Voices from the Archive

IJA 2747

Correspondence between Iraqi Government and Jewish Community – Citizenship Issues; Financial Matters; New Community Leaders

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Description

These are archival materials from the Baghdadi Jewish community containing correspondence from the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews and the President of the Jewish Community. It includes: letters to and from the Minister of Justice concerning the death of Rabbi Sassoon Khedouri; requests for assistance from community members; elections for the Jewish community council; donation of Torahs to the Ministry of Justice’s library upon request; letters to and from the General Organization for Housing regarding the Jewish cemetery; correspondence with the Secretary of Frozen Funds regarding: the sale of frozen shares in the Times publishing company; shareholders with revoked nationality; company liquidation; and debt repayment; correspondence with the Revolutionary Command Council including letters to Saddam Hussein, then Deputy of the Revolutionary Command Council, regarding complaints about the seizure of property revenues and confiscation of a bank account belonging to Iraqi Jews; correspondence with the Director of Public Security regarding new citizenship laws; correspondence with the president of the Alliance of Non-Zionist Jews in Canada regarding his visit to Iraq; and correspondence to the United Nations, expressing the Iraqi Jewish community’s loyalty to Iraq. There is also a request to the Ministry of Information for Assyrian, Sabean, Yazidi, and Jewish holidays to be included in the annual calendar; a letter from the General Broadcasting and Television Office regarding the film, Man of Peace; a letter regarding the gift of Torah scrolls to the Jewish communities in England and Sweden; a letter to Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr (President of Iraq), complaining of the continuation of discrimination against Jews in spite of the decree to treat Iraqi Jews equally as Iraqi citizens; letters to the Ministry of the Interior regarding the freezing of bank accounts; permission to sell properties; the confiscation of a synagogue in Basrah; maintaining and revocation of Iraqi nationality; and a list of community members eligible to serve on the administrative council. There are also copies of the Iraqi Gazette from 1958, 1961 and 1973.

Metadata

Archive Reference
IJA 2747
Item Number
5531
Date
Approx. January 1, 1951 to December 31, 1960
Languages
Arabic
Keywords
Shareholders, Sabean, Rouben Naji Elias, Travel, Employment, London, Legal Codification Bureau, Newspaper, Hakham Sassoon Khedouri, Annotation, Accounting, Iraqi Embassy, Denmark, Teacher, Synagogue, Basrah, Easter, Revolutionary Command Council, United Nations, English, Envelope, Sukkot, Real Estate, Saddam Hussein, Office of Public Security – Frozen Assets, Ink Stamp, Yazidi, Ezra Manheim Daniel, Baghdadi Jewish Community, Frank Iny School, Lawyer, Chart, Cemetery, File Folder, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Information, Toronto, Yom Kipur, Public Security, Abrogation of Citizenship, Property, Syria, Citizenship Laws, Canada, Financial, Postage Stamp, Legal, Correspondence, Office of the Haham of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews of Great Britain, Waqf, Special Endowment Committee, Shamash Secondary School, Iraqi Gazette, Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, President of the Mosaic Community, Sweden, Crown Crest, Rosh ha-Shanah, Eagle Crest, Sun Crest, Marriage, Israel, Ministry of Justice, President of the Jewish Community, Meir Tawieg Synagogue, Torah, Typed, Ministry of Education, Labor, Alliance of Non-Zionist, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Assyrian, Revenue Stamp, Letterhead, Al-Waqā’i‘ Al-‘Irāqiyah, Iraqi Government, Handwritten, Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews, Receipt, Jewish Cemetery, Zionism, Mohammed Saed al-Sahaf, Jewish Holidays, Endowment

