Correspondence between Iraqi Government and Jewish Community – Citizenship Issues; Financial Matters; New Community Leaders
View interactive document pageThese 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.
Presidency of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews Number: Date: / / 19 Payment Voucher: Fils: Dinar: I received from the accountant of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews in Baghdad The amount written above, totaling ⟦line⟧ In cash Check No. ⟦line⟧ on Bank ⟦line⟧ For ⟦line⟧ ⟦line⟧ ⟦line⟧ Recipient ⟦illegible⟧
Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews in Baghdad Telephone 83531 Number L/: 156 / 79 Date: 6 / 11 / 1979 118 Subject /: Mr. President of the State Establishment for Housing, Respected Greetings, With reference to your letter numbered M / 178 and dated 28 / 10 / 1979 regarding the Mosaic Cemetery, The Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews has reviewed the subject and after deliberation has unanimously agreed to what was stated in your above-mentioned letter. It has authorized its President, (the Head of the Community), to waive the surplus land of the cemetery in accordance with what was stated in your letter and the attached plan and drawing mentioned. Please inform us of the commencement of work so that we may appoint a supervisor on our behalf to preserve the graves. After the completion of the work and the fence, we will waive the rest of the surplus cemetery land according to what was stated in the plan. Please accept our highest respect. Rouben Naji Elias President of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews A copy to: Personal to His Excellency the Minister of Interior - with our highest appreciation and respect. Ministry of Housing and Construction - for your kind information.
Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews in Baghdad Telephone 83531 Number L /: 156 / 71 Date: 6 / 11 / 1971 Subject /: 118 The Honorable President of the General Establishment for Housing Greetings, With reference to your letter No. M / 178 dated 10/28/1971 regarding the Jewish cemetery, The Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews has reviewed the matter and, after deliberation, unanimously approved what was stated in your above-mentioned letter. It has authorized its President (Head of the Community) to sign the waiver for the surplus land of the cemetery in accordance with what was stated in your letter and the plan and drawing attached to the said letter. Please inform us when work commences so that we may appoint a supervisor on our behalf to preserve the graves. After the completion of the work and the fence, we will waive the rest of the surplus cemetery land according to what was stated in the plan. Please accept our highest respect. Roubin Naji Elias President of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews A copy to: Personal to His Excellency the Minister of Interior - with our highest appreciation and respect. Ministry of Housing and Construction - for your kind information.
Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews in Baghdad Telephone 83531 Number L/: 956 / 71 Date: 6 / 11 / 1971 Subject /: The Honorable President of the General Establishment for Housing Greetings, With reference to your letter No. M / 178 dated 28 / 10 / 1971 regarding the Mosaic Cemetery, The Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews has reviewed the subject and, after deliberation, has unanimously approved what was stated in your above-mentioned letter. It has authorized its President (the Head of the Community) to waive the surplus land of the cemetery in accordance with what was stated in your letter and the attached plan and drawing mentioned. Please inform us of the commencement of work so that we may appoint a supervisor on our behalf to preserve the graves. After the completion of the work and the fence, we will waive the rest of the surplus cemetery land in accordance with the plan. Please accept our highest respect. Rouben Naji Elias President of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews A copy to: Personal to His Excellency the Minister of Interior - with our highest appreciation and respect. Ministry of Housing and Construction - for your kind information.
