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 201-225

Page 201

88
Republic of Iraq
Ministry of Justice
State Council (Legal Drafting Bureau)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
( Secret )
Decision No. :: / 197
File No. :: 7/1/19
Date :: 29 / 9 / 1975
Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad
Presidency of the Mosaic Community
Special Number ⟦1159⟧
Date 2/10/1975
Your letter T / 75/1627 on 8 / 6 / 1975 .
Please provide us with the permanent address for each of Mr. Rubin
Naji Heskel and Mr. Naji Salman Arab, as quickly
as possible, with appreciation.
⟦signature⟧
Hamid Saeed Khudair
President of the State Council
Bishara
Presidency of the Mosaic Community
Number 38
⟦Administration outside the protocol⟧
Outgoing Number ⟦76⟧
⟦22⟧
Saadi / 9/29

Page 202

Secret
The Honorable Minister of Justice
Presidency of the Legal Codification Bureau
Reference to your letter in ⟦A/18/0⟧ and dated
9/28/75
The permanent address
For Mr. Robin Naji Mashiah Al-Bal Karrada Out, House
Number ⟦46/2⟧ Karrada Al-Sharqiya, Abu Nuwas Street
For Mr. Naji Salman Gharib, Al-Husseiniya attributes, House Number 28
Please accept our highest respect
Naji Majid
Professor Habib
Legal Codification Bureau
Presidency of Codification
Ministry of Justice
Financial stamp fee 10 fils

Page 203

88
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Republic of Iraq
Ministry of Justice
Legal Codification Bureau
Decision No. :: 197 /
File No. :: A / 7 / 1 / 19
Date :: 29 / 11 / 1975
Presidency of the Mosaic Community
Incoming No. 4216
Date 2 / 12 / 1975
Secret
Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad
We confirm our letter No. A / 7 / 1 / 19 dated 29 / 9 / 1975
Requesting that you provide us with the permanent address for both Mr. Reuben Naji Haskel and Mr.
Naji Salman Arab.
With appreciation.
⟦signature⟧
Hamid Saeed Khudair
Head of the Legal Codification Bureau
Karrada Out, Abu Qalam
House No. ⟦26⟧ / 22
Asat Al-Hindiya
No. 38
Please / 27

Page 204

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number 83531 President
Number / 1630 / 25
Date / 23 / 6 / 1970
Not registered and not sent
87
Subject /
The Honorable Minister of Interior and Member of the Revolutionary Command Council
Greetings and respect,
In the name of the Jewish community in Iraq, I extend to the President of the Republic, the militant Marshal Ahmed Hassan
al-Bakr, and to the Vice President of the Revolutionary Command Council, Mr. Saddam Hussein, and to your honorable person, signs of gratitude
and praise for your high patronage of all citizens regardless of their religions and ethnicities.
We pray to the Almighty Creator to grant you success and guide you for the good of the homeland and its sons.
Mr. Minister,
The esteemed Revolutionary Command Council issued on June 9, 1969, Law No. (86) of 1969
abolishing the exceptional laws that restricted the freedom and actions of members of our Jewish community regarding their funds and properties. Despite
the issuance of this law, some departments have begun to restrict them financially and administratively and deprived them of the simplest rights
of citizens, such as the right to work and live.
As I have learned, your esteemed ministry issued instructions to refer all financial transactions of Iraqi Jews to the General
Secretariat for Frozen Assets for review and action.
However, the General Secretariat, in turn, has now begun to act in a way that blocks all means of
living and working for the Iraqi Jew, as it has become a guardian over him:
1 - He is unable to withdraw or deposit any amount in banks except with its approval and the accompaniment of the Security Directorate, even if the withdrawal
does not exceed, in any case, the bare minimum for survival.
2 - He is unable to conduct any transaction except with the approval of the General Secretariat for Frozen Assets.
3 - Not allowing the Jewish individual to appoint lawyers to defend their rights and reveal the infringements of others on
these rights, even for powers of attorney that exclude the right of sale, mortgage, and collection.
4 - Not allowing notaries public to certify transactions for Jews and changing the rent amounts deposited in his name
for living purposes except with the approval of the General Secretariat, and no such approval has been issued by the Secretariat so far.
5 - Not allowing the sale of his movable and immovable property even for the purpose of paying taxes due from him, such as income taxes and other
official debts.
6 - Finally, preventing members of our community even from collecting shares and established documents which do not cover even a small part
of living expenses.
Mr. Minister,
How can an individual live and preserve his dignity if he is prevented from working and prevented from practicing his legitimate civil rights?
This miserable situation has made me seek and plead for your Excellency to look with an eye of compassion and for the public interest.
(To be continued)

