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 English Translation, Pages 101-125

Archival unit 101

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
No. T /:
Date: 5 / 12 / 1977
⟦83531⟧
102
Subject /
To / Mr. Libbi Weizfeld, President of the Association of Anti-Zionist Jews
510 Lansdowne Ave / Toronto / Ontario / Canada
Dear Mr. Weizfeld
We have reviewed your letter dated August 14, 1977, addressed to His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq
in Canada, in which you express your association's agreement to accept the invitation to visit our country, Iraq.
We would like to inform you that we, in turn, are pleased to host those members of your association whom you designate.
In the event that your association accepts this invitation of ours, please inform us through the Iraqi Embassy in Ottawa of the departure date
of your delegation members from Canada so that we can secure the necessary arrangements for the visit.
Our respects to you, with thanks.
President of the Jewish Community in Baghdad
Copy to :-
Ministry of Information / Baghdad / Iraq
His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in Canada, for your kind information and to provide the necessary facilities.
His Excellency the Minister of Information, for your kind information.

Archival unit 102

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 83531
No. T /: / /
Date: 5 / 12 / 1977
Subject /
To / Mr. Abe Weizfeld, President of the Association of Jews Against Zionism
510 Lansdowne Ave / Toronto / Ontario / Canada
Dear Mr. Weizfeld
We have reviewed your letter dated August 14, 1977, addressed to His Excellency the Ambassador of the Iraqi Republic
in Canada, in which you express your association's agreement to accept the invitation to visit our country, Iraq.
We would like to inform you that we, in turn, are pleased to host those members of your association whom you designate.
In the event that your association accepts this invitation of ours, please inform us through the Iraqi Embassy in Ottawa of the date of departure
of your delegation members from Canada so that we can secure the necessary arrangements for the visit.
Our respects to you, with thanks.
President of the Jewish Community in Baghdad
Copy to:-
Ministry of Information / Baghdad / Iraq
His Excellency the Ambassador of the Iraqi Republic in Canada, for kind information and to provide the necessary facilities.
His Excellency the Minister of Information, for kind information.

Archival unit 103

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 83531
Number T/:
Date: 5 / 12 / 1977
Subject / ⟦line⟧
To / Mr. Ibe Weizfeld, President of the Association of Jews Against Zionism
510 Lansdowne Ave / Toronto / Ontario / Canada
Dear Mr. Weizfeld
We have reviewed your letter dated August 14, 1977, addressed to His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq
in Canada, in which you express your association's agreement to accept the invitation to visit our country, Iraq.
We would like to inform you that we, in turn, are pleased to host those members of your association whom you delegate.
In the event that your association accepts this invitation of ours, please inform us through the Iraqi Embassy in Ottawa of the date of departure
of your delegation members from Canada so that we can secure the necessary arrangements for the visit.
Our respects to you, with thanks.
President of the Jewish Community in Baghdad
Copy to :-
Ministry of Information / Baghdad / Iraq
The Honorable Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in Canada, for your kind information and to facilitate the necessary procedures.
The Honorable Minister of Information, for your kind information.
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧

Archival unit 104

President of the Jewish Community, Baghdad
Al-Mutanabbi Street / Baghdad / Iraq
Baghdad on December 4, 1977
⟦Anti-Zionist⟧
To Mr. Abe Weisburd, President of the Association of Non-Zionist Jews
510 Lansdowne Avenue / Toronto / Ontario / Canada
Dear Mr. Weisburd
We have reviewed your letter dated August 14, 1977, addressed to His Excellency the Ambassador
of the Iraqi Republic in Canada, in which you express your association's agreement
to accept the invitation to visit our country, Iraq.
We would like to inform you that we, in turn, are pleased to <del>⟦illegible⟧</del> ⟦host⟧ a delegation of five
members of your association who wish to visit our country, Iraq, and we will, in turn, provide
travel tickets, ⟦accommodation⟧, and the necessary arrangements for the stay of your delegation and its members in Baghdad
throughout the duration of the visit.
In the event that your association accepts this invitation of ours, please inform us through the Iraqi Embassy
in Ottawa of the date of departure of your delegation members from Canada so that we can secure travel tickets
and ensure suitable accommodation for them in Baghdad at the appropriate time. Please accept
our respects to you, with thanks.
Providing what is necessary for your visit
Rouben Naji Elias
President of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad
Copy to /
- Ministry of Information / Baghdad / Iraq / ⟦Press and Media Department⟧
- Mr. Ambassador of the Iraqi Republic in Canada / ⟦Ottawa / Canada⟧
Mr. Minister of Information, for your kind information

