating them with the same kindness as others. Then,
how great was our regret that our brothers
the Jews did not do the same, they who lived in these
lands a life of permanent peace and a life of stability
undisturbed by any distress or troubled by aggression. They
enjoyed all the rights that an Iraqi enjoys
and dealt as every citizen deals
in all fields; in fact, they had the upper hand
in the field of economic life.
If they had participated in this step,
they would have performed their duty by choice and paid
the debts they owe toward their homeland in which
they lived, enjoyed its bounties, breathed
its air, and sought shade under its sky.
Page 70
219
5 August 942
Certificate
Based on the marriage certificate numbered 97, we hereby confirm that Mr. Abdullah
son of Elias son of Goura Qaraeen married in Baghdad Miss Helwa daughter of Nessim
son of Eliyahu Yeshu'a on the date of 7 December of the year one thousand nine hundred and thirty
nine.
⟦Sassoon⟧
Head of the Community
Page 71
Khedouri Muthir Lawi
Khedouri Murad Shaker
W
Dawood Samra
Dawood Shaul Tweig
Rabbi Dawood Ezra Mustafa
Dr. Dawood Moallem Nassim
Dawood Yousif Moallem Saleh
R
Rabbi Raphael Isaac Hayim
Reuben Ezra Dawood
S
Rabbi Sassoon Ezra Ishayek
Sassoon Murad Jejeck
Sassoon Rabbi Nassim Cohen
Lawyer Salman Saleh Al-Kabir
Lawyer Salman Sion Sheina
Rabbi Salman Hooki Aboodi
Lawyer Selim Isaac
Selim Tarzi
Dr. Selim Kobi
⟦...⟧aul
Muthir Menahem
Muthir Rabbi Mur⟦...⟧
Menashe Ibrahim Karki
Menashe Saleh Shlomo Daw⟦...⟧
Munz Ita
Moshe Shaul Sofer
Dr. Nurullah Moussa
Nunu Mukammal
H
Harun Haskel Samu⟦...⟧
Y
Yamin Murad
Yehuda Saleh Zelouf
Rabbi Yehoshua Moshe Haskel
Dr. Joseph Rosenfeld
Lawyer Joseph Saleh Al-Kabir
Joseph Nassim Aboodi
Branches: Basra, Mosul, Kirkuk
Telephone number: Baghdad 109
Telegram: Taxi . Baghdad
Codes: Bentley's
Khedouri and Ezra Meir Lawee
Baghdad
for Economical Transportation
CHEVROLET
Number: 1650
Baghdad on: 17 August / 1943
His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khedouri, President of the Jewish Community, the Respected
Baghdad
Greetings and Respect
We request you to kindly issue the birth and marriage certificates listed below and in advance
We thank you " " -
Type of Certificate Requested | Name | Date
Birth Certificate | Mr. Khedouri Meir Lawee | Birth 25 February 1891 in Baghdad
" " | Mrs. Mazli daughter of Salman Lawee wife of Mr. Khedouri | " " 12 March 1901 " "
Marriage Certificate | The aforementioned two | Marriage Basra year 1915 Sivan
Birth Certificate | Mr. Salman son of Khedouri Meir Lawee | Date of birth 3 September 1923 in Basra
" " | Ms. Farah daughter of " " " " | " " 20 March 1925 " " " "
" " | " Georgette daughter of " " " " | " " 23 September 1927 " " " "
" " | Mr. Alfred son of " " " " | " " 17 June 1929 " " " "
Please accept, Your Eminence, our highest respect.