Page 205

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
Date: 23 / 6 / 1970
Number: 1630
( 2 )
Subject / ⟦line⟧
Regarding the situation of the members of our community and the lifting of restrictions imposed on them so they can live with dignity like other citizens.
In the name of the blessed July 17 Revolution and in the name of the leading Ba'ath Party, the compassionate humanitarian party which does not differentiate between sects, denominations, and religions, and which aims for the welfare of citizens, their security, and the preservation of their dignity.
I ask you to kindly look into the affairs of our community and allow the Jews, who retain Iraqi citizenship without restriction (within the public interest), like other citizens, to:
1 - Work and earn a living.
2 - Conduct financial transactions and power of attorney at the notaries public and courts, and withdraw and deposit in banks.
3 - Allow the buying and selling of movable and immovable property.
4 - Prevent the General Secretariat for Frozen Assets from interfering in the affairs of Jews retaining Iraqi citizenship.
5 - Disbursement of interest derived from stocks and bonds.
Mr. Minister
In this blessed era, the era of stability and prosperity, the era in which every individual of this noble people has obtained their rights and enjoyed their security, humanity, and dignity.
We remain in pain and suffering from the illegal restrictions that were imposed on us and which deprived us of earning a living and a decent life.
Mr. Minister
Attached is a copy of the petition submitted to the Directorate of General Security regarding some issues in which members of our community are treated, and since there are some actions that we were unable to record. I ask your Excellency to kindly allocate time for the honor of meeting your Excellency to clarify all matters.
Finally, I pray to the Almighty to protect the Leader, the struggling President of the Republic, his noble comrades, and the respected members of the Revolutionary Command Council, and to guide your steps for the good and happiness of the homeland.
Please accept the highest respect.
Roubin Naji Elias
Presidency of the Mosaic Community
⟦illegible stamp⟧

Page 206

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
Number: T / 1630
Date: 23 / 2 / 1970
Subject / ⟦line⟧
His Excellency the Minister of Interior and Member of the Revolutionary Command Council, Respected
Greetings and respect, and thereafter
In the name of the Jewish community in Iraq, I extend to the President of the Republic, the militant, the majestic Ahmed Hassan
al-Bakr, and to the Vice President of the Revolutionary Command Council, Mr. Saddam Hussein, and to your honorable person, signs of gratitude
and praise for your high patronage of all citizens regardless of their religions and ethnicities.
We pray to the Creator, Almighty, to grant you success and guide your hand for the good of the homeland and its children.
Mr. Minister
The esteemed Revolutionary Command Council issued on June 9, 1969, Law No. (86) of 1969
abolishing the exceptional laws that restricted the freedom and actions of the members of our Jewish community regarding their money and property, and despite
the issuance of this law, some departments have begun to restrict them financially and administratively and deprived them of the simplest rights
of citizens, such as the right to work and live.
As I have learned, your respected ministry issued instructions to refer all financial transactions of Iraqi Jews to the General Secretariat
for Frozen Assets for consideration and action.
However, the General Secretariat, in turn, has now begun to act in a way that blocks all means of
living and working for the Iraqi Jew, as it has begun to prevent him from:
1 - He is unable to withdraw or deposit any amount in banks except with the approval of the Security Directorate, even if the withdrawal
does not exceed, in any case, the limit of livelihood.
2 - He is unable to conduct any transaction except with the approval of the General Secretariat for Frozen Assets.
3 - Not allowing the Jewish individual to appoint lawyers to defend their rights and reveal the infringements of others on
these rights, even powers of attorney that exclude the right of sale, mortgage, and collection.
4 - Not allowing notaries public to certify transactions for the Jew and the rental facilities deposited in his name
for the purpose of living except with the approval of the General Secretariat, and no such approval has been issued by the Secretariat so far.
5 - Not allowing the sale of his ⟦movable⟧ and immovable property even for the purpose of paying the taxes due on him, such as income taxes and other
official debts.
6 - Finally, preventing members of our community even from collecting deposited shares and documents which do not suffice for a small part
of living.
Mr. Minister
How can the Jewish individual preserve his dignity if he is prevented from working and prevented from practicing his legitimate civil rights?
This miserable situation has made me venture and seek mercy from your Excellency to look with an eye of kindness and for the public interest
(To be continued)