Archival unit 105

Alliance of Non-Zionist Jews,
c/o Abie Weisfeld,
510 Lansdowne Ave.,
Toronto, Ontario,
Canada M6H 3Y3
February 21, 1978
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
Presidency of the Jewish Community
Special Number 2/1922
Date 22 / 2 / 1978
Rouben Naji Elias,
President of the Jewish Community in Iraq,
2/39 Mustanser Street,
Baghdad, Iraq
Dear Mr. Elias,
We in the Alliance of Non-Zionist Jews wish to accept
your very welcome invitation to visit the Jewish community of Iraq.
It is only recently that we were able to meet in order to discuss this
project and I regret the delay in replying to your invitation.
We are planning for a departure date in late April but I
will be in contact with Abdullah Coja, the First Secretary of The Republic
of Iraq to establish whether or not the necessary arrangements can be made
in such a short period of time.
Yours very truly,
Abie Weisfeld
Abie Weisfeld,
Chairperson, Alliance of Non-Zionist Jews
copy to: - His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in Canada
- Abdullah Coja, First Secretary Embassy of The Republic of Iraq, Ottawa
Incoming

Archival unit 106

Department of Political Science
YORK UNIVERSITY
ATKINSON COLLEGE
4700 KEELE STREET, DOWNSVIEW, ONTARIO M3J 2R7
Presidency of the Jewish Community
Number ⟦1-26⟧
Date ⟦10 / 2 / 1980⟧
2/-
181 Wallace Ave.,
Toronto, Ontario,
M6H 1V3
Canada
January 27, 1980
Rouben Naji Elias,
President of the Jewish Community in Iraq,
2/39 Mustanser Street,
Baghdad, Iraq
Dear Mr. Elias,
I regret that plans for our visit had to be halted
at the time of mourning in March of 1978. We are very interested in
resuming the project which we corresponded on at that time.
I have written to the First Secretary of the Canadian Embassy
as well to indicate that the Alliance of Non-Zionist Jews wishes to
conduct a visit to the Jewish community in Iraq.
Fraternally,
⟦Abie Weisfeld⟧
Abie Weisfeld,
Chairperson, Alliance of Non-Zionist Jews
⟦illegible⟧

Archival unit 107

1-2
Ministers
Maurice Schulter and one of the members of the administrative body of the Association of Non-Zionist Jews in Canada to visit Iraq.
We have received a letter from the president of the association requesting us to work on directing ⟦...⟧ from
⟦...⟧ the Jewish community in Iraq (even if it were formal) so that ⟦...⟧
⟦...⟧ accusations that Zionist Jews might raise against them after their return from Iraq.
⟦...⟧ and the two letters mentioned in our previous message numbered Ottawa / 9 / ⟦...⟧ / 207 / and dated
6 / 5 / 1977, therefore... and since this proposal they submitted is logical and acceptable and achieves the purpose
of the visit (from our point of view).
We suggest responding to this request and instructing the concerned parties to issue the required invitation to the association
mentioned.
⟦illegible⟧

Archival unit 108

102
The Ministers
Alliance of Non-Zionist Jews,
Abie Weisfeld, Chairperson,
510 Lansdowne Ave.,
Toronto, Ont.
August 14, 1977
Dr. Faiq A. Mukhlis,
Ambassador,
Embassy of the Republic of Iraq,
377 Stewart,
Ottawa, Ont.
K1N 6K9
Mr. Secretary General
For presentation with appreciation
22/8
⟦signature⟧
SECRETARIAT
Dear Dr. Mukhlis,
Thank-you for your letter of June 27.
Since then, we have held a meeting of the Alliance to discuss
your invitation. We would like to explore the prospect of
setting up relations with representative organizations or
representatives of the Jewish community in Iraq for the
purpose of being able to observe the status of Jews in Iraq.
It would be best if we would be able to obtain an invitation
from representatives of Iraqi Jews in addition to your
welcome invitation.
In order to conduct a successful project of this nature
it would be best if, upon returning to Canada, we were able
to present our observations to the public as having been
conducted in conjunction with the Iraqi Jewish representatives
rather than being attacked for having accepted the
invitation of an Arabic government. Therefore, could you please
contact such representatives in Iraq and inform them of
our request and/or send me the ⟦addresses of⟧ persons whom I should contact.
Considering a probable language barrier I would like to ask
you if such correspondence could pass through your office
for possible translation.
I would have liked to have come to Ottawa myself to talk
with you but I am going on vacation for two weeks now and
according to Abdulla Abdulla, whom I met in Toronto yeasterday,
it would be best to inform you of our request before September.
Thank-you again.
Fraternally,
Abie Weisfeld

