AI en Translation, Pages 101-125
Page 102
A. G. BROTMAN. B. Sc. Lond.
Education Adviser to Jewish Community.
Representative of Anglo-Jewish Association, London.
Baghdad, 4 Jan 1928
( Iraq )
The President
Jewish Lay Council
Baghdad.
Dear Sir,
Following our conversation of Sunday last
I should like to propose to the Consistoire, that
an appeal be issued to Baghdadis resident
abroad for the financial relief of Baghdad
Jewish Schools. I suggest that a Committee
of about five or six persons be formed, consisting
of members of the Consistoire and English Jews
resident in Baghdad, and I would like to
suggest the names of Mr. M. Myers of the African
and Eastern Company, and also Mr. I. Benajon
Medical Storekeeper and Principal of the Pharm⟦...⟧
School. Of course, I myself, am ready to serve
on such a Committee. I feel sure that a
considerable amount could be collected in the
course of a few years; sufficient to enable us to
put some of our schemes into operation on a
firm basis.
Sincerely yours
AGBrotman
The Papers
Community Council
4 / 1 / 28 ⟦Secretary⟧
Page 103
4/1/28
⟦School Relief Committee File⟧
Translation Summary:
Following our conversation last Sunday, Oran suggested to
the Council that it issue a public appeal to Baghdadi brothers
abroad to assist the finances of the Israelite schools in Baghdad.
He suggested that a committee be formed consisting of five or six members
from the Council members and some English Israelites residing
in Baghdad. I would like to mention in this regard both
Mr. M. Meyer, Director of the African Eastern Company,
and Mr. I. Benazon, Head of the Medical Store
and Director of the School of Pharmacy. There is no doubt
that I myself would like to work on this committee.
I have high hopes that a significant amount can be
collected in a few years, an amount that would enable us to bring
some of our important projects into operation and on solid
foundations.
Sincerely,
A. J. Brotman
School Relief Committee File
Page 104
Administration of the Lay Council
of the Israelite Community
Baghdad
Number: 376
Date: 10 January 1928
Subject: Formation of a committee for school relief
The Honorable H. Myers, Manager of the Eastern African Company, Respected
The Honorable Mr. I. H. Menzon, Principal of the Abdaliyah School, Respected
The Honorable E. G. Brochmann, Inspector of Israelite Schools, Respected
The Honorable Heskel Effendi Shuttub, Member of the Council, Respected
After greetings, our Council, in its session held on 8 January 1928, has reviewed
a letter submitted by Mr. E. G. Brochmann, Inspector of Israelite Schools, containing a proposal
regarding the formation of a committee to open a subscription from Iraqi Israelites residing outside Iraq to aid the schools
of the community.
Based on this worthy proposal, the Council has decided to form a committee of four individuals under the chairmanship of
the President of the Lay Council to carry out this mission.
Relying on what the Council knows of your sincere conduct and commendable deeds, it has decided
to elect you and myself to form the aforementioned committee, which is requested to enact internal regulations to be reviewed by the Lay
Council to proceed accordingly.
May the hopes we place in each of you be realized.
Please accept this and accept our thanks and respect from
Sincerely,
President of the Lay Council
⟦signature⟧
File of the School Relief Committee (Founding)
Sh. D.
Page 105
Iraq College of Pharmacy.
Baghdad.
Jan. 18th. 1928.
P.I.
To
Naim Effendi Zilcha.
President.
Jewish Consistoire.
Baghdad.
Dear Sir,
I have to thank you for your letter No.376 of
II-I-28.
I shall be obliged if you will kindly inform the Members
of the Consistoire, that I shall be pleased to join the
proposed Relief Committee for the Jewish Schools of Baghdad.
I trust my limited efforts will be of service.