Page 207

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
No. T /: 1630
Date: 23 / 6 / 1975
( 2 )
Subject / ⟦line⟧
Regarding the situation of the members of our community and the lifting of restrictions imposed on them so they can live with dignity like other citizens.
In the name of the blessed July 17 Revolution and in the name of the leading Ba'ath Party, the compassionate humanitarian party which does not differentiate
between sects, denominations, and religions, and which aims for the welfare of citizens, their security, and the preservation of their dignity.
I hope you will kindly look into the affairs of our community and allow the Jews, who retain Iraqi citizenship
without restriction (within the public interest) like other citizens:
1 - To work and earn a living.
2 - To conduct financial transactions and power of attorney before notaries and courts, and to withdraw and deposit in banks.
3 - To allow the buying and selling of movable and immovable property.
4 - To prevent the General Secretariat for Frozen Assets from interfering in the affairs of Jews retaining Iraqi citizenship.
5 - To pay out interests derived from stocks and bonds.
Mr. Minister
In this blessed era, the era of stability and prosperity, the era in which every individual of this
generous people has obtained their rights and enjoyed their security, humanity, and dignity.
We remain in pain and suffering from the illegal restrictions that were imposed on us and which deprived us of earning a living and a decent life.
Mr. Minister
Attached is a copy of the petition submitted to the Directorate of General Security regarding some issues in which members of
our community are treated, and since there are some actions that we were unable to record. I hope your Excellency will be kind enough to allocate
time for the honor of meeting your Excellency, to clarify all matters.
Finally, I pray to the Almighty to protect the struggling Leader, the President of the Republic, and his honorable comrades
and the respected members of the Revolutionary Command Council, and to guide your steps for the good and happiness of the homeland.
Please accept my highest respect.
Roubin Naji Elias
Presidency of the Mosaic Community
⟦illegible⟧

Page 208

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
No. T/: 1630
Date: 23 / 6 / 1970
Subject /:
The Honorable Minister of Interior and Member of the Revolutionary Command Council
Greetings and respect,
In the name of the Mosaic community in Iraq, I extend to the President of the Republic, the militant Marshal Ahmed Hassan
al-Bakr, and to the Vice President of the Revolutionary Command Council, Mr. Saddam Hussein, and to your honorable person, signs of gratitude
and praise for your high patronage of all citizens regardless of their religions and orientations.
We pray to the Almighty Creator to grant you success and guide you for the good of the homeland and its sons.
Mr. Minister,
The esteemed Revolutionary Command Council issued on June 1, 1969, Law No. (86) of 1969
abolishing the exceptional laws that restricted the freedom and actions of the members of our Mosaic community regarding their funds and properties. Despite
the issuance of this law, some departments began to restrict them financially and administratively and deprived them of the simplest rights
of citizens, such as the right to work and live.
As I have learned, your esteemed ministry issued instructions to refer all financial transactions of Iraqi Jews to the General
Secretariat for Frozen Assets for review and action.
However, the General Secretariat, in turn, has now begun to act in a way that blocks all means of
living and working for the Iraqi Mosaic citizen, as it has begun to prohibit him from:
1 - He is unable to withdraw or deposit any amount in banks except with its approval and the approval of the Security Directorate, even if the withdrawal
does not exceed, in any case, the bare minimum for survival.
2 - He is unable to conduct any transaction except with the approval of the General Secretariat for Frozen Assets.
3 - Not allowing the Mosaic individual to appoint lawyers to defend their rights and reveal the infringements of others on
these rights, even for powers of attorney that exclude the right of sale, mortgage, and collection.
4 - Not allowing notaries public to certify transactions for the Mosaic citizen and renew lease instruments deposited in his name
for the purpose of living except with the approval of the General Secretariat, and no such approval has been issued by the Secretariat so far.
5 - Not allowing the sale of his <del>movable</del> and immovable property even for the purpose of paying the taxes due on him, such as income taxes and other
official debts.
6 - Finally, preventing members of our community even from collecting deposited shares and documents which do not cover even a small part
of living expenses.
Mr. Minister,
How can an individual live and preserve his dignity if he is prevented from working and from practicing his legitimate civil rights?
This miserable situation has made me venture and seek mercy from your Excellency to look with an eye of compassion and within the public interest
(To be continued)
⟦illegible⟧

Page 209

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number 83531 President
Number T/: 1630
Date: 23 / 6 / 1970
( 2 )
Subject / ⟦line⟧
Regarding the situation of the members of our community and the lifting of the restrictions imposed on them so that they can live with dignity like other citizens.
In the name of the blessed July 17 Revolution and in the name of the leading Ba'ath Party, the compassionate humanitarian party which does not differentiate between sects, denominations, and religions, and which aims for the welfare of citizens, their security, and the preservation of their dignity.
I hope you will kindly look into the affairs of our community and allow the Jews, who retain Iraqi nationality without restriction (within the public interest), like other citizens, to:
1 - Work and earn a living.
2 - Conduct financial transactions and power of attorney at the notaries public and courts, and withdraw and deposit in banks.
3 - Allow the buying and selling of movable and immovable property.
4 - Prevent the General Secretariat for Frozen Assets from interfering in the affairs of Jews who retain Iraqi nationality.
5 - Disbursement of interest derived from stocks and bonds.
Mr. Minister
In this blessed era, the era of stability and prosperity, the era in which every individual of this noble people has obtained his rights and enjoyed his security, humanity, and dignity.
We remain suffering and in pain from the illegal restrictions that were imposed on us and which deprived us of earning a living and a decent life.
Mr. Minister
Attached is a copy of the petition submitted to the Directorate of General Security regarding some issues in which members of our community are treated, and since there are some actions that are difficult for us to facilitate. I hope that your Excellency will be kind enough to allocate time for the honor of meeting your Excellency, to clarify all matters.
Finally, I pray to the Almighty to protect the struggling leader, the President of the Republic, his honorable comrades, and the respected members of the Revolutionary Command Council, and to guide your steps for the good and happiness of the homeland.
Please accept the highest respect.
Roubin Naji Elias
Presidency of the Mosaic Community