Archival unit 109

President of the Jewish Community
BAGHDAD
2/39 Mustanser Street, Baghdad, Iraq.
No. 481
Baghdad 7th December, 1977.
Telephone
8883531
Department Copy
1-2
⟦Ministers⟧
Mr. Abie Weisfeld, Chairperson,
Alliance of Non-Zionist Jews,
510 Lansdowne Avenue,
Toronto, Ontario,
Canada.
Dear Mr. Weisfeld,
On behalf of the Jewish Community in Iraq, I am very pleased to
invite the Secretary of your Alliance, Mr. Moritz Sosholsh, together with
any other members whom you wish to nominate to pay a visit to our Country,
Iraq, to meet your co-religionist, the Iraqi Jews.
We hope that you will accept our invitation for this visit which
I think it would be best if it is made sometime during the month of March
or April, 1978. However, please feel free to fix any date for the visit
yourself which you think it would suit your delegation most.
Should your Alliance decide to accept our invitation, please let
us know through His Excellency the Iraqi Ambassador in Ottawa of the date
of departure from Canada of the members of your delegation, to enable us to
make the necessary arrangement for the visit.
Very truly yours,
R.N. Elias
Rouben Naji Elias,
President of the Jewish Community in Iraq.
Copy to :- His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in Canada,
for Your Excellency's notice, please.

Archival unit 110

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 83531
Number T/: ⟦288⟧ / 77
Date: 5 / 12 / 1977
Subject /:
1-1
His Excellency the Minister of Information, respected
Greetings and respect
I present to your Excellency the situation of the members of our community who take pride in this homeland and are loyal to its soil and who
have shared with the people their joys and sorrows.
The esteemed Revolutionary Command Council issued Law No. 86 of 1969, which abolished the exceptional
laws that restricted the freedom and actions of the members of our community, and also issued its revolutionary decree No. 1213 of 1975
allowing Jews wishing to return to their dear homeland.
But with great regret, some departments and ministries have stopped the implementation of this law referred
to above through written and oral instructions and orders, including:
1 - Preventing the Mosaic individual from disposing of his funds deposited in banks; he is not allowed to withdraw
except within the limit of -/150 Dinars per month.
2 - Not allowing the Mosaic individual to dispose of his movable and immovable property; he is not allowed to sell these
properties even if this sale is for the purpose of paying taxes or government debts or for medical treatment or living expenses.
3 - Not allowing Notaries Public to certify the legal and Sharia transactions of the Mosaic individual and seizing what he has with the
Notary Public of funds and depositing them in banks.
4 - Not allowing the courts to execute their judgments in favor of the Mosaic individual and obligating them to send the amounts
awarded to him to the banks with the approval of the Frozen Assets to freeze them within the limits of paragraph (1).
5 - Not allowing the Mosaic individual to appoint others or lawyers to defend his rights.
Mr. Minister
How can an individual live and work with these restrictions?
I hope you will kindly look with an eye of compassion, remove the injustice, and provide us with the opportunity to work and live, praying to
the Almighty Lord to protect the Leader Father and his Deputy, the Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council, and to guide them and those working
with them for the good and elevation of the homeland.
Please accept, sir, the assurance of my highest respect.
Roubin Naji Elias
Head of the Mosaic Community

Archival unit 111

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 83531
Number T/: 480 / 77
Date: 5 / 12 / 1977
Subject /:
Department Copy
1-1
The Honorable Minister of Information
Greetings and respect,
I present to your Excellency the situation of the members of our community who take pride in this homeland and are loyal to its soil, and who have shared with the people in good times and bad.
The esteemed Revolutionary Command Council issued Law No. 86 of 1961, which abolished the exceptional laws that restricted the freedom and actions of the members of our community, and also issued its revolutionary decision No. 1293 of 1975 allowing Iraqi Jews to return to their dear homeland.
But with great regret, some departments and ministries have suspended the application of this law referred to above through written and oral instructions and orders, including:
1 - Preventing the Mosaic individual from disposing of his funds deposited in banks; he is not allowed to withdraw except within the limit of -/150 Dinars per month.
2 - Not allowing the Mosaic individual to dispose of his movable and immovable property; he is not allowed to sell these properties even if the sale is for the purpose of paying taxes, government debts, follow-up, or for living expenses.
3 - Not allowing Notaries Public to certify the legal and dispositional transactions of the Mosaic individual, and seizing whatever funds he has with the Notary Public and depositing them in banks.
4 - Not allowing the courts to execute their judgments in favor of the Mosaic individual and obliging them to send the amounts awarded to him to the banks with the approval of the Frozen Assets [department] to freeze them according to the limits of paragraph (1).
5 - Not allowing the Mosaic individual to appoint others or lawyers to defend his rights.
Mr. Minister,
How can an individual live and work with these restrictions?
I hope you will kindly look with an eye of compassion, remove the injustice, and provide us with the opportunity to work and contribute to construction and development, asking the Almighty Lord to protect the Father Leader, his Deputy, and the Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council, and to guide them and those working with them for the good and elevation of the homeland.
Please accept, sir, the assurance of my highest respect.
Roubin Naji Elias
Head of the Mosaic Community
⟦illegible⟧
Mr. Director of Information, for your observations
5 / 12 / 977

