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 151-175

Page 151

Republic of Iraq
Ministry of Justice
Legal Codification Bureau
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Decision No. :: / 197
File No. :: A / 1 / 1 / 7
Date :: 21 / 10 / 1976
(( Secret ))
Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews / Baghdad
Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews
Number ⟦1104⟧
Date ⟦24 / 10 / 1976⟧
Further to our letter A / 1 / 1 / 7 on 5 / 7 / 1976.
1- Approval has been granted for the current Administrative Committee to continue performing the tasks entrusted to it
under 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.
Hamid Saeed Khudair
Head of the Legal Codification 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.
General Security Directorate - 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 152

95
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Honorable Minister of Interior
Through the Presidency of the Mosaic Community
Subject
⟦1108⟧
I have an amount of 1800 Dinars (one thousand eight hundred Dinars) in the savings department at Rafidain Bank
Unknown Soldier branch, and I used to spend from it to support my family and my sick, disabled son, but the
aforementioned bank has been prohibited for five months from paying any amount to me based on a request from Security without legal justification.
Mr. Minister
How can I live and earn a livelihood when I am unable to withdraw even a small portion of the deposited funds
belonging to me. Therefore, I beg your Excellency to look into this case of mine and order the removal of this injustice against me, and the matter
is yours to decide.
The Petitioner
Ibrahim Eliyahu Jouri
The Iraqi Republic
⟦10⟧
50 Fils Revenue Stamp
⟦illegible⟧

Page 153

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
His Excellency the Honorable Minister of Interior
Through the Presidency of the Mosaic Community
Subject
I have an amount of 1800/- Dinars (one thousand eight hundred Dinars) in the savings department at Rafidain Bank
Unknown Soldier branch, and I used to spend from it to support my family and my sick, disabled son, but the
aforementioned bank has been prevented for five months from paying any amount to me based on a request from Security without legal justification.
Mr. Minister
How can I live and earn a livelihood when I am unable to withdraw even a small portion of the deposited funds
belonging to me. Therefore, I beg your Excellency to look into this case of mine and order the removal of this injustice from me, and the matter is
for your command.
The Petitioner
Ibrahim Eliyahu Jouri
⟦illegible⟧

Page 154

Ministry of Information
Directorate of Private Presses and the Official Gazette
Presidency of the Mosaic Community
Special Number 762
Date 26 / 11 / 1974
Subject/ Regarding the cancellation of the Al-Khayriya Press license
Mr. Director of Private Presses, Respected
After greetings
We present to you that your esteemed ministry did not agree to renew my licenses as they were cancelled and work must stop
immediately, specifically at the end of the month of April 1974, and I gave a pledge to that effect to the Karrada Al-Sharqiya Security Assistantship on 8 / 6 / 1974
And from that time until now, the printing press premises have been out of operation, and since the property occupied by the press belongs to
the endowments of the Chaldean community, their agent has warned me of the necessity of paying the accumulated rent until 19 / 10 / 1974, amounting to 700.000
seven hundred dinars according to the attached warning. Since work is stopped and I have no other source of income, I have come to you seeking mercy by solving
my problem, as I am the head of a family consisting of five members. I ask for mercy in considering my case and directing me to the way that saves me from this
problem, either by selling it or any form you describe.
Republic of Iraq
50 Fils
Valid for Financial
The Petitioner
Isaac Shaoul Sofer
Owner of Al-Khayriya Press in Baghdad
Karrada Al-Sharqiya - Asfar Street - Baghdad
House Number 1 / 4 / 130
⟦illegible⟧
A copy of it to -
The Mosaic Community in Baghdad
Attachments -
A copy of the warning from the lawyer Boutros George, agent of the Chaldean community.