Page 210

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
Number T / 1630
Date 23 / ⟦...⟧ / 197⟦...⟧
Subject /
The Honorable Minister of Interior and Member of the Revolutionary Command Council
Greetings and respect,
In the name of the Jewish community in Iraq, I extend to the virtuous President of the Republic, the Majestic Ahmed Hassan
al-Bakr, and to the Vice President of the Revolutionary Command Council, Mr. Saddam Hussein, and to your honorable person, signs of gratitude
and praise for your supreme care for all citizens of different religions and ethnicities.
We pray to the Creator, Almighty and Sublime, to grant you success and guide you for the good of the homeland and its children.
Mr. Minister,
The venerable Revolutionary Command Council issued on June 9, 1969, Law No. (86) of 1969
abolishing the exceptional laws that restricted the freedom and actions of the members of our Jewish community regarding their funds and properties. Despite
the issuance of this law, some departments began to restrict them financially and administratively and deprived them of the simplest rights
of citizens, such as the right to work and livelihood.
As I have learned, your esteemed ministry issued instructions to refer all financial transactions of Iraqi Jews to the General
Secretariat for Frozen Assets for review and action.
However, the General Secretariat, in turn, has now begun to act in a manner that blocks all means of
livelihood and work for the Iraqi Jew. Its value to him has become:
1 - He is unable to withdraw or deposit any amount in banks except with the approval of the Security Directorate, even if the withdrawal
does not exceed, in any case, the bare minimum for survival.
2 - He is unable to conduct any transaction except with the approval of the General Secretariat for Frozen Assets.
3 - Not allowing the Jewish individual to appoint lawyers to defend their rights and to stop the infringements of others on
these rights, even for powers of attorney that exclude the right of sale, mortgage, and collection.
4 - Not allowing notaries public to certify transactions for the Jew or to collect rent payments deposited in his name
for the purpose of living except with the approval of the General Secretariat, and no such approval has been issued by the Secretariat so far.
5 - Not allowing the sale of his movable and immovable property even for the purpose of paying taxes due on him, such as income taxes and other
official debts.
6 - And finally, preventing members of our community even from collecting shares and deposited documents which do not cover even a small part
of the cost of living.
Mr. Minister,
How can an Iraqi individual preserve his dignity if he is prevented from working and prevented from exercising his legitimate civil rights?
This miserable situation has led me to plead and seek mercy from your Excellency to look with an eye of compassion and within the public interest.
(To be continued)

Page 211

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
No. T/: 630
Date: 23 / 6 / 1975
( 2 )
Subject / ⟦line⟧
Regarding the status of our community members and the lifting of restrictions imposed on them so they can live with dignity like other citizens.
In the name of the blessed July 17 Revolution and in the name of the leading Ba'ath Party, the humanitarian and compassionate party that does not differentiate between sects, denominations, and religions, and which aims for the welfare of citizens, their security, and the preservation of their dignity.
I ask you to kindly look into the affairs of our community; allowing Jews, who retain Iraqi nationality without restriction (within the public interest), like other citizens, to:
1 - Work and earn a living.
2 - Conduct financial transactions and power of attorney at notaries and courts, and withdraw and deposit in banks.
3 - Allow the buying and selling of movable and immovable property.
4 - Prevent the General Secretariat for Frozen Assets from interfering in the affairs of Jews who retain Iraqi nationality.
5 - Disbursement of interest derived from stocks and bonds.
<del>Mr. Minister</del>
In this blessed era, the era of stability and prosperity, the era in which every individual of this noble people has obtained their rights and enjoyed their security, humanity, and dignity.
We remain in pain and suffering from the illegal restrictions that were imposed on us and which deprived us of earning a living and a decent life.
<del>Mr. Minister</del>
Attached is a copy of the petition submitted to the Directorate of General Security regarding some issues in which members of our community are treated, and since there are some actions that we were unable to record. I ask your Excellency to kindly allocate time for the honor of meeting your Excellency, to clarify all matters.
Finally, I pray to the Almighty to protect the struggling Leader, the President of the Republic, his honorable comrades, and the respected members of the Revolutionary Command Council, and to guide your steps for the good and happiness of the homeland.
Please accept my highest respect.
Roubin Naji Elias
Presidency of the Mosaic Community
⟦illegible stamp⟧