Yours faithfully,
⟦J. Ben-Zion⟧
O Anwar Effendi
The Lay Council
In his capacity as a member of the committee
For review and communication regarding it
1/19/1928
⟦signature⟧
Translation
Dear Sir
I thank you for your letter numbered 376 and dated
11-1-1928
I would be grateful if you would kindly inform the members of
the Lay Council that I will be pleased
to join the proposed Relief Committee for Jewish Schools
in Baghdad
I hope that my limited efforts will be useful
Sincerely
Translation
Page 106
Baghdad 5 August 1928
My Lord the Honorable Vice President
According to the list organized in the School Relief Committee on March 1, 1927, the remainder in
dirhams for these ⟦salaries⟧ and fees, and submitted with respect, my Lord
12/2
The Accountant
⟦illegible⟧
School Relief
Page 107
224 / JS / 929
18 June 929
Regarding the Council's claim against the School Relief Committee
⟦illegible⟧
The Honorable and Distinguished Doctor Joseph Rosenfeld
Former Secretary of the School Relief Committee, Respected Sir
After greetings - Our council decided in its session held on June 16,
929 to inquire from you, in your capacity as former secretary of the School Relief Committee, about
the matter of the Council's claim against the aforementioned committee amounting to five thousand nine hundred and ninety-seven
rupees and four annas (5997/4 R)
We would be most grateful if you could provide us with any possible information regarding this matter
And thank you in advance;
⟦signature⟧
Vice President of the Lay Council
School Relief
N. M.
Page 108
262 / B T / 226
262 N L / 8
8 / 1
Setting exams for the sixth grade of primary school, the competition, and the vocational school
Primary Education Administration - Baghdad
Number ⟦illegible⟧
Date ⟦illegible⟧
File Number ⟦illegible⟧
To the respected Directors and Headmistresses of primary, competition, and vocational schools
and primary evening study centers
We are sending you 31 copies of the instructions for setting exam questions for the competition and vocational schools - so that they may be utilized
by the male and female teachers who will be setting the questions for the exams and the competition for the year 1962
for all subjects except those for which special committees were formed to set their questions, as mentioned in our letter numbered
(7225 / M) on 15 / 3 / 1962
We hope for strict adherence to these instructions to ensure complete confidentiality and fairness in setting the questions
With appreciation
⟦signature⟧
Director of Primary Education
⟦illegible⟧
W . N
Page 109
252 / JS / 29
30 June 1929
4 July
Withdrawal of the balance of the School Relief Committee accounts
⟦illegible⟧
To
Eastern Bank
Upon reviewing the accounts of the School Relief Committee (of the Israelite Lay Council)
which was dissolved some time ago, it appeared to us that the aforementioned committee has a remaining balance with you of three
rupees and twelve annas 3/12
So we request that it be provided to us
School Relief
⟦signature⟧
Vice President of the Lay Council
M. A.
And the advances provided by the association were not, as I believe, except on
account of the <del>liquidation</del> of the Rubin inheritance, which was hoped to be collected from the estate of
the late Tuwayq Effendi, which has not yet been realized, or considering them as a loan
assisting the project.
And if the esteemed council would kindly review the accounts and visit the school
building, it would be able to ⟦comprehend⟧ our committee's project which we are addressing.
Please accept the assurances of my highest respect.
Sincerely,
⟦illegible⟧
⟦signature⟧
Administration of the Communal Council - Baghdad:
Number: 949/2/110
Date: 6/27/949
File Number:
⟦illegible - faint blue text mirroring reverse side or carbon copy⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
Page 112
and improvement of the teaching staff etc.
Art VIII. The School Relief Committee jointly with the School
Inspection Committee in a joint session and under the Presidency
of one of their members elected during the session will decide and
determine the different amounts that must be allocated
to ensure the needs of the schools. The decisions in this meeting
of the 2 committees will only be valid if the members present
form 2/3 of the members of the 2 committees. In the event that the quorum
is not obtained, a second meeting of the 2 committees will
take place within eight days at the latest and the decisions will be taken
by the majority of the members present regardless of their number.
the amount to |
allocate to |
schools in |
a meeting |
where the |
Inspection |
Committee |
would attend |
and decide |
by majority |
of votes |
IX Duties of the members of the Board. The President convenes the
members of the Committee to the sessions, signs the correspondence with the secretary
and operates with the Pres. of one of the cashier all for the withdrawal of collected funds
The Vice-President secretary, presides over the sessions in case of absence
of the president, signs the correspondence with the latter and
the receipts with the cashier. He keeps the register of minutes.
The cashier collects the funds and deposits them at the Bank
signs the receipts with the secretary and keeps the register of
subscriptions.
from the Bank |
that he prepares |
X All modifications to these statutes must be
decided by a majority of votes in a meeting gathering
the members of the Communal Council, those of the Inspection Committee
and those of the School Relief Committee. The presence of 2/3
of the members of the said 3 committees is necessary for the decisions
to be valid.
Baghdad, ⟦line⟧ 19 ⟦line⟧
To the Manager,
The Eastern Bank, Limited.