Page 155

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
The Honorable Minister of Interior
Baghdad
Greetings and respect
Presented to your Excellency
I, the undersigned, am an Iraqi Mousawi citizen and I have been without work for more than
seven years and I have a family and I have spent all that I had saved for my old age and my family and I have no income
nor a house to live in, nor a helper, especially in these circumstances in which expenses have become very
high.
And I am indebted to the General Income Tax in the amount of 631/775 Dinars for previous years, and also
I am indebted to the Real Estate Tax as well, and the departments are still demanding that I pay them. In addition, I have
two pieces of land in the area of Al-Ta'iriya and Al-Nabara numbered 3/4320 and 3/4318, so I hope, Mr.
Minister, from your humanity and your kindness, that you agree to the sale of the two mentioned pieces to pay the mentioned
government taxes, and to deposit the remainder, if any, in one of the banks.
May God reward you with goodness and grant you success. And the matter is for your Excellency, Sir.
The Petitioner
Yousef Hai Shaul Rahmin Bulbul
Holder of the Iraqi Nationality Retention Identity Card No.
360/361 on 20/9/1964
House No. 151/7/A Kharbanda - Karrada
The Iraqi Republic
50 Fils Revenue Stamp
⟦illegible⟧

Page 156

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
The Honorable Minister of Interior
Through the Presidency of the Mosaic Community
The Subject
I am a disabled man and I have in Rafidain Bank an amount of approximately -/175 Dinars resulting from the interest of
nationalization bonds. However, the General Secretariat for Frozen Assets instructed the aforementioned bank not to pay this amount
to me.
Mr. Minister
I have no income to live on, all means of livelihood have been closed in my face and at this age even
my savings I cannot dispose of.
I ask for mercy from your Excellency to look into this case of mine with an eye of compassion and to lift the restriction and order
the payment of this small amount. And the matter is for your Excellency to decide.
The Petitioner
⟦Naji Nassim Cohen⟧
The Iraqi Republic
50
Revenue Stamp
Fils
File
File

Page 157

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
The Honorable Minister of Interior
Through the Presidency of the Mosaic Community
The Subject
I am an elderly man and I have an amount of approximately 175 Dinars in the Rafidain Bank, resulting from the interest of nationalization
bonds. However, the General Secretariat for Frozen Assets has instructed the aforementioned bank not to pay this amount
to me.
Mr. Minister
I have no income to live on, all means of livelihood have been closed in my face, and at this age even
my savings I cannot dispose of.
I ask for mercy from your Excellency to look into this case of mine with an eye of compassion and to lift the restriction and order
the payment of this small amount. And the matter is for your Excellency to decide.
⟦Naji Nassim Cohen⟧
The Petitioner
To be filed
⟦illegible⟧

Page 158

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Ministry of Finance
General Revenue Directorate
Vacant Land Tax
Number: A / 24 / 89541
Date: 8 / 9 / 971
Karrada Al-Sharqiya Real Estate Tax Directorate
Subject / Vacant Land Exemption
Your letter numbered 17282 dated 1 / 9 / 971. We agree to exempt the vacant land numbered 1299 / 16 / 7
Bzayez Al-Fadhiliya from the vacant land tax from 11 / 7 / 967 until 11 / 6 / 969
Based on the text of paragraph (6) of Article (4) of the Vacant Land Tax Law No.
26 of 1967, as amended. Therefore, please organize the reduction ⟦and calculation⟧ form
Revenue / 24 and send it to us for the purpose of approval
Director General of Revenue
Raouf Aswad
⟦...⟧

Page 159

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Baghdad on 4 / 9 / 1971
Mr. Director of Al-Thawra Land Registry, Respected
Subject
I request to be provided with a certificate regarding the restriction of my disposal of the ⟦plots⟧ of land ⟦numbered⟧
4/1/1096, 4/1/2650, 4/1/2740 and half of plot 429 / 22 ⟦attributed⟧ to
the Rusafa Real Estate Tax Directorate, based on the provisions of Law No. 64 of
1967, published in the Iraqi Gazette, Issue 1427, dated July 11, until
the issuance of Law No. 86 of 1969, published in the Iraqi Gazette,
Issue 1745, dated June 12, 1969. With thanks.
Naji Nassim Cohen
←
Al-Wasl land, plot No. 84
District No. 44 West Rustawi, area 2000 m2

