President of the Baghdadi Jewish Community, Personal and Communal Documents
View interactive document pageThese documents contain correspondence, mostly on a personal level, of the President of the Jewish Community in Baghdad. Included are requests for a telephone to be installed in a school, teacher labor issues, student transfers, receipts and invoices, thank you notes and condolences to members of the Jewish Diaspora in Europe, America, and the Middle East. The documents include an excerpt from the 1945 edition of the Biographical Encyclopedia of the World, featuring the president of the Jewish community of Baghdad, Sassoon Khedouri; a license to import one Chevrolet car from the U.S.; a wedding invitation; and several business cards of foreign dignitaries.
KHEDOURI E. ANI
MOUNA HOUSE, KATAMON
TELEGRAMS: ROSANI
CODES USED { BENTLEY'S PRIVATE.
JERUSALEM, ⟦line⟧ 194....
TELEPHONE 5236
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Baghdad, April 21st, 1947 H. G. Rabbi Sassoon Kaddoori, President, Jewish Community, Baghdad, accepts with thanks your kind invitation to the cocktails at Air Lodge, Sulaikh, Baghdad on Wednesday, April 23rd, 1947. Translation ⟦line⟧ His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Kaddoori, President of the Jewish Community in Baghdad, graciously thanks you for your kind invitation to attend the cocktail party that will be held at Sulaikh Airport at ⟦illegible⟧ o'clock To be kept I hope ⟦illegible⟧
5/7/1947 His Excellency Mr. Adel Wakil Respectable Assistant for Transportation Police My dear Adel Bey I request you to kindly provide your valuable assistance to the bearer of this letter, one of the collectors of the Society for Relief of the Sick, regarding obtaining a permit to pass on his bicycle through Al-Rashid Street, as his work requires these facilities. With my thanks in advance, please accept my respect. Sincere Sassoon Head of the Community ⟦illegible signature⟧ For the committee ⟦The balance⟧ (Issued by His Excellency the President)
5/1947/ Rabbi Sassoon Khadhuri, President of the Jewish Community in Baghdad, is honored to accept with thanks the kind invitation of His Excellency the Afghan Minister Plenipotentiary to attend the tea party to be held at the Afghan Legation on Tuesday, May 27, 1947, in celebration of the blessed Afghan National Day. 20 5/⟦...⟧ To be filed Personal File
5/1947/ Rabbi Sassoon Khedouri, President of the Jewish Community in Baghdad, is honored to accept with thanks the kind invitation of His Excellency the Minister Plenipotentiary of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to attend the reception that will be held at the Legation building on the occasion of the independence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on the evening of Sunday, May 25, 1947. ⟦signature⟧ 5/19 For filing Personal file His Excellency the Minister ⟦illegible⟧ Joseph Khedouri ⟦illegible⟧ Party ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ The hour ⟦illegible⟧ Monday
Baghdad Private College in Baghdad, Iraq BAGHDAD COLLEGE BAGHDAD, IRAQ June 13, 194⟦hole⟧ Chief Rabbi Sasoon Khadouri President of the Jewish Community Baghdad Dear Friend: I have the pleasure of extending you an invitation to be present at the Baghdad College exercises of graduation and distribution of prizes to be held at the King Faisal II Gardens on Tuesday, June 24, at seven o'clock in the evening. Respectfully, Joseph Connell, S.J. Joseph Connell, S.J. Principal Honorable President, Above is an invitation from Baghdad College (Joseph Connell S.J.) to attend the prize distribution ceremony which will be held at King Faisal II Hall at seven o'clock in the evening on Tuesday, June 24 For filing Possible times 6/25
For preservation His Excellency the President's file The Iranian Legation Baghdad Warm greetings I would be most grateful if you would kindly provide possible assistance regarding granting the necessary facilities to the bearer of this letter, Jahla Yehuda Shalom, one of my relatives, ⟦regarding⟧ granting her an entry visa to Iran for the purpose of visiting her son there, in view of her advanced age. With my thanks in advance, please accept my respects. Sincerely, ⟦S. S.⟧ Head of the Community Issued 2/17 947/2/17