AI en Translation, Pages 126-150

Page 126

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Number T/: 244 / 77
Date: 7 / 2 / 1977
Subject /:
The Respected Mr. Professor Militant Saddam Hussein
Honorable Vice Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council
Greetings and respect
Amidst your many preoccupations and the great gains you have achieved for the people, allow me to write to you
and present to your noble ears the situation of the members of our community who take pride in this dear homeland and are attached to its soil for thousands
of years and who have shared with the people in good times and bad.
Respected Sir
The honorable Revolutionary Command Council issued Law No. 86 of 1969, and this law abolished all
exceptional laws that restricted the freedom of disposal of the financial, social, and cultural affairs of the members of our community. Also, the
venerable Council, by issuing its revolutionary humanitarian decision No. 1293 of 1975 allowing Iraqi Jews
to return to their dear homeland, has reinforced its revolutionism and humanity.
These two laws and the decision, which support equality and reject all forms of religious and social discrimination,
accurately express the principles committed to by the political leadership of the leading party, the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party.
But with great regret, some ministries and official departments have stopped the implementation of this law through written
and oral instructions, namely:-
1 - Preventing the Mosaic individual from disposing of his money, as he is not allowed to withdraw from his deposited funds except within the limits of
-/150 Dinars per month; so how can he work while his funds are frozen?
2 - Not allowing him to appoint others or lawyers to defend his rights and stop the infringements of others, and even depriving him
of general powers of attorney, which exclude the right of sale, receipt, and mortgage.
3 - Not allowing notaries public to certify the dispositive and legal transactions of Jews, which has led to the seizure
of their deposited funds.
4 - Not allowing the courts to execute their rulings in favor of the Mosaic individual by obliging them to send the amounts awarded to him
to the General Secretariat for Frozen Funds and banks to freeze them within the limits of paragraph (1).
5 - Not allowing the Mosaic individual to sell his movable and immovable property, even if this sale was for the purpose of
paying taxes and government debts, or for the purpose of meeting his living needs.
(To be continued)
⟦illegible⟧ Telephone 83501
298
⟦illegible⟧

Page 127

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
No. T/:
Date: / /
( 2 )
Subject /:
My Honorable Deputy,
Can an individual live with these restrictions that prevent the exercise of their legitimate rights? Therefore, I have presented
to your Excellency this miserable situation of the members of our community, seeking your assistance to provide relief and allow us to live and work
with dignity, just like other citizens.
And if you would be so kind, sir, as to order an appointment for us to meet your Excellency, it would allow us to explain
what we are complaining about in a clear and detailed manner.
His Excellency the Father President Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr has achieved, and your Excellency has achieved, great gains for the people,
prosperity and a decent life, and you have granted civil and cultural rights to all Iraqi ethnicities and sects.
So I hope that you will kindly look upon our matter with compassion and provide us with the opportunity to work and live a decent life,
praying to the Almighty Lord to protect you and protect the Father Leader and care for you, and to guide your hands toward what brings glory
and elevation to the homeland.
Finally, please accept, sir, the highest expressions of reverence and respect.
Roubin Naji Elias
Head of the Mosaic Community
⟦illegible⟧

Page 128

The Honorable Minister of Interior
Greetings and respect
We, the Iraqi Jews, in this request of ours, are honored by your spirit of Arab
chivalry and by what is known of you regarding your love for goodness and helping <del>⟦the oppressed⟧</del> people
to save us from the financial predicament we are in, we the owners of vacant plots
among the Iraqi Jews, as the vacant land tax has exhausted all our
Arab savings and we cannot do anything as there is no one to buy them
at their meager prices, and there is no one to buy them as there are some
legal obstacles. And since your principles are with all the principles of the revolution and loyalty
and since the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party and all the good values
in our Arab nation, that you extend a helping hand and make these vacant plots
in any form whatsoever, whether the sale is done through official departments
or that the state owns ⟦expropriates⟧ these plots and gives us compensation
at whatever price you wish for them. Or any other way you see fit. We hope
in you, from the blessed men of the revolution, that your justice will include this
sect, which is loyal to the homeland, the nation, and the principles of the leading party
especially since the pioneering leadership has issued a set of
legislations in favor of this sect, as the
esteemed Revolutionary Command Council abolished, by its resolution No. 86 of 1969,
all exceptional restrictions, and we have now come to enjoy all the rights
granted to the Iraqi citizen, and we sincerely hope that your care will include us by solving
this problem (and to you most thanks and respect)