Page 160

Law No. (10) of 1968 issued on 2 / 2 / 1968
Law amending the Law Supplementing the Law for the Supervision and Administration of the Property of Jews Deprived of ⟦Iraqi⟧ Nationality
No. 12 of 1951
In the name of the People
Presidency of the Republic
Based on the provisions of Article (44) of the Interim Constitution and based on what was presented by the Minister of Interior
And the approval of the Council of Ministers
The following law has been ratified: -
Article One - Paragraph (6) of Article Seven of Law No. (12) of 1951, as amended, is repealed and replaced by
the following: -
6- After the entry into force of this law, the Land Registry, Endowments, and Notary Public offices shall refrain from conducting any transaction
for the sale of real estate belonging to Jews, or its transfer, donation, mortgage, removal of joint ownership, or sale
in execution, or placing it as security for debt, or bequeathing it, or leasing it for a period exceeding one year, or establishing any
real right over it, or any disposition or procedure that leads to its removal from the Jew's ownership, even if it is based
on a periodic power of attorney with a fixed date issued before the entry into force of this law or any other legal document.
The Minister of Interior may authorize the transaction if he is convinced that it is not sham.
Article Two - The following paragraph is added to Article Seven of the aforementioned law and shall be paragraph
(8) thereof: -
←

Page 161

⟦...⟧ (10) of the year 1968
8 - a - If the Minister of Interior issues the necessary permission according to one of the paragraphs (5, 6, and 7) of this article
then whoever holds the funds belonging to the Jew must deposit them in one of the banks, and they shall not be disposed of in all ⟦...⟧ except
with the approval of the Minister or his authorized representative.
b - The provision of paragraph (a) above applies to all other transactions and dispositions from which funds arise
for the Jew ⟦as compensation⟧, with the exception of salaries and wages that do not exceed one hundred dinars per month, and official
and semi-official departments, companies, and institutions must not hand over the funds due to a Jew from
those transactions and dispositions and must notify the Minister of Interior of that.
Article Three - This law shall be implemented from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, and its provisions shall apply to transactions
and dispositions that took place before its entry into force and for which the funds have not yet been received.
Article Four - The Ministers shall implement this law.
Written in Baghdad on ⟦line⟧ corresponding to the fourteenth of the month of February 1968

No. (64) of 1967
Law
Amendment to the Law Supplementing the Law for the Supervision and Administration of the Property of Jews Deprived of Citizenship No. (12) of 1951
In the Name of the People
Presidency of the Republic
Based on the provisions of Article (44) of the Interim Constitution, upon the proposal of the Minister of Interior, and with the approval of
the Council of Ministers
We have ratified the following law:
Article One - The following paragraphs are added to the end of Article Seven of the Law Supplementing the Law for the Supervision and Administration of the Property
of Jews Deprived of Iraqi Citizenship No. (12) of 1951:
4- Evidence shall not be accepted to prove what is stated in paragraph (1) of this article unless it is certified and dated
at the time of its certification at least one year prior to the date of the Jew's lawful departure from Iraq, or his departure
or attempted departure unlawfully, or the date the competent authority became aware of it in the event that its knowledge
was not previously established regarding those covered by the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of Article Five of the aforementioned law.
5- a- Execution departments and official and semi-official departments are prohibited from executing commercial papers and bonds
containing an acknowledgment of debt by a Jew unless the creditor presents a certificate from the competent departments confirming the presence
of the Jew in Iraq at the time the said papers and bonds were filed for execution and during the period of the file. Execution
in this case is subject to permission from the Minister of Interior if he is convinced that the transaction is not fictitious. This
ruling applies to all papers and bonds filed for execution after February 21, 1967, which have not been fully executed
regarding the remaining amounts.
b- Execution departments and official and semi-official departments are prohibited from executing judgments issued by courts after
February 21, 1967, against a Jew based on his written or oral acknowledgment or his refusal to take an oath, unless
the judgment creditor presents a certificate from the competent departments stating that the convicted Jew is present inside Iraq
at the time the judgment was filed for execution and during the period of the file. Execution in this case is subject to permission from the Minister
of Interior if he is convinced that the judgment is not based on a fictitious transaction. This ruling applies to court judgments that
were filed for execution after February 21, 1967, regarding the part that has not been executed.
6- After the entry into force of this law, Land Registry departments are prohibited from conducting any transaction of sale, transfer, gift, or
mortgage of real estate belonging to a Jew, or placing a security for debt or encumbrances on it, or arranging any real
right over it, or any disposition leading to its removal from the Jew's ownership, even if the transaction is based on
an irrevocable power of attorney with a fixed date issued before the entry into force of this law or any other legal document. The Minister
of Interior may authorize the transaction if he is convinced the transaction is not fictitious.
7- After the entry into force of this law, it is not permissible to sell, mortgage, transfer, or convey ownership of shares and stakes in
civil and commercial companies, as well as nominal bonds against the state belonging to a Jew, unless the
Minister of Interior authorizes the disposition upon being convinced of its validity.