Mr. President of the Institution Greetings Based on your letter numbered ⟦illegible⟧ and dated ⟦illegible⟧ regarding the building named Apartment overlooking ⟦illegible⟧ second floor for Iraqi Jews whereas the residence, according to the visit, research, and inspection ⟦illegible⟧ what was stated in your letter referred to above, and provided a description ⟦illegible⟧ the house on the street from the land belonging to others, and what was stated in your request and the plan in the engineering drawing in the ⟦illegible⟧ language mentioned ⟦illegible⟧ Please kindly review and order ⟦illegible⟧ from the ranks of our institution ⟦illegible⟧ mentioned its description, and upon it the completion of the work and proceeding ⟦illegible⟧ from ⟦illegible⟧ the land of the mentioned building according to the request of ⟦illegible⟧ Please accept our highest respect A copy to: ⟦illegible⟧ His Excellency the Minister of Interior with our highest appreciation and respect Ministry of Reform, Reconstruction and Housing in the name of ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧
117 10/4 Elections In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Republic of Iraq Ministry of Justice Legal Drafting Bureau File Number: A / 1 / 1 / 7 Date: 7 / 10 / 1978 Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews Number ⟦1212⟧ Date ⟦12 / 10 / 1978⟧ Presidency of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews With reference to the letter from the Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad Numbered 622 / 1978 on 29 / 8 / 1978. Mr. Edwar Salem Siddiq, the alternate member of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews, is appointed as an original member of the aforementioned committee instead of the deceased member Mr. Heskel Shalom Al-Yousifi. ⟦illegible⟧ Dr. Munther Ibrahim Minister of Justice A copy to /- Ministry of Interior - Associations - for information with appreciation Presidency of the Mosaic Community Baghdad - your letter referred to above Muwaffaq 9/30
117 In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Republic of Iraq Ministry of Justice Legal Drafting Bureau File Number: A / 1 / 1 / 7 Date: / 10 / 1978 Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews Number 1212 Date 12 / 10 / 1978 Presidency of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews With reference to the letter from the Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad Numbered 622 / 1978 on 29 / 8 / 1978. Mr. Edward Salem Siddiq, the alternate member of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews, is appointed as a primary member of the aforementioned committee in place of the deceased member Mr. Heskel Shalom Al-Safi. ⟦signature⟧ Dr. Munther Ibrahim Minister of Justice Copy to / Ministry of Interior - Associations - for information with appreciation Presidency of the Mosaic Community - Baghdad - your letter referred to above Muwaffaq 30 / 9
Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews in Baghdad Telephone 83531 Number L/: 644 / 71 Date: 25 / 2 / 1971 Subject / Information 116 Respected Ministry of Interior Associations After greetings Please kindly provide us with the address of the President of the Arts and Culture Association. As the association is renting the building numbered 12 42 / 1 / 6 located in the Al-Orfali neighborhood, Bataween. A long period has passed exceeding two years without renewing the lease agreement. The closure of the building has caused damage to it and to the neighboring properties, especially (Masouda Shemtob Synagogue). Therefore, we request you to provide us with the clear address of the President of the Association or whoever replaced him so that we can contact him or take the necessary measures according to the observed laws. With many thanks in advance. Roubin Naji Elias President of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews ⟦illegible⟧
Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews in Baghdad Telephone 83531 Number L /: 644 / 71 Date: 25 / 2 / 1971 Subject / Information Respected Ministry of Interior Associations After greetings Please be so kind as to provide us with the address of the President of the Arts and Culture Association. As the association is renting the building numbered 12 A / 1 / 6 located in the Orfali neighborhood, Bataween. A long period has passed exceeding two years without renewing the lease contract. The closure of the building has caused damage to it and to the neighboring properties, especially (Mas'uda Shemtob Synagogue). Therefore, we request you to provide us with the clear address of the President of the Association or whoever replaced him so that we can follow up or take what is necessary according to the observed laws. With many thanks in advance. ⟦illegible signature⟧ Rouben Naji Elias President of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews
The Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews in Baghdad Telephone 83531 Number L / 644 / 71 Date 25 / 2 / 1971 Subject /: Information Respectable Ministry of Interior Associations After greetings Please be so kind as to provide us with the address of the head of the Arts and Culture Association. As the association is renting the building numbered 12 ⟦a⟧ / 1 / 6 located in the Al-Orfali neighborhood, Bataween. A long period has passed exceeding two years without renewing the lease contract. The closure of the building has caused damage to it and to the neighboring properties, especially (Masouda Shemtob Synagogue). Therefore, we request you to provide us with the clear address of the head of the association or whoever replaced him so that we can follow up or take the necessary measures according to the observed laws. With many thanks in advance. ⟦illegible scribble⟧ Roubin Naji Elias Head of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews
Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews in Baghdad Telephone 83531 Number L/: 644 / 79 Date: 25 / 2 / 1979 Subject/: Information Respectable Ministry of Interior Associations After greetings Please kindly provide us with the address of the President of the Arts and Culture Association. As the association is renting the building numbered 12 A 4 / 1 / 6 located in the Al-Orfali neighborhood, Bataween. A long period has passed exceeding two years without renewing the lease agreement. The closure of the building has caused damage to it and to the neighboring properties, especially (Mas'uda Shemtob Synagogue). Therefore, we request you to provide us with the clear address of the President of the Association or whoever replaced him so that we can follow up or take what is necessary according to the observed laws. With our great thanks in advance. ⟦signature⟧ Roubin Naji Elias President of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews
Lawyer Mahmoud Abdullah Al-Ali Baghdad - Al-Nahr Street Norael Building Opposite Al-Daftardar Building Number /: Date /: Subject / Ministry of Interior - Associations Subject / Information Please kindly provide us with the address and the head of the Arts and Culture ⟦of the association⟧ ⟦the association⟧ Women's Cultural Numbered ⟦7/7/14⟧ and the presidency of ⟦its form⟧ Laura ⟦Qali⟧ Shaul ⟦and it is⟧ This body has arrived to supervise the import and supply of a permit to rent ⟦the shop⟧ belonging to it and the closure of the building due to damages to it and the neighboring properties ⟦especially⟧ and the developments Therefore, we request you to provide us with the clear address of the head of the association or the owner of its shop so that we can follow up or take what is necessary according to the observed laws Thanking you in advance On behalf of the community ⟦Signature⟧ 1970/7/2 ⟦illegible⟧ Ministry of Interior - General Administration ⟦illegible⟧ Number ⟦1451⟧ Date ⟦illegible⟧
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Republic of Iraq Ministry of Justice Legal Codification Bureau Secret File Number :: ⟦7 / 1 / 19⟧ Date :: ⟦19 / 11 / 1978⟧ 115 Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews Number 1251 Date 22 / 11 / 1978 Ministry of Interior - General Administration - Intelligence Political Settlement - Political Division Subject/ Sale of frozen shares in the Times Printing, Publishing and Contribution Company Your letter number Q.S. / 10430 dated 17 / 10 / 1978 We request the attendance of your representative at the Bureau on Sunday morning, 19 / 11 / 1978, to clarify your viewpoint regarding the content of your letter referred to above, with appreciation. Fakhri Medhat Hussein Head of the Legal Codification Bureau A copy to / Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews - We request the attendance of your representative at the same time and for the same purpose mentioned above, and we attach a copy of the letter referred to above, with appreciation. General Secretariat for Frozen Assets - We request the attendance of your representative at the same time and for the same purpose mentioned above, and we attach a copy of the letter referred to above, with appreciation. Dr. Ghazi Abdul Hadi - with all the priorities. Suhaila / 2 / 11