Archival unit 112

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 83531
No. T/: 480 / 77
Date: 5 / 12 / 1977
Subject /:
1-1
The Honorable Minister of Information
Greetings and respect,
We present to your Excellency the situation of the members of our community who take pride in this homeland and are attached to its soil, and who have shared with the people their joys and sorrows.
The esteemed Revolutionary Command Council issued Law No. 86 of 1969, which abolished the exceptional laws that restricted the freedom and actions of the members of our community, and also issued its revolutionary decree No. 1493 of 1975 allowing Iraqi Jews to return to their beloved homeland.
But with great regret, some departments and ministries have suspended the application of this law referred to above through written and oral instructions and orders, including:
1 - Preventing the Mosaic individual from disposing of his funds deposited in banks; he is not allowed to withdraw except within the limit of -/150 Dinars per month.
2 - Not allowing the Mosaic individual to dispose of his movable and immovable property; he is not allowed to sell these properties even if the sale is for the purpose of paying taxes, government debts, follow-up, or for living expenses.
3 - Not allowing Notaries Public to certify the legal and dispositive transactions of the Mosaic individual, and seizing what he has with the Notary Public of funds and depositing them in banks.
4 - Not allowing the courts to execute their judgments in favor of the Mosaic individual and obligating them to send the amounts awarded to him to the banks with the approval of the Frozen Assets to freeze them within the limits of paragraph (1).
5 - Not allowing the Mosaic individual to appoint others or lawyers to defend his rights.
Mr. Minister,
How can an individual live and work with these restrictions?
I hope you will kindly look with an eye of compassion, remove the injustice, and provide the opportunity for us to work and live, praying to the Almighty Lord to protect the Father Leader and the Vice President of the Revolutionary Command Council, and to guide them and those working with them for the good and elevation of the homeland.
Please accept, sir, the assurance of my highest respect.
Rouben Naji Elias
President of the Mosaic Community

Archival unit 113

To: -
⟦illegible⟧
How can one reconcile ⟦living⟧, working, ⟦and serving⟧ the faith?
⟦illegible⟧
That ⟦there is⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ a contradiction between faith, raising God's love, and avoiding vice
⟦illegible⟧ and work and living ⟦always⟧ in movement ⟦illegible⟧ whether it was great or ⟦illegible⟧
that ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧
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Archival unit 114

To :-
The Honorable Mr. Minister
Greetings and respect.
We present to your Excellency the situation of the members of our community covered by this law and the instructions
regarding it, and those who participated in visiting ⟦illegible⟧ the decision and the decision after it ⟦illegible⟧
For this, we hope from the esteemed Sovereignty of the Revolution by Law No. ⟦illegible⟧ of the year 1969
which accordingly canceled the previous laws written against them and decided to reinstate all
And also issued its revolutionary decision No. 922 of 1970 allowing
Iraqi Jews to return to their dear homeland
Based on the sound foundations shown by the departments and ministries, attached herewith is
the law referred to above with requests and orders to ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
1- The sequestered houses were prevented by the Ministry from their homes with their private funds in the banks
and they are not allowed to withdraw from them except within the limits of ⟦100⟧ dinars per month.
2- Not allowing members of the community to dispose of their ⟦movable⟧ and immovable property
⟦illegible⟧ sale of ⟦illegible⟧ house since 1967 and that this sale
is for the payment of government taxes or written debts or for credit or for housing
3- Not allowing all banks to pay amounts according to legal checks and salaries
⟦illegible⟧ from the departments and other departments
4- Not allowing your students from assigning students in schools, lessons, and profits
on their letters and results that were not in the schools according to the orders granted to their writers
within the limits of the year ⟦illegible⟧
5- Not allowing members of the community to authorize others or sell to defend
their rights

Archival unit 115

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
No. T/: 404 / 77 /
Date: 2 / 8 / 1977
Telephone: 83531
Subject /:
The Honorable Minister of Information
Greetings and respect
Furthermore, we are pleased to fulfill the request of the Iraqi Embassy in England based on the request of the respected Mr.
Mike Ashley to present a Holy Torah Scroll to the Eastern Jewish community in England.
At the same time, we thank Your Excellency for your kindness in sending this holy gift via diplomatic
mail.
May the Almighty God protect the July 17 Revolution and preserve its leader, the majestic President of the Republic, Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr,
and the Vice Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council, the militant Mr. Saddam Hussein.
Please accept our highest respect.
Roubin Naji Elias
President of the Mosaic Community
A copy to:
The Iraqi Embassy in London - Please deliver the Holy Scroll to Rabbi Dr. Gaon, the Chief Rabbi
of the Eastern Jewish communities.
His Eminence the Chief Rabbi of the Eastern Jewish communities, the respected Dr. Gaon - Please visit
the Iraqi Embassy in London to receive the Holy Scroll, noting that this scroll was written
in the year 5661 Hebrew, corresponding to the year 1901 AD, and was dedicated to the rest of the late
Shlomo Hay Bezalel Ezra Obeidia, who passed away on 28 Sivan, year 5660 Hebrew.
Please provide a religious reception for the scroll and a religious reading for the soul of the deceased on the date of his death
every year. We also hope that you will offer thanks and gratitude to our majestic President of the Republic,
Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, through our respected ambassador.
The respected Mr. Mike Ashley - We offer our gratitude and thanks to your noble person; please consult the Chief
Rabbi Dr. Gaon regarding the matter.
100 -
⟦illegible⟧