Page 162

Republic of Iraq
Ministry of Interior
Special Office
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Number:
Date:
Presidency of the Mosaic Community
Special Number ⟦1417⟧
Date ⟦1976/7/11⟧
Presidency of the Mosaic Community
Subject / The Jewish woman Rahma Moshi Qahtan
94
Your letter 76/105 on 1976/6/22
Please notify the petitioner Rahma Moshi Qahtan to visit Rafidain Bank to look
into her matter..
⟦signature⟧
Minister of Interior
A copy to /
Rafidain Bank - Your letter / Inspection / 4838 on 976/7/6
Hoping to look into the matter in light of what was stated
in your letter above and in accordance with the law and procedures..
Sabah / 7/20

Page 163

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 83521
Number T/: 105 / 76
Date: 22 / 6 / 1976
Subject /:
94
The Honorable Minister of Interior
Greetings and respect
We attach herewith the original petition of the applicant Rahma Moshi Qahtan, please consider it with
kindness and mercy given her illness and old age.
With much gratitude and respect to your Excellency.
⟦illegible⟧
Roubin Naji Elias
Acting President of the Jewish Community

Page 164

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 83531
Number T/: 95 / 76
Date: 3 / 6 / 1976
92
The Minister
Subject /: ⟦line⟧
The Honorable Minister of Justice
Presidency of the Legal Codification Bureau
After greetings
With reference to your order numbered 2/1/191 and dated 12 / 6 / 1974, we inform your Excellency that the term of
membership for the Chairman and members of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews ends on 13 / 6 / 1976, requesting to inform us
of what is required to be done in this regard.
Please accept our highest respect.
⟦illegible⟧
Naji Chachik
On behalf of the Presidency of the Mosaic Community
A copy to:
Presidency of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews - for your kind information.

Page 165

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 83531
Number T /: 95 / 76
Date: 3 / 6 / 1976
Subject /:
92
Ministers
The Honorable Minister of Justice
Presidency of the Legal Codification Bureau
Greetings,
With reference to your order No. 7/1/19 dated 12 / 6 / 1974, we inform your Excellency that the term of
membership for the chairman and members of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews expires on 13 / 6 / 1976, requesting to inform us
of what is required to be done in this regard.
Please accept our highest respect.
⟦signature⟧
Naji Chachik
On behalf of the Presidency of the Mosaic Community
A copy to:
Presidency of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews - for your kind information.
1- Elections
2- Papers

Page 166

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
No. T/: 72 / 76
Date: 18 / 4 / 1976
45
Subject / Al-Ashar Synagogue
The Honorable Governor of Basra
Greetings and respect
Your governorate previously took possession of the Al-Ashar Synagogue since 1970, based on the Ministry of
Interior's letter No. Q.S. 8645 dated 21 / 8 / 1970 and your governorate's administrative order No. 6277 on 31 / 9 /
1970.
And since the justification for closing the synagogue stated in the Ministry of Interior's letter referred to above has ceased to exist. And because it is not permissible
to leave the members of our community in Basra without worship and performing religious rituals and ceremonies in their only synagogue in
Al-Ashar, and in application and proceeding from the blessed July 17 Revolution which equalized various sects and religions and allowed
them absolute freedom to perform the duties, ceremonies, and rituals of their religion in their places of worship (synagogues). We request your order
to hand over this only synagogue in Al-Ashar to the members of our community so that they can perform their religious rites and
rituals.
Please accept our highest respect.
⟦illegible⟧
Roubin Naji Elias
Acting President of the Mosaic Community
A copy to:
Ministry of Interior for your kind information.
General Secretariat for Frozen Assets.
General Security Directorate.