Page 129

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
No. T/: 234 / 77
Date: 16 / 1 / 1977
Subject /:
97
To / Respectable Dr. Teol Bertil Persson
Illestigen 22
S 171 71 Solna
Sweden
After greetings,
We have previously sent to you about a year ago a "Torah Scroll" consisting of a rolled piece of leather
on which texts and contents of the Holy Bible are written, to be presented as a gift to the Jewish community in Stockholm, and that
with the approval of the respected Ministry of Information of the Iraqi Republic, as stated in our letter No. T / 1730 / 75 dated 18 /
12 / 1975 addressed to the aforementioned Ministry.
Furthermore, during your visit to us in Baghdad in early October 1976, you confirmed to us
your receipt of the mentioned "Scroll", and you kindly volunteered to deliver it to the Jewish community in Stockholm
on the sixteenth day of October 1976, with special religious ceremonies and in the presence of the
Ambassador of the Iraqi Republic to Sweden or his representative.
However, we have not received, nor has the respected Iraqi Ministry of Information received, any news regarding the delivery of the
mentioned Scroll to the concerned party until now.
While we currently appreciate and thank you for your services in this regard, we would be grateful if
you would kindly confirm to us, to the Embassy of the Iraqi Republic in Stockholm, and to the respected Iraqi Ministry of Information,
your delivery of the mentioned "Torah Scroll" to the Jewish community in Stockholm, with thanks.
On the occasion of the beginning of the new year 1977, we take this opportunity to express our best
wishes to you, asking the Almighty to return it to you and to everyone with goodness and blessings.
Sincerely,
⟦illegible⟧
Rouben Naji Elias
Acting President of the Jewish Community
Baghdad
Copy to: - / Ministry of Information in the Iraqi Republic - for your kind information and confirmation, please.
Embassy of the Iraqi Republic in Stockholm - for your kind perusal, please.

Page 130

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
No. T/: 234 / 77
Date: 16 / 1 / 1977
Subject /:
To / Dr. Samuel Bertil Person, Respectfully
Almlistigen 22
S 171 71 Solna
Sweden
Greetings,
We previously sent to you about a year ago a "Torah Scroll" consisting of a rolled piece of leather with the texts and contents of the Holy Bible written on it, to be presented as a gift to the Jewish community in Stockholm, with the approval of the esteemed Ministry of Information of the Republic of Iraq, as stated in our letter No. T / 1730 / 75 dated 18 / 12 / 1975 addressed to the aforementioned Ministry.
Furthermore, during your visit to us in Baghdad in early October 1976, you confirmed to us your receipt of the aforementioned "Scroll," and you kindly volunteered to deliver it to the Jewish community in Stockholm on the sixteenth day of October 1976, in special religious ceremonies and in the presence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to Sweden or his representative.
However, neither we nor the esteemed Iraqi Ministry of Information have received any news regarding the delivery of the aforementioned Scroll to the concerned party until now.
While we currently appreciate and thank you for your services in this regard, we would be grateful if you would kindly confirm to us, to the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Stockholm, and to the esteemed Iraqi Ministry of Information, your delivery of the aforementioned "Torah Scroll" to the Jewish community in Stockholm, with thanks.
On the occasion of the beginning of the new year 1977, we take this opportunity to express our best wishes to you, asking the Almighty to return it to you and to everyone with goodness and blessings.
Sincerely,
⟦signature⟧
Rouben Naji Elias
Acting President of the Jewish Community
Baghdad
Copy to: - Ministry of Information in the Republic of Iraq - for your kind information and confirmation, please.
Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Stockholm - for your kind information, please.
⟦illegible stamp⟧

Page 131

TELEPHONE
83531
President of the Jewish Community
BAGHDAD
No. 234/77
Baghdad 9th January 1977
To :
Dr. Theol Bertil Persson,
Illestigen 22,
S. 171 71 Solna,
Sweden.
Dear Sir,
About a year ago, we sent to you one "Sepher Tora", the Holy Scriptures
of the Old Testament on Scroll, to be given as a gift to the Jewish Community
in Stockholm with the kind consent of the Ministry of Information of the
Republic of Iraq to this effect, as was expressed in our letter No. 1730/75
of 18/12/1975 addressed to the said Ministry.
When you paid us a visit in Baghdad at the beginning of October 1976,
you confirmed to us your receipt of the above "Sepher Torah" which you have
kindly undertaken to hand over to the Jewish Community in Stockholm, on the
16th day of October 1976, with a special religious ceremony, in the presence
of his Excellency the Iraqi Ambassador to Sweden or any of his representatives.
Thus far, neither we nor the Iraqi Ministry of Information have any
news about the handing over of the above "sepher Torah" to the party concerned.
While we very much appreciate your services in this respect, we shall
be much obliged if you will kindly confirm to us and also confirm to the
Iraqi Embassy in Stockholm and to the Iraqi Ministry of Information in Baghdad
the delivery of the above mentioned "sepher Torah" to the Jewish Community in
Stockholm. Thank you.
On the occasion of the beginning of the year 1977, we take the opportunity
to wish you a very happy New Year, with many happy returns.
Sincerely yours,
⟦R. N. Elias⟧
Rouben Naji Elias
Acting President of the Jewish Community
Baghdad.
⟦illegible⟧
Copy to : The Ministry of Information of the Republic of Iraq - for your kind
attention and confirmation, please.
The Iraqi Embassy in Stockholm - for notification, please.