We attest to the correctness of the details mentioned above
⟦illegible signature⟧
Page 72
9/23/942
Certificate
Based on the marriage record numbered 263, we hereby confirm that Mr. Haroun Salim
son of Menashi Haroun, was married in Baghdad to Miss Rachel, known as Rochelle
daughter of Sassoon bin Yaqub, on April 16th, the year one thousand nine hundred and thirty-five
⟦illegible⟧
Head of the Community
⟦illegible⟧
Page 73
Khedhouri Muthir Lawi
Khedhouri Murad Shukur
D
Daoud Samra
Daoud Shaul Tweig
Rabbi Daoud Ezra Musfi
Dr. Daoud Moallem Nissim
Daoud Yousif Moallem Saleh
R
Rabbi Raphael Isaac Hayyim
Reuben Ezra Daoud
S
Rabbi Sassoon Ezra Ishayek
Sassoon Murad Jejeck
Sassoon Rabbi Nissim Cohen
Lawyer Salman Saleh El-Kabir
Lawyer Salman Sabon Sheena
Rabbi Salman Hawki Abboudi
Lawyer Selim Isaac
Selim Tozi
Dr. Selim Kobi
Lergy Shalom Lawi
M
Muthir Shaul Menashi Shohet
Muthir Menahem Mahab
Muthir Rabbi Moshe Dangoor
Menashi Ibrahim Karji
Menashi Saleh Shlomo David
Monz Ita
Moshe Shaul Sofer
Dr. Nur Allah Moussa
Nuno Mukammal
H
Haroun Heskel Smouha
Y
Yamin Murad
Yehuda Saleh Zelouf
Rabbi Yehoshua Moshe Heskel
Dr. Joseph Rosenfeld
Lawyer Joseph Saleh El-Kabir
Joseph Nissim Abboudi
⟦illegible⟧
Presidency of the Israelite Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number 531
Number ::
Date ::
Subject ::
No. 3323
Baghdad 11th August 1942
Birth Certificate.
In accordance with testimonials presented we hereby
confirm that Miss Amira Abraham of the Jewish Faith was
born in Baghdad in the year 1939 ( nineteen hundred &
thirty nine A.D.)
⟦Sasson⟧
President
The Jewish Community
Baghdad.
Page 74
2242
24 August 942
Certification
Based on the presented marriage certificate, we hereby confirm that Mr. Sa'id bin Yusuf
bin Rubin Haym Lawi was married in Baghdad to Miss Simha daughter of Moshi Yusuf
Al-Sayegh on August 21, the year one thousand nine hundred and forty-two.
⟦Sassoon⟧
Head of the Community
Page 75
H | R | Lawyer Salman Saleh Al-Kabeer
Khedouri Moshir Lawy | Rabbi Raphael Isaac Hayyim | Lawyer Salman Sion Sheina
Khedouri Murad Shaker | Ruben Ezra Daoud | Rabbi Salman Joki Aboudi
D | S | Lawyer Salim Isaac
Daoud Samra | Rabbi Sassoon Ezra Is-haq | Salim Tarazi
Daoud Shaul Tweig | Sassoon Murad Jajik | Dr. Salim Koubi
Rabbi Daoud Ezra Musfi | Sassoon Rabbi Nessim Cohen |
Dr. Daoud Moallem Nessim | |
Daoud Yusuf Moallem Saleh | |
Gurji Shalom Lawy | Dr. Noor Allah Moussa | Rabbi Yehoshua Moshi Haskel
Moshir Shaul Menashi Shasoua | Nunu Mukammal | Dr. Joseph Rosenfeld
Moshir Menachem Mehab | H | Lawyer Joseph Saleh Al-Kabeer
Moshir Rabbi Moshi Dankour | Aaron Haskel Smouha | Joseph Nessim Aboudi
Menashi Ibrahim Gurji | Y |
Menashi Saleh Shlomo David | Yamin Murad |
Mons Ita | Yehuda Saleh Zelouf |
Moshi Shaul Sofer | |
Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 531
Number ::
Date ::
Subject ::
Baghdad 24th August 1942
Marriage Certificate.
In accordance with the Marriage Contract presented
we hereby confirm that Mr. SAID YUSUF RUBEN HAIM LAWEE was
married Miss SIMHA MOSHI YUSUF SAIGH in Baghdad on the 21st
day of August 1942 ( nineteen hundred & fourty two ) /
⟦illegible signature⟧
President
The Jewish Community,
Baghdad .