Page 212

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
Not registered and not sent
87
The Honorable Minister of Interior and Member of the Revolutionary Command Council
Greetings and respect, and thereafter
In the name of the Jewish community in Iraq, I convey to the President of the Republic, the struggling Field Marshal Ahmed Hassan
al-Bakr, and to the Vice President of the Revolutionary Command Council, Mr. Saddam Hussein, and to your honorable person, verses of thanks
and praise for your high patronage of all citizens of different religions and ethnicities.
We pray to the Creator, Almighty, to grant you success and guide you for the good of the nation and its children.
Mr. Minister
The esteemed Revolutionary Command Council issued on June 9, 1969, Law No. (86) of 1969
abolishing the exceptional laws that restricted the freedom and actions of members of our Jewish community regarding their funds and properties. Despite
the issuance of this law, some departments have begun to restrict them financially and administratively and deprived them of the simplest rights
of citizens, such as the right to work and live.
As I have learned, your respected ministry issued instructions to refer all financial transactions of Iraqi Jews to the General
Secretariat for Frozen Assets for review and action.
However, the General Secretariat, in turn, has now begun to act in a way that blocks all means of
living and working for the Iraqi Jew, as it has become a restriction on him:
1 - He is unable to withdraw or deposit any amount in banks except with its approval and the approval of the Security Directorate, even if the withdrawal
does not exceed, in any case, the bare minimum for survival.
2 - He is unable to conduct any transaction except with the approval of the General Secretariat for Frozen Assets.
3 - Not allowing the Jewish individual to appoint lawyers to defend their rights and reveal the infringements of others on
these rights, even for powers of attorney that exclude the right of sale, mortgage, and collection.
4 - Not allowing notaries public to certify transactions for the Jew and collect rent payments deposited in his name
for the purpose of living except with the approval of the General Secretariat, and no such approval has been issued by the Secretariat so far.
5 - Not allowing the sale of his movable and immovable property even for the purpose of paying taxes due from him, such as income taxes and other
official debts.
6 - Finally, preventing members of our community even from collecting nationalized shares and bonds which do not cover even a small part
of living expenses.
Mr. Minister
How can a Jewish individual preserve his dignity if he is prevented from working and prevented from practicing his legitimate civil rights?
This miserable situation has made me resort to you, seeking mercy from your Excellency to look with an eye of compassion and within the public interest.
(To be continued)

Page 213

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number 83531 President
Number: 1630 / 75
Date: 23 / 6 / 1975
( 2 )
Subject / ⟦line⟧
Regarding the situation of our community members and lifting the restrictions imposed on them so they can live with dignity like other citizens.
In the name of the blessed July 17 Revolution and in the name of the leading Ba'ath Party, the compassionate humanitarian party that does not differentiate
between sects, denominations, and religions, and which aims for the welfare of citizens, their security, and the preservation of their dignity.
I ask you to kindly look into the affairs of our community and allow the Jews, who retain Iraqi citizenship
without restriction (within the public interest) like other citizens, to:
1 - Work and earn a living.
2 - Conduct financial transactions and power of attorney before notaries and courts, and withdraw and deposit in banks.
3 - Allow the buying and selling of movable and immovable property.
4 - Prevent the General Secretariat for Frozen Assets from interfering in the affairs of Jews retaining Iraqi citizenship.
5 - Disbursement of interest derived from stocks and bonds.
Mr. Minister
In this blessed era, the era of stability and prosperity, the era in which every individual of this
generous people has obtained their rights and enjoyed security, humanity, and dignity.
We remain in pain and suffering from the illegal restrictions imposed on us, which have deprived us of earning a living and a decent life.
Mr. Minister
Attached is a copy of the petition submitted to the Directorate of General Security regarding some issues concerning how members of
our community are treated, and since there are some actions we were unable to record. I ask your Excellency to kindly allocate
time for the honor of meeting your Excellency to clarify all matters.
Finally, I pray to the Almighty to protect the Leader, the struggling President of the Republic, and his honorable comrades
and the respected members of the Revolutionary Command Council, and to guide your steps for the good and happiness of the homeland.
Please accept the highest respect.
Roubin Naji Elias
Presidency of the Mosaic Community

Page 214

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
Number / ⟦1627⟧ / 75
Date / ⟦6 / 6⟧ / ⟦1975⟧
86
Subject /:
The Honorable Minister of Justice
Presidency of the Legal Codification Bureau
Greetings and respect
Iraqi citizenship has been revoked - as I was informed by the General Directorate of Nationality - from Mr.
Meer Shaul Basri, due to his travel outside Iraq and his failure to return. Since the aforementioned is the President
of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews, it is requested that you order the invitation of the members of the Administrative Committee, including
the reserve member Mr. Heskel Shalom Safi, to the Legal Codification Bureau, to elect a President
and a Vice President of the Committee.
Please accept the highest respect.
⟦signature⟧
Naji Chachak
On behalf of the Presidency of the Mosaic Community
A copy to :-
General Directorate of Nationality (Identities) for confirmation and to notify the Ministry of Justice of that.
Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews.