Page 132

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
No. T/: 234 / 77
Date: 19 / 1 / 1977
97
Subject /:
To / Respectable Dr. Thiodel Bertil Persson
Illmstigen 22
S 171 71 Solna
Sweden
Greetings,
We have previously sent to you about a year ago a "Torah Scroll" consisting of a rolled piece of leather
on which the texts and contents of the Holy Bible are written, to be presented as a gift to the Jewish community in Stockholm, and that
with the approval of the esteemed Ministry of Information of the Iraqi Republic, as stated in our letter No. T / 1230 / 75 dated 18 /
12 / 1975 addressed to the aforementioned Ministry.
Furthermore, we informed you during our visit to Baghdad in early October 1976 that you had received
the aforementioned "Scroll", and you kindly volunteered to deliver it to the Jewish community in Stockholm
on the sixteenth day of October 1976, with special religious ceremonies and in the presence of the
Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to Sweden or his representative.
However, neither we nor the esteemed Iraqi Ministry of Information have received any news regarding the delivery of the
aforementioned scroll to the concerned party until now.
At the present time, while we appreciate and thank you for your services in this regard, we would be grateful if
you would kindly confirm to us, to the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Stockholm, and to the esteemed Iraqi Ministry of Information,
your delivery of the aforementioned "Torah Scroll" to the Jewish community in Stockholm, with thanks.
On the occasion of the beginning of the new year 1977, we take this opportunity to express our best
wishes to you, asking the Almighty to return it to you and to everyone with goodness and blessings.
Sincerely,
⟦signature⟧
Roubin Naji Elias
Acting President of the Jewish Community
Baghdad
Copy to: - Ministry of Information in the Iraqi Republic - for your kind information and confirmation, please.
Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Stockholm - for your kind review, please.

Page 133

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
No. T/: 234 / 77
Date: 16 / 1 / 1977
Subject /:
97
To / Dr. Shmuel Bertil Pearson, Respectfully
Elmstigin 22
S 171 71 Solna
Sweden
Greetings,
We previously sent to you about a year ago a "Torah Scroll" consisting of a rolled piece of leather
on which the texts and contents of the Holy Bible are written, to be presented as a gift to the Mosaic community in Stockholm, with
the approval of the esteemed Ministry of Information of the Iraqi Republic, as stated in our letter No. T / 1730 / 75 dated 18 /
12 / 1975 addressed to the aforementioned Ministry.
Furthermore, during your visit to us in Baghdad in early October 1976, you confirmed to us
your receipt of the mentioned "Scroll," and your kind donation to deliver it to the Mosaic community in Stockholm
on the sixteenth day of October 1976, in special religious ceremonies and in the presence of the
Ambassador of the Iraqi Republic to Sweden or his representative.
However, neither we nor the esteemed Iraqi Ministry of Information have received any news regarding the delivery of the
mentioned scroll to the concerned party until now.
While we currently appreciate and thank you for your services in this regard, we would be grateful if
you would kindly confirm to us, to the Embassy of the Iraqi Republic in Stockholm, and to the esteemed Iraqi Ministry of Information,
your delivery of the mentioned "Torah Scroll" to the Mosaic community in Stockholm, with thanks.
On the occasion of the beginning of the new year 1977, we take this opportunity to express our best
wishes to you, asking the Almighty to return it to you and to everyone with goodness and blessings.
Sincerely,
⟦signature⟧
Rouben Naji Elias
Acting President of the Mosaic Community
Baghdad
Copy to: - Ministry of Information in the Iraqi Republic - for your kind information and confirmation, please.
Embassy of the Iraqi Republic in Stockholm - for your kind information, please.
Telephone 83531