Archival unit 116

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 83531
Number T/: 409 / 77
Date: 2 / 8 / 1977
Subject /:
The Honorable Minister of Information
Greetings and respect
Furthermore, we are pleased to fulfill the request of the Iraqi Embassy in England based on the request of the honorable Mr.
Mike Ashley to present a holy Sefer Torah to the Eastern Jewish community in England.
At the same time, we thank your Excellency for your kindness in sending this holy gift via diplomatic
mail.
May the Almighty God protect the July 17 Revolution and preserve its leader, the majestic President of the Republic, Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr,
and the Vice Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council, the fighter Mr. Saddam Hussein.
Please accept our highest respect.
⟦signature⟧
Rouben Naji Elias
President of the Mosaic Community
A copy to:-
The Iraqi Embassy in London - Please deliver the holy Sefer to Rabbi Dr. Gaon, the Chief Rabbi
of the Eastern Jewish communities.
His Eminence the Chief Rabbi of the Eastern Jewish communities, the respected Dr. Gaon - Please visit
the Iraqi Embassy in London to receive the holy Sefer, noting that this Sefer was written
in the year 5661 Hebrew, corresponding to the year 1901 AD, and was dedicated for the rest of the late
Shlomo Hay Bezalel Ezra Obadiah, who passed away on 28 Sivan, year 5660 Hebrew.
Please provide a religious reception for the Sefer and perform religious readings for the soul of the deceased on the date of his death
every year. We also hope that you will offer thanks and gratitude to our majestic President of the Republic,
Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, through our respected ambassador.
The honorable Mr. Mike Ashley - We offer our gratitude and thanks to your kind person; please consult the Chief Rabbi
Dr. Gaon regarding the matter.

Archival unit 117

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 83531
Number T/: 404 / 77
Date: 2 / 8 / 1977
Subject /:
The Honorable Minister of Information
Greetings and respect
Furthermore, we are pleased to fulfill the request of the Iraqi Embassy in England based on the request of the respected Mr.
Mike Ashley to present a Holy Sefer Torah to the Eastern Jewish community in England.
At the same time, we thank your Excellency for your kindness in sending this holy gift via diplomatic
mail.
May the Almighty God protect the July 17 Revolution and preserve its leader, the majestic President of the Republic, Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr,
and the Vice Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council, the fighter Mr. Saddam Hussein.
Please accept our highest respect.
⟦signature⟧
Rouben Naji Elias
President of the Mosaic Community
A copy to:-
The Iraqi Embassy in London - Please deliver the Holy Sefer to Rabbi Dr. Gaon, the Chief Rabbi
of the Eastern Jewish communities.
His Eminence the Chief Rabbi of the Eastern Jewish communities, the respected Dr. Gaon - Please visit
the Iraqi Embassy in London to receive the Holy Sefer, noting that this Sefer was written
in the year 5661 Hebrew, corresponding to the year 1901 AD, and was dedicated for the rest of the soul of
the late Shlomo Hai Bezalel Ezra Ovadia, who passed away on 28 Sivan in the year
5660 Hebrew. Please provide a religious reception for the Sefer and perform the religious reading for the soul of the deceased
on the date of his death every year. We also hope that you will extend thanks and gratitude to our majestic President of the Republic,
Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, through our respected Ambassador.
The respected Mr. Mike Ashley - We offer our gratitude and thanks to your honorable person; please consult the Chief Rabbi
Dr. Gaon regarding the matter.

Archival unit 118

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 83531
Number T/: 404 / 77
Date: 2 / 8 / 1977
Subject /:
The Honorable Minister of Information
Greetings and respect
Furthermore, we are pleased to fulfill the request of the Iraqi Embassy in England based on the request of the honorable Mr.
Jack Ashley to present a Holy Sefer Torah to the Eastern Jewish community in England.
At the same time, we thank your Excellency for your kindness in sending this holy gift via diplomatic
mail.
May the Almighty God protect the July 17 Revolution and preserve its leader, the majestic President of the Republic, Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr,
and the Vice Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council, the militant Mr. Saddam Hussein.
Please accept our highest respect.
⟦signature⟧
Rouben Naji Elias
President of the Mosaic Community
A copy to:-
The Iraqi Embassy in London - Please deliver the Holy Sefer to Rabbi Dr. Gaon, the Chief Rabbi
of the Eastern Jewish communities.
His Eminence the Chief Rabbi of the Eastern Jewish communities, the respected Dr. Gaon - Please contact
the Iraqi Embassy in London to receive the Holy Sefer, noting that this Sefer was written
in the year 5661 Hebrew, corresponding to the year 1901 AD, and was dedicated for the rest of the soul of
the late Shlomo Hay Bezalel Ezra Ovadia, who passed away on the date of 28 Sivan in the year
5660 Hebrew. Please perform the religious inauguration of the Sefer and the religious reading for the soul of the deceased
on the date of his death every year. We also hope that you will offer thanks and gratitude to our majestic President of the Republic,
Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, through our respected ambassador.
The honorable Mr. Jack Ashley - We offer our gratitude and thanks to your noble person. Please contact the Chief Rabbi
Dr. Gaon regarding the matter.