(INCORPORATED IN ENGLAND.)
BAGHDAD.
Dear Sir,
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter
We
dated ⟦line⟧ informing me that the balance
us
of my account on ⟦line⟧ showed a sum
our
due to ⟦line⟧ of Rs. ⟦line⟧
say *(Rupees ⟦line⟧
⟦line⟧
⟦line⟧)
which is correct.
Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully,
*The amount to be stated in writing.
Page 113
Statutes of the Relief Committee for the Israelite Schools
of Baghdad.
art. I A Committee is formed in Baghdad called: Relief Committee
for the Israelite schools -
II. This Committee is formed of 5 members designated by the Communal
Council. The 5 members choose ⟦among themselves⟧ by secret
vote: 1 President 1 vice-President secretary and a treasurer
III The duration of the mission of this Committee is one year and at each
Rosh Hashanah holiday the Communal Council designates the new members
Outgoing members may be designated again. In the
course of the year if one or more members are absent for
more than 3 months or resign the Communal Council must provide
immediately for their replacement.
IV. The purpose of the Relief Committee is to work, under the cover of the Communal
Council to find funds in favor of the Israelite schools of Baghdad
to this effect the said Committee will employ any means it deems appropriate
Appeal - subscriptions, theatrical performance, cinema etc
and for this the Communal Council must consent to it.
V The money collected will be placed in a Bank in the names of the President
of the Consistory and that of the President of the Relief Committee for the schools -
The treasurer of the Committee must deposit in the Bank as it is
stipulated above, the money as it is collected
and must not keep in his hands more than 500 Rupees.
VI The Committee must not make expenditures, from the money collected
for its general expenses before having the consent of the Consistory
VII The money collected will be allocated to the Israelite schools of Baghdad
to settle any deficit and also in case of need
to bring about the improvements deemed necessary, such as
construction, repair of school buildings, expansions
Page 114
Minutes above, so that we may immediately
set to work.
Please accept our devoted sentiments
The President. The Secretary
⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧
Attached Copy of the statutes
and a sample of the seal.
⟦Election of the board⟧
For President :
Mr ⟦Myers⟧ Myers . 4 votes
Chanker 1 -
Vice President :
Dr ⟦Rosenfeld⟧ 4 votes
Mr Menashe Saleh Reuben 1
Secretary :
Dr ⟦Rosenfeld⟧ . 4 votes
Chanker 1 vote
Treasurer
Chanker 4 votes
Saleh F. ⟦Han⟧ 1 "
Page 115
Jewish Communal Council
School Relief Committee
Baghdad, September 30, 1925
To the President of the Jewish Consistory
In town
Mr. President,
We have the honor to
inform you that the School Relief Committee held its
first meeting today and we ask you to take
note of the following Extract from the Minutes:
"The 5 members designated by the Communal Council forming
"the relief committee were present. A reading was given
"of the committee's statutes which after some corrections were
"unanimously adopted with the mention of sending a copy
"to the Communal Council for its approval. - The election
"of the Board gave the following result:
"President Mr. Myers Vice-President-Secretary Sr Rosenfeld
"Treasurer Mr. K. Chouker. - It was decided that after the
"favorable response from the Consistory regarding the statutes,
"appeal letters will be launched in town and abroad,
"commissions besides those appointed by the Consistory
"will be appointed to collect subscriptions after
"which the receipts will be presented to the subscribers.
"It was decided to hire a collection boy who
"will be at the disposal of the Board. - To ask the
"Communal Council for its opinion on the model of the stamp
"that the Committee will use."
Would you please, Mr. President, give us your
approval as soon as possible on the decisions recorded in the
Page 116
The Community Council in Israel
In Baghdad
School Relief Committee
Science is the foundation of civilization
There is no life without science
"He who opens a school closes a prison"
The historian Victor Hugo
Honorable Sir,
Greetings and respect,
Furthermore, we all need to state the benefits of science and enumerate the importance
of schools, as this has become one of the matters on which no two people disagree.
⟦But⟧
Our purpose with this appeal is to remind the thinkers of our community that education has
become today in our schools ⟦insufficient⟧ for the needs of the rising generation
in our present era. Many have felt this deficiency to the point that a
not insignificant number of parents have been forced to send their children abroad to complete their education,
despite the exorbitant expenses involved.