Page 134

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
No. T/: 234 / 77
Date: 16 / 1 / 1977
Subject /:
97
To / Respected Dr. Shmuel Pernell Pearson
Elmsteigen 22
S 171 71 Solna
Sweden
Greetings,
We previously sent to you about a year ago a "Torah Scroll" consisting of a rolled piece of leather on which the texts and contents of the Holy Bible are written, to be presented as a gift to the Jewish community in Stockholm, with the approval of the respected Ministry of Information of the Iraqi Republic, as stated in our letter No. T / 1210 / 25 dated 18 / 12 / 1975 addressed to the aforementioned Ministry.
Furthermore, during your visit to us in Baghdad in early October 1976, you confirmed to us your receipt of the mentioned "Scroll," and you kindly volunteered to deliver it to the Jewish community in Stockholm on the sixteenth day of October 1976, in special religious ceremonies and in the presence of the Ambassador of the Iraqi Republic to Sweden or his representative.
However, neither we nor the respected Iraqi Ministry of Information have received any news regarding the delivery of the mentioned scroll to the concerned party until now.
While we currently appreciate and thank you for your services in this regard, we would be grateful if you would kindly confirm to us, to the Embassy of the Iraqi Republic in Stockholm, and to the respected Iraqi Ministry of Information, your delivery of the mentioned "Torah Scroll" to the Jewish community in Stockholm, with thanks.
On the occasion of the beginning of the new year 1977, we take this opportunity to express our best wishes to you, asking the Almighty to return it to you and to everyone with goodness and blessings.
Sincerely,
⟦signature⟧
Rouben Naji Elias
Acting President of the Jewish Community
Baghdad
A copy to: - Ministry of Information in the Iraqi Republic - for your kind information and confirmation, please.
Embassy of the Iraqi Republic in Stockholm - for your kind information, please.

Page 136

President of the Jewish Community
BAGHDAD
97
TELEPHONE
⟦88531⟧
80452
No.: 234/77
Baghdad: 9th January 1977
To :
Dr. Theol Bertil Persson,
Illestigen 22,
S. 171 71 Solna,
Sweden.
Dear Sir,
About a year ago, we sent to you one "Sepher Tora", the Holy Scriptures
of the Old Testament on Scroll, to be given as a gift to the Jewish Community
in Stockholm with the kind consent of the Ministry of Information of the
Republic of Iraq to this effect, as was expressed in our letter No. 1730/75
of 18/12/1975 addressed to the said Ministry.
When you paid us a visit in Baghdad at the beginning of October 1976,
you confirmed to us your receipt of the above "Sepher Torah" which you have
kindly undertaken to hand over to the Jewish Community in Stockholm, on the
16th day of October 1976, with a special religious ceremony, in the presence
of his Excellency the Iraqi Ambassador to Sweden or any of his representatives.
Thus far, neither we nor the Iraqi Ministry of Information have any
news about the handing over of the above "sepher Torah" to the party concerned.
While we very much appreciate your services in this respect, we shall
be much obliged if you will kindly confirm to us and also confirm to the
Iraqi Embassy in Stockholm and to the Iraqi Ministry of Information in Baghdad
the delivery of the above mentioned "sepher Torah" to the Jewish Community in
Stockholm. Thank you.
On the occasion of the beginning of the year 1977, we take the opportunity
to wish you a very happy New Year, with many happy returns.
Sincerely yours
⟦R. N. Elias⟧
Rouben Naji Elias
Acting President of the Jewish Community
Baghdad.
Copy to : The Ministry of Information of the Republic of Iraq - for your kind
attention and confirmation, please.
The Iraqi Embassy in Stockholm - for notification, please.