Archival unit 119

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 83531
Number T/: 404 / 77
Date: 2 / 8 / 1977
Subject /:
The Honorable Minister of Information
Greetings and respect
Furthermore, we are pleased to fulfill the request of the Iraqi Embassy in England based on the request of the honorable Mr.
Mike Ashley to present a Holy Torah Scroll to the Eastern Jewish community in England.
At the same time, we thank your Excellency for your kindness in sending this holy gift via diplomatic
mail.
May the Almighty Creator protect the July 17 Revolution and preserve its leader, the majestic President of the Republic, Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr
and the Vice President of the Revolutionary Command Council, the militant Mr. Saddam Hussein.
Please accept our highest respect.
⟦signature⟧
Rouben Naji Elias
President of the Mosaic Community
A copy to:-
The Iraqi Embassy in London - Please deliver the Holy Scroll to Rabbi Dr. Gaon, the Chief Rabbi
of the Eastern Jewish communities.
His Eminence the Chief Rabbi of the Eastern Jewish communities, the respected Dr. Gaon - Please visit
the Iraqi Embassy in London to receive the Holy Scroll, noting that this scroll was written
in the year 5661 Hebrew, corresponding to the year 1901 AD, and was dedicated for the repose of
the late Shlomo Hay Bezalel Ezra Ovadia, who passed away on 28 Sivan in the year
5660 Hebrew. Please perform religious prayers for the scroll and religious readings for the soul of the deceased
on the date of his death every year, and we also hope that you will offer thanks and gratitude to our majestic President of the Republic
Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr through our respected ambassador.
The respected Mr. Mike Ashley - We offer our gratitude and thanks to your honorable person, please consult the Chief Rabbi
Dr. Gaon regarding the matter.

Archival unit 120

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 83531
Number T/: 404 / 77
Date: 2 / 8 / 1977
Subject /:
The Honorable Minister of Information
Greetings and respect
Furthermore, we are pleased to fulfill the request of the Iraqi Embassy in England based on the request of the honorable Mr.
Mike Ashley to present a Holy Torah Scroll to the Eastern Jewish community in England.
At the same time, we thank your Excellency for your kindness in sending this holy gift via diplomatic
mail.
May the Almighty God protect the July 17 Revolution and preserve its leader, the majestic President of the Republic, Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr,
and the Vice President of the Revolutionary Command Council, the militant Mr. Saddam Hussein.
Please accept our highest respect.
⟦signature⟧
Rouben Naji Elias
President of the Mosaic Community
A copy to:-
The Iraqi Embassy in London - Please deliver the Holy Scroll to Rabbi Dr. Gaon, the Chief Rabbi
of the Eastern Jewish communities.
His Eminence the Chief Rabbi of the Eastern Jewish communities, the honorable Dr. Gaon - Please visit
the Iraqi Embassy in London to receive the Holy Scroll, noting that this scroll was written
in the year 5661 Hebrew, corresponding to the year 1901 AD, and was dedicated for the repose of
the late Shlomo Hay Bezalel Ezra Ovadia, who passed away on the date of 28 Sivan in the year
5660 Hebrew. Please hold a religious celebration for the scroll and a religious reading for the soul of the deceased
on the date of his death every year, and we also request that you offer thanks and gratitude to our majestic President of the Republic,
Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, through our honorable Ambassador.
The honorable Mr. Mike Ashley - We offer our gratitude and thanks to your noble person; please consult with the Chief Rabbi
Dr. Gaon regarding the matter.