Page 215

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
Number: T / 1627 / 75
Date: 8 / 6 / ⟦...⟧
Subject:
The Honorable Minister of Justice
Presidency of the Legal Codification Bureau
Greetings and respect
I have been informed by the Directorate of General Nationality that Iraqi citizenship has been revoked from Mr.
Meer Shaul Basri, due to his travel outside Iraq and his failure to return. Since the aforementioned is the President
of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews, it is requested that you order the invitation of the members of the Administrative Committee, including
the reserve member Mr. Samuel Shalom Basri, to the Legal Codification Bureau to elect a President
and a Vice President of the Committee.
Please accept the highest respect.
Naji Chachak
On behalf of the Presidency of the Mosaic Community
Copy to:
Directorate of General Nationality (Identities) for confirmation and to notify the Ministry of Justice accordingly.
The Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews.

Page 216

The Honorable Minister of Justice
Head of the Legal Codification Bureau
Greetings and respect,
The Administrative Committee has inquired - as I was informed by the Directorate General of Nationality - regarding Mr. Michael
Louie due to the ⟦absence⟧ of a photo outside Iraq and his failure to return. Since the aforementioned
is the head of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews in succession, please be so kind as to invite the members of
the Administrative Committee, including the reserve member Mr. Heskel Shalom, and the presence of ( ) the Bureau of
Legal Codification to elect a Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the committee <del>⟦illegible⟧</del> mentioned above.
Naji
A copy to:
1) Directorate General of Nationality (Replies) for confirmation and the Advisor to the Ministry of Justice regarding this.
2) The Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews

Page 218

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
No. T/: 1627 / 75
Date: 6 / 1 / 197⟦...⟧
86
Ministers
Subject / ⟦line⟧
The Honorable Minister of Justice
Presidency of the Legal Codification Bureau
Greetings and respect
I have been informed by the General Directorate of Nationality that Iraqi nationality has been revoked from Mr.
Mir Shaul Basri, due to his travel outside Iraq and his failure to return. Since the aforementioned is the President
of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews, please issue your order to invite the members of the Administrative Committee, including
the reserve member Mr. Heskel Shalom Safi, to the Legal Codification Bureau to elect a President
and a Vice President for the Committee.
Please accept our highest respect.
Naji Chachak
On behalf of the Presidency of the Mosaic Community
A copy to:
General Directorate of Nationality (Visas) for confirmation and to notify the Ministry of Justice accordingly.
The Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews.

Page 219

Ministry of Interior
General Directorate of Nationality
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Presidency of the ⟦Mosaical⟧ Community
Private Number 1005
Date 10 / 6 / 1975
Incoming Stamp
Directorate /: Identity
Number /: 1255
Date /: 7 / 7 / 1975
To :- Ministry of Justice
Subject: Revocation of Iraqi nationality from a Jew and his family
Reference to the letter of the Presidency of the Mosaical Community in Baghdad numbered
T / 1627 / 75 on 8 / 6 / 1975 regarding providing the Jewish entity
(Nour Samuel Ezra Basri) and his wife (Marcelle Haroun Samuel
Basri) and his children (Nour), (Khalida), (Mona), and (May) whose
Iraqi nationality was revoked pursuant to the letter of the Presidency of the Office of the Presidency
of the Republic / Legal Department No. 3789 on 23 / 3 / 1975 notified
to us by the Ministry of Interior letter Q.S / Foreigners / 3911 on 26 / 3 / 1975 -
For your information ...
With appreciation .
⟦signature⟧
Brigadier General
Jamal al-Din Kamal al-Din al-Taie
Director General of Nationality
A copy to :-
Ministry of Interior: For your information please ... with appreciation .
General Secretariat for Frozen Assets: For your information please .
Presidency of the Mosaical Community / Baghdad: Your letter above for your information .
Ahmed Jawad ⟦...⟧