Page 137

TELEPHONE
88531
80452
President of the Jewish Community
BAGHDAD
No.: 234/77
Baghdad: 9th January 1977
To :
Dr. Theol Bertil Persson,
Illestigen 22,
S. 171 71 Solna,
Sweden.
Dear Sir,
About a year ago, we sent to you one "Sepher Tora", the Holy Scriptures
of the Old Testament on Scroll, to be given as a gift to the Jewish Community
in Stockholm with the kind consent of the Ministry of Information of the
Republic of Iraq to this effect, as was expressed in our letter No. 1730/75
of 18/12/1975 addressed to the said Ministry.
When you paid us a visit in Baghdad at the beginning of October 1976,
you confirmed to us your receipt of the above "Sepher Torah" which you have
kindly undertaken to hand over to the Jewish Community in Stockholm, on the
16th day of October 1976, with a special religious ceremony, in the presence
of his Excellency the Iraqi Ambassador to Sweden or any of his representatives.
Thus far, neither we nor the Iraqi Ministry of Information have any
news about the handing over of the above "sepher Torah" to the party concerned.
While we very much appreciate your services in this respect, we shall
be much obliged if you will kindly confirm to us and also confirm to the
Iraqi Embassy in Stockholm and to the Iraqi Ministry of Information in Baghdad
the delivery of the above mentioned "sepher Torah" to the Jewish Community in
Stockholm. Thank you.
On the occasion of the beginning of the year 1977, we take the oppotunity
to wish you a very happy New Year, with many happy returns.
Sincerely yours ,
R. N. Elias
Rouben Naji Elias
Acting President of the Jewish Community
Baghdad.
Copy to : The Ministry of Information of the Republic of Iraq - for your kind
attention and confirmation, please.
The Iraqi Embassy in Stockholm - for notification, please.

Page 138

TELEPHONE
82531
80452
President of the Jewish Community
BAGHDAD
No. 234/77
Baghdad 19th January 1977
To :
Dr. Theol Bertil Persson,
Illestigen 22,
S. 171 71 Solna,
Sweden.
Dear Sir,
About a year ago, we sent to you one "Sepher Tora", the Holy Scriptures
of the Old Testament on Scroll, to be given as a gift to the Jewish Community
in Stockholm with the kind consent of the Ministry of Information of the
Republic of Iraq to this effect, as was expressed in our letter No. 1730/75
of 18/12/1975 addressed to the said Ministry.
When you paid us a visit in Baghdad at the beginning of October 1976,
you confirmed to us your receipt of the above "Sepher Torah" which you have
kindly undertaken to hand over to the Jewish Community in Stockholm, on the
16th day of October 1976, with a special religious ceremony, in the presence
of his Excellency the Iraqi Ambassador to Sweden or any of his representatives.
Thus far, neither we nor the Iraqi Ministry of Information have any
news about the handing over of the above "sepher Torah" to the party concerned.
While we very much appreciate your services in this respect, we shall
be much obliged if you will kindly confirm to us and also confirm to the
Iraqi Embassy in Stockholm and to the Iraqi Ministry of Information in Baghdad
the delivery of the above mentioned "sepher Torah" to the Jewish Community in
Stockholm. Thank you.
On the occasion of the beginning of the year 1977, we take the opportunity
to wish you a very happy New Year, with many happy returns.
Sincerely yours
R. N. Elias
Rouben Naji Elias
Acting President of the Jewish Community
Baghdad.
Copy to : The Ministry of Information of the Republic of Iraq - for your kind
attention and confirmation, please.
The Iraqi Embassy in Stockholm - for notification, please.

Page 139

President of the Jewish Community
BAGHDAD
TELEPHONE: 85531 80452
No.: 234/77
Baghdad: 9th January 1977
To :
Dr. Theol Bertil Persson,
Illestigen 22,
S. 171 71 Solna,
Sweden.
Dear Sir,
About a year ago, we sent to you one " Sepher Torah ", the Holy Scriptures
of the Old Testament on Scroll, to be given as a gift to the Jewish Community
in Stockholm with the kind consent of the Ministry of Information of the
Republic of Iraq, ⟦to this effect,⟧ as was expressed in our letter No. 1730/75 of 18/12/1975
addressed to the Said Ministry.
When you paid us a visit in Baghdad at the begining of October 1975,
you confirm⟦ed⟧ to us your receipt of the above "Sepher Torah" ⟦which⟧ you have kindly
undertaken to hand over to the Jewish Community in Stockholm, on the 16th
day of October 1975, with a special religious ceremony, in the presence of his
Excellency the Iraqi Ambassador to Sweden or any of his representatives.
Thus far, neither we nor the Iraqi Ministry of Information have any
news about the handing over of the above "Sepher Torah" to the party concerned.
While we very much appreciate your services in this respect, we shall
be much obliged if you will kindly confirm to us and also confirm to the
Iraqi Embassy in Stockholm and to the Iraqi Ministry of Information in Baghdad
the delivery of the above mentioned "Sepher Torah" to the Jewish Community in
Stockholm. Thank you.
On the occasion of the beginning of the year 1977, we take the opportunity
to wish you a very happy New Year, with many happy returns.
Sincerely yours
⟦R. N. Elias⟧
Rouben Naji Elias
Acting President of the Jewish Community,
Baghdad.
Copy to: The Ministry of Information of the Republic of Iraq - for your kind
attention and confirmation, please.
The Iraqi Embassy in Stockholm - for notification, please.