Page 167

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
No. T/ 72 / 76
Date 18 / 4 / ⟦1976⟧
Subject / Al-Ashar Synagogue
The Honorable Governor of Basra
Greetings and respect
Your governorate previously took possession of the Al-Ashar Synagogue since the year 1970, based on the Ministry of
Interior's letter No. Q.S. 8645 dated 26 / 8 / 1970 and the administrative order of your governorate No. 6277 on 31 / 9 /
1970.
And since the justification for closing the synagogue ⟦and acting⟧ upon the Ministry of Interior's decision referred to above has ceased.. and because it is not permissible
to leave the members of our community in Basra without worship and performing religious rituals and ceremonies in their only synagogue in
Al-Ashar, and in application and proceeding from the blessed July 17 Revolution which equalized various sects and religions and allowed
them absolute freedom to perform the duties, ceremonies, and rituals of their religion in their places of worship (synagogues). We request your order
to hand over this only synagogue in Al-Ashar to the members of our community so that they can perform their religious rites and
rituals.
Please accept our highest respect.
Roubin Naji Elias
Acting President of the Mosaic Community
A copy to:
Ministry of Interior for your kind information.
General Secretariat for Frozen Assets.
General Security Directorate.

Page 168

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
No. T/ 72 / 76
Date 18 / 4 / 1976
Subject / Al-Ashar Synagogue
The Honorable Governor of Basra
Greetings and respect
Your governorate previously took possession of the Al-Ashar Synagogue since the year 1970, based on the Ministry of
Interior's letter No. Q.S. 8645 dated 29 / 8 / 1970 and the administrative order of your governorate No. 6277 on 31 /
9 / 1970.
And since the justification for closing the synagogue ⟦and the people⟧ has ceased as stated in the Ministry of Interior's letter referred to above. And due to the
impermissibility of leaving the members of our community in Basra from worshiping and performing religious rituals and ceremonies in their only synagogue in Al-Ashar
and in application and proceeding from the blessed July 17 Revolution which equalized between various sects and religions and allowed them absolute freedom
to perform ⟦their rites⟧ their duties and the ceremonies and rituals of their religion in their place of worship (synagogues). We request your order to hand over this
only synagogue in Al-Ashar to the members of our community so that they can perform their religious rites and rituals.
Please accept our highest respect.
Roubin Naji Elias
Acting President of the Mosaic Community
A copy to:
Ministry of Interior for your kind information.
General Secretariat for Frozen Assets to lift the hand off the synagogue.
General Security Directorate. ⟦scribble⟧

Page 169

Presidency of the Community
The Honorable Governor of Basra
Subject: Al-Bashar Synagogue
Greetings and respect
Your governorate has previously approved ⟦pursuant to⟧ regarding Al-Bashar Synagogue
since the year 1970, in support of what was stated in the letter of the Ministry
of Interior ⟦...⟧ numbered 8945 on the date 29 / 8 / 70
and the letter of your governorate and the local administration numbered 6277 on
21 / 9 / 70 ⟦from what⟧ came
And whereas ⟦...⟧ ⟦for this⟧ ⟦mentioned⟧ synagogue in the letter of the Ministry
of Interior referred to above, adherence
by presenting the passports of the members of our community in Basra ⟦when⟧ ⟦...⟧
from them and performing religious rituals and ceremonies in their only synagogue, Al-Bashar
⟦And according to⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦to the goals of⟧ the blessed July 17 Revolution ⟦...⟧
⟦...⟧ ⟦with freedom of⟧ religions and the performance of their rituals
⟦...⟧ which equalized between ⟦...⟧ various sects and religions
and allowing them to practice their religious rituals ⟦with all⟧ ⟦freedom⟧ ⟦and reassurance⟧
and without any ⟦...⟧ in their place of worship (churches), we request your order
to hand over this only synagogue in Al-Bashar to the administration of our community so that they can
perform their rituals ⟦...⟧ and their religious ceremonies ⟦...⟧
A copy of it to:
The Honorable Ministry of Interior, with appreciation
The Honorable Ministry of Information and Culture, with appreciation (Information)
The Honorable General Security Directorate, with appreciation