While we see advanced nations and rising communities striving
tirelessly and continuously for the progress of their schools and preparing them
thoroughly to produce men equipped with true knowledge, we see our schools
standing in place, not taking the necessary ⟦steps⟧
forward. Despite the efforts made by our communal council, the reforms
that our active men look forward to implementing are still within the circle
of thought; circumstances have not yet helped to bring them into the realm of action.
And if we ⟦examine⟧ the matter a little, it becomes clear to us that the ⟦obstacle⟧ is
the only stumbling block hindering the progress of our schools is the lack of
finances; and finances are as necessary for schools as food is for the body.
Page 117
In addition to all this, we see that the demand for schools is great
at the beginning of every school year, and in order for the schools to be able to accept
new students while they are burdened with the work of their old
students due to the narrowness of their finances, therefore the matter of expanding the finances
of the schools has become very, very necessary, and accordingly
the Lay Council has seen fit to raise this appeal to the benevolent members of the community
who have often shown zeal and passion for knowledge, to extend a helping hand
in this noble project, and it has decided to open an annual general subscription
in which all members of the community participate, out of concern and keenness that there be formed from
the proceeds of that a budget independent of the Council's general budget, and that the mentioned
revenue be spent on schools only. It has also decided that no matter how much the revenue reaches,
it shall not be a reason for reducing any of the Council's annual allocations for the schools.
Accordingly, the Lay Council has appointed our committee consisting of five members,
who are:
President: Mr. Myers, Manager of the East African Trading Company Limited
Vice President and Secretary: Dr. Joseph Rosenfeld, member of the Central Committee of the Alliance
Israélite Universelle in Paris
Treasurer: Mansour Effendi Shukr ⟦Exchange⟧
Member: Saleh Effendi Faraj Hayyim, Chief Clerk of the establishment of Sion Effendi Abboudi
Member: Menashi Effendi Eliyahu Rubin
The Lay Council has requested, in addition to these aforementioned individuals,
Dear Honorable Sir,
Greetings and respect,
Education in our schools today <del>⟦illegible⟧</del> no longer meets the new needs that are among
the necessities of current conditions. Society has felt this deficiency for some time, and due to the severity of what they endured, they were forced to send
their children abroad to receive their education, despite the exorbitant expenses involved, ⟦not⟧ being certain that
our schools are not advanced to the necessary degree to provide students with sufficient knowledge for success in life as required.
Our Lay Council has paid attention to this matter and spent what was in its power of money to reform it. Not a small amount of effort
has been exerted for several years to reach the implementation of the goal almost entirely, and plans and curricula were set that have been
in place for a while, but they have not yet been crowned with the achievement of anything due to the intensity of the desired reforms, the weakness of the schools' capacity, and the
inability of the Lay Council to meet all its needs. ※ Therefore, given the importance of the matter and its vital benefits
for every individual of the community, the Lay Council has seen fit to invite everyone to support it, each according to what their
hand can reach in terms of material assistance. It decided to open a <del>general</del> annual general subscription in which all
the community participates, provided that the revenue from it is spent in an account independent of the Council's general budget, and the revenue is spent
on <del>all</del> schools and nothing else. It also decided that the resulting revenue shall not result in the consumption of any of the <del>expenses</del>
annual allocations of the Council for the schools. Accordingly, <del>a committee has been assigned</del> to initiate this charitable work, which we do not doubt
will be met with satisfaction <del>by you</del> on your part. We hope with firm hope that you will extend a helping hand to assist
this vital project with support and generosity, and the <del>hardships</del> benefit will be completed as intended.
By this, the large sums of money will be secured for the schools, without which there is no hope
for their advancement.
Students | Number
According to the appointment by the Lay Council of our committee composed of the honorable members, who are:
President: Mr. Meir Meir, Director of the Trading Co. Ltd. and the Eastern Co. Ltd.
Vice President and Secretary: Dr. Jose Rosenfelder, member of the Central Body of the Keren Hayesod Association in Paris
Treasurer: Khedouri Effendi Shaker
Member: Saleh Effendi Faraj Hayim
Member: Menashe Eliyahu Ruiba
(And this committee will request assistance in a list from some zealous individuals)
※ ⟦It is noted⟧ that the number of students <del>in</del> increases year by year significantly to the extent that
many <del>of them</del> children of the community <del>do not find</del> are unable to enter due to the lack of
support from the schools' budget.