Page 142

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 3531
Number T/: 175 / 76
Date: 14 / 11 / 1976
96
Subject /:
The Honorable President of the Legal Codification Bureau
After greetings
With reference to your letter numbered ⟦7/1/16⟧ and dated 21 / 10 / 1976, enclosed is the approval of the President
and members of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews to continue their duties in the committee.
Please accept our highest respect.
Naji Chachak
On behalf of the Presidency of the Mosaic Community
⟦illegible⟧

Page 143

Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews
in Baghdad
Telephone 83531
Number L/: 329 / 76
Date: 14 / 11 / 1976
Subject /
The Honorable President of the Legal Codification Bureau
Through the Honorable President of the Mosaic Community
Greetings,
With reference to your letter No. 7/1/161 dated 21 / 10 / 1976, we agree to continue
carrying out the duties of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews until a new administrative committee is elected at the time
determined by the esteemed Ministry of Justice.
Please accept our highest respect.
Chairman of the Committee | Vice Chairman | Member | Member | Member
Roubin Naji Haskail Elias | Naji Salman Arab | Haskail Shamil Fattal | Haskail Shalom Safi | Salim Eliyahu Shaya
⟦signatures⟧

Page 144

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 82533
Number T /: 175 / 76
Date: 14 / 11 / 1976
Subject /:
96
The Honorable President of the Legal Codification Bureau
Greetings,
With reference to your letter numbered 2/1/191 and dated 21 / 10 / 1976, enclosed is the approval of the President
and members of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews to continue their duties in the committee.
Please accept our highest respect.
⟦signature⟧
Naji Chityat
On behalf of the Presidency of the Mosaic Community
⟦illegible⟧

Page 145

Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews
in Baghdad
No. L /: 329 / 76
Date: 14 / 11 / 1976
Subject /:
Telephone 83531
96
The Honorable President of the Legal Codification Bureau
Through the Honorable President of the Mosaic Community
Greetings,
With reference to your letter numbered ⟦7/1/16⟧ and dated 21 / 10 / 1976, we agree to continue
carrying out the duties of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews until a new administrative committee is elected at the time
assigned by the Honorable Ministry of Justice.
Please accept our highest respect.
Member | Member | Member | Vice President | Chairman of the Committee
Salim Eliyahu Shaya | Heskel Shalom Safi | Heskel Shamil Fattal | Naji Salman Arab | Roubin Naji Heskel Elias
⟦signature⟧
⟦signature⟧
⟦signature⟧
⟦signature⟧
⟦signature⟧

Page 146

Republic of Iraq
Ministry of Justice
Legal Drafting Bureau
Decision Number: / 197
File Number: A / 19 / 1 / 7
Date: 21 / 10 / 1976
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
(( Secret ))
Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews / Baghdad
Administrative Committee ⟦for Iraqi Jews⟧
Number ⟦11-1⟧
Date ⟦24 / 10 / 1976⟧
Further to our letter A / 19 / 1 / 7 on 5 / 7 / 1976.
1- Approval has been granted for the current Administrative Committee to continue performing the tasks entrusted to it
pursuant to the instructions of the Administrative Council for Iraqi Jews (Amended) issued according to
Article Two of the Mosaic Community Administration Law No. 167 of 1963, as amended,
until a new administrative committee is elected at a date to be determined later.
2- Please notify the chairman and members of the current Administrative Committee of the above and inform the Ministry
of Justice of each member's consent to continue performing the duties assigned to them as stated above.
With appreciation.
Hamid Saeed Khudair
Head of the Legal Drafting Bureau
A copy to:
Ministry of Interior (General Administration - Associations) - with reference to your letter
Q. S 10773 on 21 / 8 / 1976.
For information with appreciation.
Directorate of General Security - Political Affairs - with reference to the Ministry of Interior letter
mentioned above, with appreciation.
Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad - your letter T / 95 / 76 on 3 / 6 / 1976.
For information with appreciation.
Munther 20