To the honorable and virtuous Professor Mr. Meir Zakaria, Director of the National Preparatory School in Baghdad. My dear Professor Meir, I received with great gratitude the photograph gifted by you along with the notebook. This gift of yours was truly beautiful and reflects your kind feelings toward me. Please accept my thanks along with my sincere wishes for your success and prosperity. Sincerely, Sassoon Head of the Community ⟦illegible⟧ 2/12 For filing File of His Excellency the President
11th July, 1947. Mr. King, The Consul of The U.S.A. American Embassy, Baghdad. Dear Mr. King, Iam writing in connection of Mr. Aboudi Setty, a lawyer and an outstanding personality in the Jewish Community here. Mr. Setty should be no stranger to you as only about a year and a half ago his son and daughter emigrated to the United Staes. He still has two sons and three daughters who registered for emigration with you last December. Naturally they should await their turn but very unfortunately theyix lost their mother about six months ago and were left practically without care as their grandmother and uncles with other relatives are all in New-York. Therefore, you will appreciate that theirs is a special case, calling for urgent consideration. May I venture to request you that perhaps you will find a way to accord them priority so that they leave for The U. S. A. as early as possible and be under proper care receive good education. It will be a tremendous help to an old man , enabling him to solve a very difficult family problem. With best wishes and kind regards, I remain, Yours faithfully, ⟦signature⟧ PRESIDENT, JEWISH COMMUNITY, BAGHDAD. Mr. King, the American Consul American Embassy, Baghdad Dear Mr. King, I am writing to you regarding Mr. Aboudi Setty, a lawyer and one of the prominent men of the community who I believe is known to you as his son and daughter traveled to the United States about a year ago. He has two sons and three daughters who registered for an immigration visa to the United States in last December, and of course they must wait their turn, but unfortunately they lost their mother six months ago and were left entirely without care as their grandmother, uncles, and other relatives are all now in New York. Therefore, I believe you appreciate that their case calls for consideration in an urgent manner, and I hope that ⟦you find⟧ ⟦a⟧ way to give them priority so they can travel to the United States as quickly as possible in order to receive proper care and education. ⟦illegible⟧ The assistance will enable him to solve a difficult family matter very much for him. With my best wishes and warm regards, and I hope to be sincerely yours
July 22, 947 My dear Baqir Bey You had kindly promised me to provide Mr. Salim Khabbaza, the lawyer and Secretary of the Community Presidency, with a telephone set in his residence branching from his private set in the office, and what I know of your abundant kindness encourages me to hope that this generous promise will not escape your mind. Hoping that I have not troubled Your Excellency with this request, please accept my fragrant greetings. Sincerely, ⟦illegible⟧ Head of the Community For statement 7/22 His Excellency Mr. Baqir Ahmed Al-Husseini The Honorable Director General of Telegraphs and Posts
No 363 7. REGISTERED August 1st, The Editor, Biographical Encyclopedia of the World, c/o The Institute for Research in Biography, 296 Broadway, New-York, N. Y. ⟦line⟧ U. S. A. ⟦line⟧ Dear Sir, I take the liberty to remind you of my letter dated April 15th, 1946 with a cheque to your order for the amount of $19.50 enclosed, being a subscription fee for one copy of the Encyclopedia in question. Please find enclosed the 2nd copy of the a/m cheque No. 14638/205457 dated 9th April, 1946, on The Ottoman Bank. I will be grateful in case you could inform me whether the Biographical Encyclopedia has benn ended by now. Please acknowlegge receipt. Yours faithfully. ⟦signature⟧ PRESIDENT, JEWISH COMMUNITY BAGHDAD. Enclosures. ⟦line⟧ One Cheque. For filing Personal file