Page 118
The new project, and it has been decided to open a general annual subscription in which all members of the community, men
and women, participate, provided that the revenue from this forms an independent account from the general council budget, and that the revenue
mentioned be spent on schools only. It was also decided that no matter how much the revenue reaches, it shall not be a reason to reduce any of
the council's annual allocations for schools. Accordingly, the Physical Council appointed our committee consisting of five members, who are:
President: Mr. Marie, Manager of the East African Trading Company Limited
Vice President: Dr. Joseph Rosenfeld, member of the Central Body of the Alliance Israélite Universelle in Paris
Treasurer: Khedouri Effendi Shukur, Money Changer
Member: Saleh Effendi Faraj Hayim, Chief Clerk at the office of Sofair Effendi Abboudi
Member: Menashi Effendi Eliyahu Rubin, employee at the Imperial Bank
School Relief Committee
The Physical Council has requested, in addition to these individuals who form the School Relief Committee, some
ladies known for their zeal, along with the honorable Isaac Effendi Tweg and Ezra Effendi Hitayat
and others, to assist the committee in collecting donations.
There is no doubt that the members of the community appreciate this work as it deserves, especially since it is a
vital matter upon which the progress and operation of the schools depend, in addition to establishing a school according to the requirements
of the situation. We have firm hope that our brothers will extend their hands with generosity and liberality, each according to his capacity, and thereby
perform a deed that will bring great benefit to the schools, for we have no life or progress except through their life and progress. To you,
Sir, with highest respect
President | Secretary
⟦...⟧ | Dr. J. Rosenfeld
This virtuous
In His Name
Those who form the School Aid Committee, some <del>gentlemen</del> esteemed money changers
with their zeal, such as the virtuous Isaac Antoun and Ezra Effendi
Habib ⟦...⟧ and others, in order to assist the committee in collecting donations
This, and there is no doubt or uncertainty, that the members of the community appreciate this
work as it deserves, because it is a vital matter upon which ⟦...⟧ depends
the schools, the restoration and repair of their buildings, and the undertaking of modern constructions
according to the requirements of the situation, because we have firm hope that our brothers
⟦will extend⟧ their hands with generosity and liberality, each according to his capacity, and thereby perform a deed
<del>that will bring great benefit to ⟦...⟧ and to the schools which are</del>
<del>which under their shadow have advanced from the ⟦...⟧ times</del>
life for us and for the progress of future generations, and to you much great thanks and respect
The President
M. Mayer
The Secretary
⟦Musa J ...⟧
Page 120
11
The Israeli Lay Council
Baghdad
Science is the foundation of civilization
There is no life without science
"He who opens a school closes a prison"
(Lord Macaulay)
Honorable Sir,
Greetings and respect,
Furthermore, we do not need to explain the benefits of science or count the importance of schools, as this has become
one of the matters on which no two opinions differ. However, our purpose with this appeal is to remind the thinkers of our community that
education in our schools today is no longer sufficient for the needs of the rising generation in our present era. Many
have felt this deficiency, to the point that a significant number of parents have been forced to send their children abroad
to complete their education, despite the exorbitant expenses involved.
While we see advanced nations and rising communities striving tirelessly and continuously for the
advancement of their schools and the elevation of their status to be the best laboratory for producing men equipped with true knowledge, we see our schools
moving forward only at a snail's pace. Despite the efforts made by our communal council, the
reforms that our active men are considering have remained within the circle of thought; circumstances have not yet
helped to bring them into the realm of action for us.
If we look a little closer, it becomes clear to us that the only stumbling block hindering the progress of our schools
is the lack of finances. Finance is as necessary for schools as food is for the body. Moreover, we see that
the demand for schools is great at the beginning of every academic year, but how can schools accept new
students when they are burdened with the weight of their old students due to their limited finances? Therefore, expanding
the schools' finances is very necessary. Accordingly, the Lay Council has decided to raise this appeal to the
noble masters of the community, who have often shown zeal and passion for science, to extend a helping hand in this
assistance
Page 121
Copy
Baghdad the 9/7
Mr. President
We have the honor to acknowledge receipt
of your letter of the 6th instant - We are ⟦our committee is⟧ in agreement, on
the corrections made to the statutes by the Communal Council to
articles 4 and 8 only, and pray you at art. 8 it desires that
the number of members of each committee be increased to 3 respectively
of the Inspection committee and the relief committee. - As for the
letters of appeal, the form and the content in which they will be drafted
do not require the signature of the Communal Council
since the appeal comes from the relief committee
<del>under the auspices</del> <del>in the name of the Consistory</del> and this already shows the devotion of our
⟦Enclosed⟧ we are sending you
copy a specimen of the appeal which will be, ⟦upon return⟧
distributed internally and externally. -
Please accept Mr. President our devoted sentiments.