Page 147

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Republic of Iraq
Ministry of Justice
Bureau of Legal Codification
Republic of Iraq
Decision Number :: 197 /
File Number :: A / 7/1/19
Date :: 21 / 10 / 1976
(( Secret ))
Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews / Baghdad
Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews
Number ⟦1181⟧
Date 24 / 10 / 1976
Further to our letter A / 7/1/19 on 5 / 7 / 1976.
1- Approval has been obtained for the current Administrative Committee to continue performing the tasks entrusted to it
pursuant to the instructions of the Administrative Council for Iraqi Jews (Amended) issued according to
Article Two of the Mosaic Community Administration Law No. 167 of 1963, as amended,
until a new administrative committee is elected at a date to be determined later.
2- Please notify the chairman and members of the current Administrative Committee of the above and inform the Ministry
of Justice of each of their approvals to continue performing the duties assigned to them as stated above.
With appreciation.
⟦signature⟧
Hamid Saeed Khudair
President of the Bureau of Legal Codification
A copy to:
Ministry of Interior (General Administration - Associations) - with reference to your letter
Q. S 10773 on 21 / 8 / 1976.
For your information, with appreciation.
Directorate of General Security - Political Affairs - with reference to the Ministry of Interior letter
mentioned above, with appreciation.
Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad - your letter T / 95 / 76 on 3 / 6 / 1976.
For your information, with appreciation.
M. Dh. R 20

Page 148

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 83531
Number T/: 175 / 76
Date: 14 / 11 / 1976
Subject /: ⟦line⟧
⟦96⟧
Ministers
Mr. President of the Legal Codification Bureau, Respected
After greetings
With reference to your letter numbered 7/1/161 and dated 21 / 10 / 1976, enclosed is the approval of the President
and members of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews to continue their duties in the committee.
Please accept our highest respect.
⟦illegible⟧
Naji Chichek
On behalf of the Presidency of the Mosaic Community
⟦illegible⟧

Page 149

Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews
in Baghdad
Telephone 83531
Number L /: 321 / 76
Date: 14 / 11 / 1976
Subject /:
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧ / ⟦illegible⟧ / 1976
The Honorable President of the Legal Codification Bureau
Through the Honorable President of the Mosaic Community
Greetings,
With reference to your letter numbered ⟦A⟧ / 1 / 7 and dated 21 / 10 / 1976, we agree to our continuation
in performing the duties of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews until a new administrative committee is elected at the time
assigned by the Honorable Ministry of Justice.
Please accept our highest respect.
Member | Member | Member | Vice President | President of the Committee
Salim Eliyahu Shaya | Heskel Shalom Safi | Heskel Shamil Fattal | Naji Salman Arab | Roubin Naji Heskel Elias
⟦signature⟧ ⟦signature⟧ ⟦signature⟧ ⟦signature⟧ ⟦signature⟧

Page 150

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Iraqi Republic
Ministry of Justice
Bureau of Legal Codification
Iraqi Republic
Ministry of Justice
Decision Number :: 197 /
File Number :: A / 1 / 7 / 19
Date :: 21 / 10 / 1976
(( Secret ))
Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews / Baghdad
Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews
Number ⟦illegible⟧
Date ⟦illegible⟧ / 10 / 1976
Further to our letter A / 1 / 7 / 19 on 5 / 7 / 1976.
1- Approval has been obtained for the current Administrative Committee to continue performing the tasks entrusted to it
pursuant to the instructions of the Administrative Council for Iraqi Jews (Amended) issued according to
Article Two of the Mosaic Community Administration Law No. 167 of 1963, as amended,
until a new administrative committee is elected at a date to be determined later.
2- Please notify the chairman and members of the current Administrative Committee of the above and inform the Ministry
of Justice of each of their approvals to continue the duties assigned to them as stated above.
With appreciation.
Hamid Saeed Khudair
Head of the Bureau of Legal Codification
A copy to:
Ministry of Interior (General Administration - Associations) - with reference to your letter
Q 5 S 10773 on 21 / 8 / 1976.
For information, with appreciation.
Directorate of General Security - Political Affairs - with reference to the Ministry of Interior letter
mentioned above, with appreciation.
Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad - your letter T M / 95 / 76 on 3 / 6 / 1976.
For information, with appreciation.
Muthar 20