Page 170

Republic of Iraq
Ministry of Justice
Bureau of Legal Codification
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
⟦illegible⟧
Number ⟦illegible⟧
Date 25 / 2 / 1977
Decision Number :: 197 /
File Number :: 9 / 1 / 7
Date: 8 / 3 / 1976
Presidency of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews
As a result of the election that took place in the Bureau of Legal Codification
on 22 / 6 / 1975.
We inform you that the following named persons have obtained the majority
of votes and the new Administrative Committee was formed of them, and they are the gentlemen:
1- Roubin Naji Haskil Elias, Chairman of the Committee
2- Naji Salman Arab, Vice-Chairman of the Committee
3- Haskil Shalom Al-Masfi, Original Member of the Committee
In accordance with Article Five of the instructions, the work and assets of the existing committee
shall be handed over to the new committee, provided that a copy of the minutes
of the handover of duties is submitted to this Ministry.
⟦signature⟧
Dr. Munther Al-Shawi
Minister of Justice
A copy to: -
Ministry of Interior { For your kind information
Baghdad Governorate { With appreciation
General Security Directorate {
91
Dinar
2
Muwaffaq 3/2

Page 171

⟦Revolutionary Command Council⟧
⟦Secretary's Office⟧
Letter Number: ⟦illegible⟧ / ⟦illegible⟧ on ⟦illegible⟧ / ⟦illegible⟧ / 72
Respected Sir
Subject: Telephonic clearance ⟦illegible⟧
Office of the Revolutionary Command Council
Demands
1- Amounts deposited in banks exceeding 1500 dinars
2- Disbursement of necessary amounts for the purpose of <del>treatment</del> requesting approval for hospital fees and ⟦illegible⟧ provided they are supported by receipts or letters
3- Allowing transfers without approval
4- Obtaining prior telephonic approval from relevant departments to withdraw an amount not exceeding 500 dinars
5- Possibility of contributing to companies
6- Paying taxes, fees, and government debts without obtaining approval, provided that the relevant departments (Security and Customs) are informed
7- Implementation of these instructions on Jews inside Iraq

Page 172

4/22/1973
No. C/10500
1- Cleaning fees for Al-Muayyad Hospital ⟦your receipt⟧ or vouchers
2- The amount is 150 Dinars
3- Allocation of an amount of one hundred and fifty Dinars
4- Obtaining prior external approval from the Revolutionary Command
5- The amount on 2/6/1973 communicated to us
Possibility of contributing to ⟦Zakat⟧ / Directorate of Affairs
Payment of salary amounts and incurred debts
for the organization until 11/20 preparation of half
Notification of relevant departments
regarding the debt and the residents
M M 20
Continuous monthly financial budget
On 11/7/1973
4086/57 on 7/25

Page 173

28 / 4 / 1976
Number ⟦...⟧ / Current
To the General Secretariat for ⟦Frozen⟧ Funds
⟦Department of⟧ Rights
The aforementioned person submitted a request to the committee to allocate an amount of one hundred and twenty Dinars
monthly for his living expenses. And based on the letter of the Revolutionary Command Council
numbered S / 113 and dated 6 / 2 / 1976, communicated to us
by the letter of the Ministry of Finance / Directorate of General Finance / Directorate of Banking
Affairs numbered 699 and dated 15 / 4 / 1976
Director of Current Accounts
Disbursement of Permits
Director General
Permits
A copy of it to / Ministry of Interior / Directorate of Secret and
Political Intelligence / For your information please
Director of Current Accounts
⟦illegible⟧
25 / 4 / 1976