⟦initials⟧
To the President of the Communal
Council
Page 122
28th October 5.
- 2 -
probable that we have overlooked some people who are interested in
Baghdad Affairs, and if it would not be troubling your Secretary
too much might we ask that letters as per copy be sent to these
people known to you.
An appeal to the public has never had to be made
before. The matter is so urgent that it forces us to take the
liberty of asking you to help us to this extent.
Thanking you in anticipation.
We are,
Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully,
PRESIDENT. SECRETARY.
Page 123
October 28th 5.
The President,
The Anglo-Jewish Association,
L o n d o n.
Dear Sir,
We are certain that you and all the members of the
Council of the Anglo-Jewish Association, London have at heart the
welfare of our Jewish Schools and institutions in Baghdad. Your
visit to this city early in the year we think was sufficient to
illustrate to you the urgent needs of the schools.
It is with great pleasure we have to let you know
that a Committee has been formed to help the Lay Council in finding
funds. Letters of appeal have been sent to our compatriots in all
foreign countries and in Mesopotamia. Copy of the letter of appeal
is attached for your information.
Although we entertain great hopes of being able to
collect money of which the schools are in urgent need, we ask you
and your Council, through your influence and means at your disposal,
to use every endeavour to bring prominently before our Baghdadian
coreligionists living in London, Manchester, Liverpool, etc. etc.
the critical situation in which the schools are situated. We think
that by this means apart from the letters which have been sent to
them direct, generous gifts will be forthcoming. We attach here to
a list of people to whom letters have been sent. It is quite
Page 124
JEWISH LAY COUNCIL
Schools relief Committee
BAGHDAD
(Iraq)
Jewish Lay Council
Schools Relief Committee
Baghdad (Iraq)
Baghdad,: 192
President. : MR? MICHAEL MYERS; Director of the company
East African.
Vice President & secretary : DR. ROSENFELD .member of the committee
Central of the Alliance Israelite of PARIS
Cashier : MR. K. CHOUKER. Banker
( Mr, Saleh Faraj Haim . chief secretary of the
( )
( banking house Sion Aboudi.
Member )
( Mr, Menachi Elyahoo Rouben : head of portfolios
( at the Imp. Bank of Persia.
Letters of appeal are sent to our coreligionists in
Baghdad and abroad, and it is our duty to address
your generosity ⟦...⟧ for you the Jewish charitable works of Baghdad
interest you.
The money that will be collected will be exclusively allocated to our 8
schools to pay off their budget deficits, repair the buildings,
School-related, improve the teaching staff and even build
school premises if the generosity of our coreligionists allows us
thanks to their effective help on which we firmly count.
By raising up our schools, we raise up our entire community.
Please accept dear sir with thanks in advance
the expression of our devoted sentiments
The President. The Secretary.
Page 125
⟦JE⟧WISH LAY COUNCIL
Schools relief Committee
BAGHDAD
(Iraq)
The Israelite Lay Council
Schools Relief Committee
Baghdad (Iraq)
Baghdad,: 192
Dear Sir,
We have the honor to inform you that education
in the Israelite schools of our city is at a level which
is far from meeting the needs of current life. Our Communal Council
for several years has made very great efforts to provide for the
needs of the schools by granting them large annual subsidies and
significant extraordinary allocations.
But the number of students increases from year to year, the improvement
of the teaching staff is greatly felt, and the school budgets
show a deficit that increases every year. The fathers of the students,
seeing that the education in the schools is insufficient, send
their sons to schools in Beirut or in Europe. These are those who have
funds, while the middle class and the poor find themselves deprived of higher
instruction. The situation has become critical: in these current times
fathers cannot pay the same tuition rates as in the past,
the revenues from the Waqf properties have decreased significantly because of the
drop in rent. The Revka Nouriel school is in danger of falling into ruin and the management
finds itself obliged to close it, which means that nearly 500 students will have to roam
the streets. The Communal Council, whose budget cannot remedy
this situation, has judged it necessary to appeal to all our coreligionists
of Baghdad to ask for financial aid in the form of an annual subscription;
to this effect it has appointed our Committee, called the School Relief Committee,
which is composed of 5 members.