Ministry of Interior General Administration Secret and Political Intelligence Section / Political In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful ⟦Emblem⟧ Original Distribute ⟦A. Jaliyah⟧ Incoming Stamp 8620 17 / 10 / 1978 Number / Q.S /: 1042 Date: / 10 / 1978 To /- Ministry of Justice / Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews Subject: - Sale of frozen shares in the Times Company for Printing and Publishing Joint Stock Company ⟦line⟧ The General Secretariat for Frozen Assets indicated in its letter 22646 on 26 / 9 / 1978 that it holds, on behalf of persons whose Iraqi citizenship has been revoked, shares in the company above, and in recent years the company began to realize continuous losses such that they exceeded its capital. Upon studying the subject, it was noted that in the event of a trend towards liquidating the company, its assets will not be sufficient to pay the debts it owes in addition to the expenses and fees spent on liquidation works, and due to the desire of some shareholders to purchase the frozen shares to preserve their rights. Please review and inform us of your opinion on the subject.. with appreciation.. ⟦Signature⟧ Minister of Interior 17 Ministry of Justice Bureau of Legal Codification 9082 29 / 10 / 1978 Disbursement / 7 / 1 / 121 Received on 26 / 10 / 978
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Republic of Iraq Ministry of Justice Bureau of Legal Codification File Number :: 7/1/19 A Date :: 20 / 11 / 1978 ⟦illegible⟧ Ministry of Interior - General Administration - Intelligence Secret and Political - Political Division Your letter 11589 on 14/11/1978 and following up on our letter 7/1/19 A on 4/11/1978. The Legal Secretary of the General Secretariat for Frozen Assets, Mr. Ahmed Shaker Khalil, attended and explained the Secretariat's viewpoint on the subject and emphasized the lack of connection of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews to the subject clarified in your letter 1043 on 17/10/1978 regarding the sale of frozen shares in the Times Printing and Publishing Joint Stock Company, requesting to inform us of your opinion on considering the matter closed, with appreciation. Fakhri Medhat Hussein Head of the Bureau of Legal Codification Archive ⟦signature⟧ A copy to / General Secretariat for Frozen Assets - Your letter 25818 on 14/11/1978 with appreciation. Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews - with reference to our letter A 7/1/19 on 4/11/1978, for your information with appreciation. Dr. Ghazi Abdul Hadi Mohammed - Legal Codifier - with all preliminaries, please. ⟦Suhaila / 11/20⟧
Al-Bab Al-Sharqi Savings 20-11-78 SAVING AL-BAB AL-SHARQI BAGHDAD 6 11 78 BAGHDAD SJ205 Republic of Iraq REPUBLIC OF IRAQ ★ 25 Fils FILS ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ past ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧
Presidency of the Jewish Community in Baghdad Telephone 83531 Number T/: 631 / 78 Date: 12 / 10 / 1978 114 Subject / Member of the Administrative Committee Mr. Edward Salem Siddiq, Respectfully After greetings Enclosed is the Ministerial Order No. 6/1/111 dated 7 / 10 / 1978 appointing you as an original member of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews. With high appreciation. Naji Chayeb On behalf of the Presidency of the Jewish Community A copy to: Ministry of Justice - Presidency of the Legal Codification Bureau - for your kind information. Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews - for your kind information.
Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad Telephone 83539 Number T/: 631 / 78 Date: 12 / 10 / 1978 Subject / Member of the Administrative Committee Mr. Edward Salem Siddiq, Respectfully After greetings Attached is the Ministerial Order No. 7/1/161 dated 7 / 10 / 1978 appointing you as a primary member of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews. With utmost appreciation. ⟦signature⟧ Naji Chibuck Presidency of the Mosaic Community A copy to:- Ministry of Justice - Presidency of the Legal Codification Bureau - for your kind information. Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews - for your kind information.
Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad Telephone 83531 Number T /: 627 / 78 Date: 27 / 1 / 1978 Subject /: 112 Ministers The Honorable President of the Legal Codification Bureau Greetings, With reference to your letter numbered A / 1 / 7/119 dated 21 / 10 / 1976, and pursuant to our letter numbered T / 175 / 76 dated 14 / 11 / 1976, the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews has continued to perform the tasks assigned to it. We request your order to confirm its continuation or to hold new elections. Please be informed that the chairman and members of the committee are still willing to continue the committee's work. Please accept our highest respect. Naji Chachik Presidency of the Mosaic Community A copy to: The Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews - for your kind information.
Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad Telephone 83531 Number T/: 667 / 78 Date: 27 / 1 / 1978 Subject /: ⟦line⟧ 114 Mr. President of the Legal Codification Bureau, Respected After greetings Reference to your letter numbered 7/1/116 and dated 21 / 10 / 1976, and pursuant to our letter numbered T/175/76 and dated 14 / 11 / 1976, the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews continued to perform the tasks assigned to it. Please issue your order to confirm its continuation or to hold new elections. Note that the chairman and members of the committee are still in agreement to continue the committee's work. Please accept our highest respect. Naji Chachak Presidency of the Mosaic Community A copy to:- The Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews - for your kind information.
The ⟦illegible⟧ Mosaic ⟦illegible⟧ Community Presidency of ⟦illegible⟧ Diwan ⟦illegible⟧ Baghdad on ⟦illegible⟧ / ⟦illegible⟧ / 194⟦illegible⟧ Number ⟦illegible⟧ According to our letter numbered ⟦illegible⟧ / 72 dated 11/14/72 We have conveyed to you the orders for Jews wishing to perform the aforementioned pilgrimage above. So if you ordered the deputy to continue them or to conduct new elections. Note that the president and members are still in agreement to continue their work ⟦illegible⟧ Naji Copy: To the esteemed Administrative Committee to take the necessary action regarding your request Signature ⟦illegible⟧ Summary Date Number Attachments File Number Letter Date Letter Number
Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad Telephone 83531 Number T/: 622 / 78 Date: 29 / 8 / 1978 Subject /: 112 The Honorable President of the Legal Codification Bureau Greetings, The member of the Administrative Committee, Mr. Heskel Shalom Musaffi, passed away on 20 / 7 / 1978. Since the first reserve member, Mr. Naji Nassim Cohen, has submitted his resignation from the reserve membership according to our letter No. T / 610 / 78 dated 17 / 8 / 1978, Mr. Edward Salem Siddiq has become the first reserve member. We request your order to appoint Mr. Edward Salem Siddiq as an original member of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews. Please accept our highest respect. Naji Chachak Presidency of the Mosaic Community A copy to: The Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews - for your kind information.
Presidency of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews Number: Date: 19 / / Disbursement Voucher: Fils: 50 Dinar: - I received from the accountant of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews in Baghdad: The amount written above, totaling: ⟦illegible⟧ In cash: Check No.: On Bank: For: ⟦line⟧ ⟦line⟧ ⟦line⟧ ⟦line⟧ Examination House Trip General Date Private Recipient
Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad Telephone 83531 Number T/: 632 / 78 Date: 26 / 8 / 1978 Subject /: The Honorable President of the Legal Codification Bureau Greetings, The member of the Administrative Committee, Mr. Heskel Shalom Safi, passed away on 20 / 7 / 1978. Since the first reserve member, Mr. Naji Nassim Cohen, has submitted his resignation from the reserve membership according to our letter numbered T / 610 / 78 and dated 17 / 8 / 1978, Mr. Edward Salem Siddiq has become the first reserve member. We request your order to appoint Mr. Edward Salem Siddiq as an original member of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews. Please accept our highest respect. Naji Chachak On behalf of the Presidency of the Mosaic Community ⟦illegible signature stamp⟧ A copy to: - The Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews - for your kind information.
Presidency of the Mosaic Community in Baghdad 83531 Number T/: 622 / 78 Date: 29 / 8 / 1978 Subject /: 112 The Honorable President of the Legal Codification Bureau Greetings, The member of the Administrative Committee, Mr. Heskel Shalom Safi, passed away on 20 / 7 / 1978. Since the first reserve member, Mr. Naji Nassim Cohen, has submitted his resignation from the reserve membership according to our letter No. T / 610 / 78 dated 17 / 8 / 1978, Mr. Edward Salem Siddiq has become the first reserve member. Therefore, we request your order to appoint Mr. Edward Salem Siddiq as an original member of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews. Please accept our highest respect. Naji Chachak On behalf of the Presidency of the Mosaic Community A copy to: The Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews - for your kind information.