Page 221

Presidency of the Jewish Community
In Baghdad
Telephone Number 83531 President
Reference No. T/: 1591
Date: 22 / 5 / 1975
( 2 )
Subject / ⟦line⟧
E - Mr. Sassoon Raymond Malak: your directorate informed the tenants not to pay the rent for his properties
to him and to deposit it in the bank, and authorized him only to receive -/150 Dinars monthly, and he is an elderly man over
eighty years old, and he and his wife are ill and he has exorbitant expenses.
2 - The Jewish individual is unable to conduct any financial or living transaction except with the approval of the General Secretariat of the
Frozen Assets, which is contingent upon the approval of your directorate.
3 - Not allowing the Notary Public to certify any transaction for a Jew, so he cannot even delegate a relative
even if he is incapacitated and cannot issue any warning to others.
It is not permissible to deposit the rental amount for the property leased by a Jew and the rent is not paid
for the property to the Jew, and thus the landlord and tenant law does not cover him and does not apply to the Jew ! ! !
Not allowing the Jewish individual to appoint lawyers to defend his rights except with the approval of your directorate, and no
such approval has been issued until now. In this unintended ⟦and deliberate⟧ way, the rights of this individual were lost, and it encourages
others to aggression and usurpation. This has led in most cases to the Jewish individual's consent to an unfair settlement
with others despite the waste of his rights.
4 - A Jewish individual may not sell his immovable property for the purpose of paying fees and taxes due on him to the government.
We provide an example of that: Mr. Youssef Yelmol owes income tax an amount estimated at -/7500 Dinars and he is elderly
and incapacitated and has lands; he asks the income tax office to seize these lands and sell them to collect the debt,
however, the Frozen Assets department does not agree to that. How can this incapacitated, elderly, and unemployed individual
of all work live and settle his debts.
5 - There are empty lots for some individuals that the Jewish individual cannot utilize due to the restrictions imposed on him and is forced to
pay the real estate tax for the lots without being able to sell these lots and pay the tax fees and keep
the remaining amounts ! ! !
Mr. Ishaq Sofair owns a printing press named the Al-Khayriya Press, and since 1 / 4 / 1974 the Ministry of
Information warned him to close his printing press, and indeed the closure took place. Also, your esteemed directorate in 1973 forced him to
pledge not to sell any tool or machine from the aforementioned press.
How can this person live and earn a living, or pay his debts? if he cannot operate the
press and if he cannot sell it, and how does he pay the rent for the press and from whom does he pay this rent? Does he pay
from Information or from Security? In fact, the lessor filed an eviction lawsuit and obtained a judgment for that. Inform him
how to act please, where does he get his livelihood? And who will rent him another place to keep these machines and when
will he operate them and when will he sell them? And if the machines are left for a period exceeding a year, how much damage will affect them and reduce
their value?
( To be continued )
⟦illegible⟧

Page 222

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
Number: T / ⟦171⟧ / 1971
Date: ⟦197⟧ / /
( 2 )
Subject / ⟦line⟧
These are some cases and a few examples of many, which I wanted to present to your Excellency, asking and inquiring
(How can an individual live and preserve his dignity if he is (effectively) prevented from working, earning a living, and exercising his rights
protected by laws).
This miserable and unnatural situation has led me to present this situation on behalf of the members of my community, hoping
and seeking a remedy. And to present the situation to those in authority to look into it with an eye of kindness and within the public interest.
And to order the removal of these illegal restrictions so that the Jewish individual, whose fathers and grandfathers have lived for thousands
of years honored and cherished in this homeland, can live and exercise his rights like other citizens.
Please accept the assurances of my highest respect.
Rouben Naji Elias
On behalf of the Presidency of the Jewish Community

Page 223

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number 83531 President
Number T /: 1576 / ⟦1970⟧
Date: 22 / 5 / 1970
85
Subject /
The Honorable Director of General Security
Through the Honorable Director of Baghdad Security
Greetings and respect
Furthermore, the venerable Revolutionary Command Council issued on 9 / 6 / 1969 Law No. 86 of 1969, repealing
all exceptional laws that restricted the freedom and actions of the members of our community regarding their funds and property, and the necessity of
treating them equally with other citizens. Unfortunately, with the passage of time, some departments, including
your honorable directorate, began issuing instructions and orders that restrict them financially, administratively, and socially, and deprived them of the simplest rights
of citizenship, such as the right to work and live. By way of example and not limitation, I present the following:-
1 - It prevented the Mosaic individual from dealing with banks and did not allow him to withdraw or deposit except with the approval of your directorate
no matter how small this amount is and for whatever reason, whether it is for livelihood and work, or to satisfy hunger, or for medical treatment.
In such a case, can the Mosaic person work or partner with others, or seek medical treatment, or extend his hand
to meet his needs?
a - No partner or seller accepts dealing with a Jew who cannot settle his debt except with the approval of Security,
just as the Jew cannot recover his debt or sell on credit since he cannot recover this
debt (as will be explained later).
b - If a member of the community falls ill or must be admitted to the hospital and undergo surgery, he cannot
withdraw hospital expenses from the banks except with the approval of the General Secretariat for Frozen Assets (based
on the approval of your directorate). This happened when the patient (Rahma Qahtan), aged eighty
years, was admitted to the Sisters' Hospital for a fracture in her leg, and the required expenses were not paid to her by the hospital
despite her having respectable amounts in the banks.
c - Your honorable directorate instructed all banks not to disburse an amount exceeding -/100 Dinars per month to a Mosaic person
except with the approval of your directorate (and no such approval has been issued so far). Is the amount of one hundred Dinars sufficient
for living and housing rent for the Mosaic person who practically is not covered by the Rent and Lease Law, as will be
explained later. Even in this case, the Rafidain Bank (Unknown Soldier Branch)
refused to disburse any amount to Ibrahim Jouri based on a security communication (how does this person
and his family live?).
d - Mrs. Sarah Khatoun Sassoon Saleh Shamash has an annual interest estimated at -/800 Dinars annually from
nationalized government bonds to cover the largest part of her living expenses; she is a widow, elderly,
isolated, and has no one to support her. Likewise, Mr. Naji Nassim Cohen has -/170 Dinars
annually from the interest of nationalized government bonds; he is disabled and the head of a large family, and the General Secretariat did not approve
the disbursement of these two amounts to them.
( To be continued )