Page 174

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
No. T/: 5 / 76
Date: 14 / 1 / 1976
Subject /:
His Excellency the Struggling Leader, Marshal Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, Respectfully
Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council
and President of the Republic
Greetings and respect, and thereafter
I raise to your Excellency and to the esteemed Revolutionary Command Council signs of veneration and loyalty, and I commend your care for all members of the people regardless of their nationalities and religions.
Mr. President
I present to your Excellency and to the political leadership of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party and to the members of the Revolutionary Command Council the gratitude and thanks of the members of our community for your issuance of the historic, revolutionary, and humanitarian Resolution No. 1213 of 1975, allowing Iraqi Jews to return to the dear homeland.
This resolution, which supports equality and rejects all forms of racial and religious discrimination, proceeds with the precision of the principles to which the political leadership has committed regarding human rights.
Mr. President
Proceeding from these principles, I dare, or rather I am obliged, to present the situation of the members of our community and the exceptional restrictions that confront them.
For despite the issuance of Law No. 86 of 1969, which repealed the exceptional laws that restricted the freedom and conduct of Iraqi Jews, in practice it has not been implemented; official departments still restrict the Iraqi Mosaic financially and administratively and have deprived him of the simplest rights of citizenship, such as the right to work and live, and they continue with this application despite the issuance of the esteemed Revolutionary Command Council resolution referred to above.
Mr. President
The Iraqi Jew:-
1 - Is unable to carry out any commercial or banking transaction except with the approval of the General Secretariat for Frozen Assets.
2 - Is not allowed to appoint lawyers to defend his rights and to stop the infringements of others, and ⟦prohibiting⟧ general powers of attorney from which the right of sale, mortgage, and collection is excluded.
3 - Is unable to withdraw any amount from banks except with the approval of the General Secretariat and the General Security Directorate.
4 - Not allowing notaries public to certify the transactions of the Mosaic and to collect rent payments deposited in his name except with the approval of the General Secretariat.
5 - Preventing courts and execution departments from disbursing amounts belonging to him except with the approval of the General Secretariat.
(To be continued)
90

Page 175

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
No. T/: 5 / 76
Date: 14 / 1 / 1976
( 2 )
Subject / ⟦line⟧
6 - Not allowing the Jewish individual to sell his movable and immovable property even to pay the taxes due on him
such as income tax and other official debts.
7 - Preventing him from receiving interest on shares and bonds that do not cover a small part of his living expenses except with the approval of the General Secretariat
for Frozen Assets.
8 - Revoking his citizenship if he travels and does not return to the homeland within a period of three months.
9 - He is provided with an identity card from the Directorate of General Nationality stating that he is a Jew, which he presents when conducting any transaction.
Mr. President
How can an individual live with these restrictions that prevent him from practicing his legitimate civil rights.
The public interest and the premise of the aforementioned decision made it mandatory for me to present to your Excellency the miserable situation of the Jewish individual
and what pursues and afflicts him.
In the name of the blessed July 17 Revolution and in the name of the humanitarian leading party (the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party) which
issued the Revolutionary Command Council Resolution No. 1293 of 1975, I hope, Mr. President, that you will kindly look into
the matter and instruct the removal of exceptional restrictions and allow Jewish citizens to enjoy all their rights and actions
according to the provisions of the laws in force.
May you remain, sir, a supporter of humanity and a guardian of the rights of the people. May God grant you success, protect you, and keep you and your
righteous companions under His eternal care for the good and prosperity of the homeland.
Please accept the highest respect.
⟦signature⟧
Roubin Naji Elias
Acting President of the Jewish Community
Copy to: -
Mr. Saddam Hussein, the respected Vice President of the Revolutionary Command Council.
The Secretariat Office of the Revolutionary Command Council.
The respected Minister of Interior.
The respected Minister of Justice.
The respected Minister of Information.