Archival unit 121

President of the Jewish Community
BAGHDAD.
Telephone: 8883531
No.: 404/77
Baghdad: 2/8/1977
To:
His Excellency the Minister of Information, Baghdad, Iraq.
Dear Sir,
We are very glad to comply with the request of Iraqi Embassy in London by sending to the Community of Spanish & Portuguese Jews in England (Sepher Torah), the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament on Scroll, as a gift ⟦line⟧ a request which was initiated by Mr. Mike Ashley.
At the same time, we wish to express our thanks and gratitude to your Excellency, for your help in arranging for this Bible Scroll to be sent with the Diplomatic Bag to the Iraqi Embassy in London.
We pray Almighty God to bless the Seventeenth of July Revolution and to preserve our leader, Al- Mahib Ahmed Hassan Al-Bakr, the President of the Republic of Iraq, together with the Vice- President of the Revolutionary Command Council, Mr. Saddam Hussein, the great fighter for the cause of the Revolution.
Thanking you, we beg to remain,
Respectfully yours
⟦R. N. Elias⟧
Rouben Naji Elias
President of the Jewish Community,
Baghdad.
Copy to:
⟦line⟧ The Iraqi Embassy in London ⟦line⟧ Requesting you kindly to hand the above mentioned(Bible Scroll) over to the Reverend Dr. S. Gaon, Haham of the Spanish & Portuguese Jews, 4 Ashworth Road, Maida Vale, London,W.9.
⟦line⟧ The reverend Dr. S. Gaon, Haham of the Spanish & Portuguese Jews, London -- We request you kindly to contact the Iraqi Embassy in London so as to receive from them the above- mentioned ( Bible Scroll). This (Sepher), inscribed on Scroll, was written by hand in the year 5661, Hebrew Calendar, agreeing with the year 1901 A.D., and was given as a trust for the repose of the Soul of Shelomo Hay Bezaleil Obadiah, deceased in Baghdad, Iraq,on the 28th of Siwan in the year 5660, Hebrew Calendar. You are kindly requested to arrange for the (Sepher) to be received with the usual religious rites and ceremonies and also to arrange for prayers to be read for the repose of the Soul of the deceased on the same date of his death every year. We hope that you will also write to the Iraqi Embassy in London, expressing thanks and gratitude of all concerned, to Al- Mahib Ahmed Hassan Al-Bakr, the President of our beloved Republic.
⟦line⟧ Mr. Mike Ashley ⟦line⟧ We wish to extent our thanks to your good self and we request you kindly to contact Dr. S. Gaon, in this connection.

Archival unit 122

President of the Jewish Community
BAGHDAD.
Telephone
8883531
No.: 404/77
Baghdad: 2/8/1977
To:
His Excellency the Minister of Information, Baghdad, Iraq.
Dear Sir,
the
We are very glad to comply with the request of Iraqi Embassy in London
by sending to the Community of Spanish & Portuguese Jews in England (Sepher
Torah), the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament on Scroll, as a gift ⟦line⟧ a
request which was initiated by Mr. Mike Ashley.
At the same time, we wish to express our thanks and gratitude to your
Excellency, for your help in arranging for this Bible Scroll to be sent with
the Diplomatic Bag to the Iraqi Embassy in London.
We pray Almighty God to bless the Seventeenth of July Revolution and
to preserve our leader, Al- Mahib Ahmed Hassan Al-Bakr, the President of the
Republic of Iraq, together with the Vice- President of the Revolutionary
Command Council, Mr. Saddam Hussein, the great fighter for the cause of the
Revolution.
Thanking you, we beg to remain,
Respectfully yours
⟦R. N. Elias⟧
Rouben Naji Elias
President of the Jewish Community,
Baghdad.
Copy to:
⟦line⟧ The Iraqi Embassy in London ⟦line⟧ Requesting you kindly to hand the above
mentioned(Bible Scroll) over to the Reverend Dr. S. Gaon, Haham of the
Spanish & Portuguese Jews, 4 Ashworth Road, Maida Vale, London,W.9.
⟦line⟧ The reverend Dr. S. Gaon, Haham of the Spanish & Portuguese Jews,
London - We request you kindly to contact the Iraqi Embassy in London
so as to receive from them the above- mentioned ( Bible Scroll). This
(Sepher), inscribed on Scroll, was written by hand in the year 5661,
Hebrew Calendar, agreeing with the year 1901 A.D., and was given as a
trust for the repose of the Soul of Shelomo Hay Bezalail Obadiah,
deceased in Baghdad, Iraq,on the 28th of Siwan in the year 5660, Hebrew
Calendar. You are kindly requested to arrange for the (Sepher) to be
received with the usual religious rites and ceremonies and also to
arrange for prayers to be read for the repose of the Soul of the
deceased on the same date of his death every year. We hope that you
will also write to the Iraqi Embassy in London, expressing thanks and
gratitude of all concerned, to Al- Mahib Ahmed Hassan Al-Bakr, the
President of our beloved Republic.
⟦line⟧ Mr. Mike Ashley ⟦line⟧ We wish to extent our thanks to your good self and we
request you kindly to contact Dr. S. Gaon, in this connection.