732 April 66 Jewish Community Council Based on the decision of the Board of Directors in its session held on April 24, 66 The Council decided to appoint Mr. ⟦...⟧ as Director of the Alliance Primary School for Boys starting from the date he commences work and with the same salary he was receiving at ⟦...⟧ school. Please inform us of the commencement date so that we can take the necessary actions. With appreciation. Signature President Jewish Community Council A copy to the Alliance Primary School for Boys For information and to take necessary action according to the procedures. ⟦illegible stamp⟧
6/8/1947 To the Committee To His Excellency the President The Honorable Mr. Naeem Sofair, respected After greetings, I would be most grateful if you would kindly provide possible assistance regarding the list of the late Shlomo Abboudi, who passed away in Mar Elias Hospital, noting that the deceased is Mr. Daoud Abboudi, the deputy director of the Midrash school, and his financial situation is weak, noting that he left a large family. With my thanks in advance, please accept my respect. Sincerely, ⟦illegible⟧ Head of the Community ⟦illegible⟧
8/8/1947 For filing The President's car file His Eminence Rabbi Suleiman Barzani, the respected Head of the Israelite Community Mosul After greetings and respect I hope that you and all members of the community are well. Furthermore, the bearer of my letter this Salima Munshi has a case with you which she will explain to your Eminence. I would be extremely grateful if you would kindly provide all possible assistance to her. Please accept my highest respects Sincerely ⟦Sassoon⟧ Head of the Community ⟦A⟧ ⟦A⟧
Cigarettes Al-Firdous Iraqi Tobacco Company Limited Baghdad To the Honorable: ⟦Yahya Al-Taif, Respectable Manager of Salim⟧ After greetings: The Iraqi Tobacco Company Limited is pleased to present to you an excellent sample of its recently released production, which it has sacrificed to produce until it appeared in an attractive form, namely the Salon box of (Al-Firdous!!) cigarettes, sincerely hoping that it will gain your acceptance and the satisfaction and approval of your salon's visitors. Iraqi Tobacco Company Limited Baghdad ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧
For examination ⟦On the President's car⟧ 14 / 7 / 1947 The Honorable Dr. Balayan, Director of Mar Elias Hospital - Baghdad After greetings and respect, I present to you Mr. Yasmin Aslan, and I have sent with him my fragrant greetings to you. Mr. Yasmin is one of the loyal members of the community who always dedicate their time to participate in charitable projects, and I would be most grateful if you would kindly examine him and take care of him. Please accept my sincere respect with much gratitude from ⟦signature⟧ 7/14 Sincerely, Sassoon Head of the Community
My Lord, His Eminence The Honorable Rabbi Mr. Sassoon Khedhouri, respected Greetings and respect, thereafter, I ask God to keep you in health ⟦everyone⟧ I praise God and thank Him in any case that to advance in the ⟦right⟧ of your presence, I mean she pleads by his hand My Lord! A poor woman, and God is the Helper in her hand and you have mercy on her, for she is among those hoping I hope you will be kind enough to grant her request, fulfilling her need according to the regulations, and this is by the grace of God. And stay In advance to your Excellency, greetings ⟦The Sincere⟧ Assistant in the Courts Muhi al-Din Abd al-Rahman 21 / 8 / 47 Al-Adhamiya Al-Haswa
MENASHI MASHAAL & CO. (IRAQ) BAGHDAD Telephone No. : 6397 Menashi Mashaal and Partners (Iraq) Baghdad Telephone: 6397 Baghdad on: 14 / 8 / 1947 To ⟦...⟧ H. A. Yonatan David ⟦...⟧ After inquiring of your peace and your welfare ⟦...⟧ Matter of ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧
Jerusalem Abdul Qadir Al-Pasha Ayan Basra 9 / 7 / 44 To the Honorable Excellency Hajj Rasul Khadduri, respected After greetings. Our first question is about your health. The bearer of this, Aziza Youssef, clerk of the Sinbad Hotel, has a young son; I hope you will assist him in enrolling him in school because he is responsible for the livelihood of his family members and it is difficult for him to enroll him in other schools. He deserves full assistance because he has lost the strength of his legs, and it is a duty to help him. I hope he achieves what he intends, and that you help such people, and you will have a reward. Many aids for others, and by helping him you deserve thanks and gratitude, and may you remain a pride. Sincerely yours, ⟦signature⟧ For filing ⟦illegible⟧ Loss ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧
(In the name of) Bashit Pasha Rawsha On their behalf Baghdad: 7383 Card Number: 31/7/8/73 MEИƧHANI T. ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ & CO. (1946) BAGHDAD ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧
AL-ZAMAN A daily Political Newspaper Direction : Maidan Quarter Opp . The Fort Teleg. Address : AL - ZAMAN Baghdad Iraq P. O. Box : No. 117 Telephone No. 7182 Baghdad Baghdad ⟦line⟧ Baghdad on 24 / 8 / 1947 To the Honorable Secretary of the Administration of the Jewish Community The bearer of this letter is my nephew whom I spoke to you about a while ago, please help him in any way you can and many thanks in advance. Sincerely, Owner of Al-Zaman Newspaper ⟦illegible⟧ Mr. President Please take note 27 / 8 / 1947 For filing News and Association
MENASHI MASHAAL & CO. (IRAQ) BAGHDAD Telephone No. : 6397 Menashi Mashaal and Partners (Iraq) Baghdad Telephone: 6397 Baghdad on: 9 / 9 / 1947 My teacher and rabbi Menachem Yehuda Sasson, may his light shine, may God protect him and grant him life After inquiring of your peace and your welfare: It is not hidden from you that I ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ from ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ And this is to inform you that I gave to you ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ The humble servant ⟦...⟧ ⟦...⟧ ⟦illegible⟧
Menashe Salah (Baba) and his sons Baghdad Telephone: 7836 MENASHE SALAH (BABA) & CO. (1940) BAGHDAD Telephone No. : 7836 On 31/7/1952 To the dear brother ⟦illegible⟧ respected After greetings and inquiring about your health and safety, we hope you are in good health and well-being. We have received your letter dated the 24th of this month and understood its contents regarding the ⟦illegible⟧ that you sent to us; we have received it and found it consistent with what you mentioned in your letter. As for the ⟦illegible⟧, it was sent to you on ⟦illegible⟧ and we hope it has reached you safely. This is what was necessary to state, and to you from us the highest respect and appreciation. Sincerely ⟦illegible⟧ 4/8/52
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Lewis and Mr. and Mrs. D. Isaacs request the honor of inviting ⟦illegible⟧ on the occasion of the marriage of their daughter Ruth to Dr. Heskell Isaacs at Lauderdale Synagogue Maida Vale, London Mr. & Mrs. Albert Lewis and Mr. & Mrs. D. Isaacs request the pleasure of the company of the company of: Rabbi Sassoon Khedhoory on the occasion of the marriage of Ruth, with Dr. Heskell Isaacs, at Lauderdale Synagogue, Maida Vale, W. 9, on Thursday, September 11th, 1947, at 12 noon, and afterwards at The Cafe Royal, Regent Street, W. 1. 367 Edgware Road, London, W. 2. R.S.V.P. For preservation Personal statistics
9/⟦...⟧/947 His Excellency Dr. Khalid Al-Hashimi, the respected Dean of the Higher Teachers' College Baghdad My dear Khalid Bey, I present to your Excellency the student Ibrahim Haskeil Karej, whom I have entrusted with my fragrant greetings to your noble person, hoping your Excellency will kindly provide your valuable assistance regarding his admission to the Higher Teachers' College, noting that he submitted an application in this regard recently. Lest I have troubled your Excellency with this request, please accept further thanks and respect. Sincerely, ⟦...⟧ Head of the Community ⟦illegible⟧ Joined the division