Page 224

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
( 2 )
No. T / ⟦illegible⟧ / ⟦illegible⟧
Date 22 / 5 / 1975
Subject / ⟦line⟧
E - Mr. Sassoon Raymond Malak: Your directorate informed the tenants not to pay the rent of his properties
to him and to deposit it in the bank, and authorized him only to receive -/150 Dinars per month, and he is an elderly man over
eighty years old, and he and his wife are ill and he has exorbitant expenses.
2 - A Jewish individual cannot conduct any financial or living transaction except with the approval of the General Secretariat for Frozen
Funds based on the approval of your directorate.
3 - Not allowing Notaries Public to certify any transaction for a Jew, so he cannot even appoint one of his relatives as an agent
even if he is incapacitated, and he cannot issue any legal notice to others.
It is not permissible to deposit the rent amount for the property leased by a Jew, nor is the rent for the property
paid to the Jew, and thus the Lease and Rental Law does not include him and does not apply to the Jew!!!
Not allowing a Jewish individual to appoint lawyers to defend his rights except with the approval of your directorate, and no
such approval has been issued until now. In this unintentional ⟦and deliberate⟧ way, the rights of this individual have been undermined, and it encourages
others to commit aggression and usurpation. This has led in most cases to the Jewish individual's consent to an unjust settlement
with others despite the squandering of his rights.
4 - A Jewish individual is not allowed to sell his immovable property for the purpose of paying the fees and taxes due from him to the government.
We provide an example of this: Mr. Yusuf Balbul owes income tax an amount estimated at -/7500 Dinars, and he is elderly
and incapacitated and owns lands; he requests the Income Tax Department to seize this land and sell it to recover the debt,
however, the Frozen Funds [authority] does not agree to that. How can this incapacitated, elderly, and unemployed individual
live and pay his debts?
5 - Some individuals own vacant plots that a Jewish individual cannot utilize due to the restrictions imposed on him, and he is forced to
pay the vacant plot property tax without being able to sell these plots, pay the tax fees, and keep
the remaining amounts!!!
Mr. Ishaq Sofer has a printing press under the name of Al-Khayriya Printing Press, and since 1 / 4 / 1974 the Ministry of
Information warned him to close his printing press, and indeed it was closed. Also, your directorate in the year 1973 forced him to
pledge not to sell any tool or machine from the aforementioned printing press.
How can this person live and earn a living, or pay his debts? If he cannot operate the
printing press and if he cannot sell it, and how does he pay the rent for the printing press and from whom is this rent paid? Is it paid
by Information or by Security? Indeed, the lessor filed an eviction lawsuit and obtained a judgment for that. Inform him
how to act please, from where does he recover his damages? And who will lease him another place to keep these machines, and when
will he operate them and when will he sell them? And if the machines are left for a period exceeding a year, how much damage will befall them and reduce
their value?
( To be continued )

Page 225

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. 83531 President
Number T/ 1566 / 75
Date 22 / 5 / 1975
( 3 )
Subject /: ⟦line⟧
These are some cases and a few examples of many, which I wished to present to your Excellency, asking and inquiring
(How can an individual live and preserve his dignity if he is (effectively) prevented from working and earning a living and prevented from exercising his rights
protected by laws).
This miserable and unnatural situation has made me present this situation on behalf of the members of my community, hoping
and seeking a remedy. And to present the situation to those in authority to look into it with an eye of kindness and within the public interest
and to order the removal of these illegal restrictions so that the Mosaic individual, whose fathers and grandfathers have lived for thousands
of years honored and cherished in this homeland, can live and exercise his rights like the rest of the citizens.
Please accept the assurances of my highest respect.
Razouq Naji Elias
On behalf of the Presidency of the Mosaic Community