Archival unit 123

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Number T/: 398 / 77
Date: 26 / 7 / 1977
Subject /: ⟦line⟧
99
His Excellency, the Father Leader, the Fighter Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, President of the Republic, Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council, Respected
Greetings and respect,
I raise to your Excellency and to the esteemed Revolutionary Command Council signs of veneration and sincerity for the care you have achieved in preserving the rights of citizens and safeguarding their freedoms. Furthermore, amidst your many preoccupations and the great gains you have achieved for the people, allow me to present to your noble hearing: -
The esteemed Revolutionary Command Council issued Law No. 86 of 1969, by which all restrictions and exceptional laws that restricted the freedom of action of the members of our community were abolished. But with great regret, some ministries and official departments have suspended the validity of this law through written and oral instructions and orders, and among these instructions and orders: -
Preventing the Jewish individual from disposing of the vacant plots belonging to him, neither by selling them nor by exploiting them through long-term leasing, and so on. And he must pay the tax on vacant plots despite not benefiting from them.
Mr. President,
These taxes will consume the value of the plot if they have not already consumed it or increased, which makes the owner a debtor despite the loss of his property or its seizure?
Therefore, I have come to you, appealing to your Excellency with an eye of kindness and reality, to order the removal of restrictions from these plots to enable their owners to dispose of them just like other citizens.
I appeal again to look with an eye of kindness at our matter and to provide us with the opportunity to work and live a decent life, praying to the Almighty Lord to preserve you, protect you, and prolong your life.
Please accept, sir, the assurance of my highest respect.
Rouben Naji Elias
Head of the Jewish Community
Copy to: -
Ministry of Interior (
Ministry of Justice - Real Estate Registration Directorate ( For kind information.
Notaries Public (
Ministry of Finance - General Revenue Directorate (
⟦illegible⟧

Archival unit 124

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
No. T/: 398 / 77
Date: 26 / 7 / 1977
Subject /:
His Excellency, the Father, the Struggling Leader Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, President of the Republic and Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council, Respected
Greetings and respect,
I raise to your Excellency and to the esteemed Revolutionary Command Council signs of veneration and loyalty for the care you have achieved
in preserving the rights of citizens and safeguarding their freedoms. Furthermore, amidst your many preoccupations and the great gains that
you have achieved for the people, allow me to present to your noble ears:-
The esteemed Revolutionary Command Council issued Law No. 86 of 1969, which abolished all restrictions
and exceptional laws that restricted the freedom of action of the members of our community. But with great regret, some ministries
and official departments have suspended the validity of this law through written and oral instructions and orders, and among these instructions
and orders:-
Preventing the Jewish individual from disposing of the vacant plots belonging to him, neither by selling them nor utilizing them
through long-term leases and so on. He must pay the vacant plot tax despite not benefiting from them.
Mr. President,
These taxes will consume the value of the plot, if they have not already consumed it or exceeded it, which
makes the owner a debtor despite the loss or seizure of his property?
Therefore, I have come to you seeking mercy from your Excellency to look with an eye of kindness and reality, ordering the removal of restrictions from these
plots to enable their owners to dispose of them just like other citizens.
I seek mercy again to look with an eye of kindness into our matter and provide us with the opportunity for work and a decent life, praying
to the Almighty Lord to protect you, care for you, and prolong your life.
Please, sir, accept the highest respect.
Roubin Naji Elias
Head of the Jewish Community
A copy of it to:-
Ministry of Interior (
Ministry of Justice - Real Estate Registration Directorate ( For kind information.
Notaries Public (
Ministry of Finance - General Revenue Directorate (
Telephone 83531
99
19660
27/8/77
Review the garden regarding
the subject on 11/12

Archival unit 125

Presidency of the Mosaic Community
in Baghdad
Telephone 83531
Number T/: 398 / 77
Date: 26 / 7 / 1988
Subject /:
99
His Excellency, the Father, the Struggling Leader Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, President of the Republic and Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council, Respected
Greetings and respect
I raise to your Excellency and to the esteemed Revolutionary Command Council signs of veneration and sincerity for the care you have achieved
in preserving the rights of citizens and safeguarding their freedoms. Furthermore, amidst your many preoccupations and the great gains you have
achieved for the people, allow me to present to your noble ears:-
The esteemed Revolutionary Command Council issued Law No. 86 of 1969, by which all restrictions
and exceptional laws that restricted the freedom of action of the members of our community were abolished. But with great regret, some
ministries and official departments have suspended the implementation of this law through written and oral instructions and orders, and among
these instructions and orders are:-
Preventing the Mosaic individual from disposing of the vacant plots belonging to him, neither by selling them nor by utilizing them
through long-term leasing and so on. Moreover, he must pay the vacant land tax despite not benefiting from them.
Mr. President
These taxes consume the value of the plot, if they have not already consumed it or exceeded it, which makes
the owner a debtor despite the loss or seizure of his property?
Therefore, I have come to you seeking mercy from your Excellency to look with an eye of kindness and reality, ordering the removal of restrictions from these
vacant plots to enable their owners to dispose of them just like other citizens.
I seek mercy once again to look with an eye of kindness upon our matter and to provide us with the opportunity to work and live with dignity, praying
to the Almighty Lord to protect you, care for you, and prolong your life.
Please, sir, accept the highest respect.
⟦signature⟧
Roubin Naji Elias
Head of the Mosaic Community
A copy of it to:-
Ministry of Interior.
Ministry of Justice - Real Estate Registration Directorate.
Notaries Public.
Ministry of Finance - General Revenue Directorate
For your kind information.
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