Voices from the Archive

IJA 3697

Correspondence regarding Jews being Harassed by Iraqi Government; Studying Abroad in London; Requests for Finical Assistance; Income Tax Reports

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Description

This item includes documents detailing internal administrative matters of the Baghdadi Jewish community such as employment actions, resignations, letters of recommendation, property management, and decisions of the organization. There are also requests for financial assistance and other personal matters, letters from members of the Baghdadi Jewish community to the Jewish Lay Council about increasingly harsh treatment by the government, and reports of individuals being arbitrarily arrested and imprisoned. Other documents include correspondence to the British government to organize a Passover Seder for Jewish soldiers, scholarships to study in British schools, Baghdadi Jews abrogating their citizenship and emigrating abroad, the collection of donations for Palestinian refugees and wounded soldiers, lists of members of the Baghdadi Jewish community in detention facilities, and financial documents such as income tax reports and receipts.

Metadata

Archive Reference
IJA 3697
Item Number
12941
Date
Approx. January 1, 1911 to December 31, 1920
Languages
Multiple Languages
Keywords
Office of Income Tax, Financial, Telegram, Condolence Letters, Menahem S. Daniel's School, Employment, Public Transportation, Jewish Religious Court, Alliance Israélite Universelle, Rahel Shamoon School, Birth Certificates, Ministry of Justice, Newspaper, Synagogue, Stamps, Al-Rashid Club, London, Charity, Thumbprint, Anti-Semitism, Attorney, Contract, Typed, Marriage Certificates, Commentary on Talmud, Endowment, Commentary on Torah, Baghdadi Jewish Community, Clippings, Ministry of the Interior, Crown Crest, Ottoman Bank, British Consulate, Office of Citizenship - Abrogation Branch, Dowry, Receipts, Synagogues Commission, Al-Rāfadīn Club, Income Tax, Death Certificates, Jewish Lay Council, Palestine, Abrogation of Citizenship, Chief Rabbi, President of the Jewish Community, French, Engagement Certificate, Certificate of Good Conduct, American Embassy, Zionism, Jewish Hospitals Committee, British Occupation, Correspondence, Personal Letterhead, Annotation, Middle East Politics, Handwritten, Crimes, Hospital, Jewish Schools Committee, Anti-Jewish, Printed Text, Ezra Menahem Daniel Sports-Ground Committee

AI en Translation, Pages 651-675

Page 651

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number: 3531 / 5452
Number:
Date: 6 / 7 / 1954
Subject:
His Excellency the Director of Awqaf for the Baghdad Region, Respected
The Presentation
Since I have been leasing under a long-term lease the plot numbered 255, upon which is built an annex and a place of worship (Torah)
for the Mosaic community, I have waived all my rights therein to the Jewish Community in Baghdad to be used as a synagogue
for the Mosaic community in Baghdad.
It is requested of your Excellency to register it in the name of Rabbi Sassoon Khadhuri, Acting President of the Jewish Community
in addition to his position. This is for your Excellency's command ⟦line⟧
The Lessee
Menashi Ibrahim Kassashi
I, Rabbi Sassoon Khadhuri, Acting President of the Community in addition to my position, agree to the registration of this
plot and annex in the name of the Jewish Community in Baghdad.
Rabbi Sassoon Khadhuri
Acting President of the Community

Page 653

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number: 3531 / 5452
Number: T / 2279 / 54
Date: 25 / 6 / 1954
Subject:
48
To the honorable and distinguished Mr. Eliyahu Ezra Khalaschi, member of the Administrative Committee of the Jewish Community, respected
After greetings
With reference to your letter dated 22 / 6 / 1954, the Administrative Committee reviewed at its session held on 24 / 6 / 54
its content and approved your absence from attending its sessions on the occasion of your travel outside Iraq.
The committee regrets being deprived of your excellent services during the period of this auspicious trip, awaiting your return to be enlightened
by your valuable opinions, wishing you a happy and successful journey; and this Presidency prays to the Almighty Creator to grant you health and happiness
in your departure and return.
Please accept the highest respect
On behalf of
Rabbi Sassoon Khidhouri
Acting President of the Community
A copy to: -
President of the Administrative Committee - for your kind information.

Page 655

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Number: T/ ⟦541⟧
Subject:
Date: 11 / 10 / 1954
To :-
Mr. Naji Bashiri
" Heskel Ishaq
We have learned that you have begun performing the circumcision of Jewish children and others at the headquarters of this Presidency.
As this work is not compatible with the nature of the work of this department, please do not repeat it.
⟦signature⟧
Rabbi Sassoon Khedouri
Acting President of the Community
51

Page 656

41
Mr. Naji Bashir
Respectfully,
Afterwards, we hope that you have appointed my father to the position
that you promised days ago. Since this work does not suit
his situation ⟦and nature⟧ at all, we therefore ask for your help in
changing the decision.
Wali Ghanem

Page 657

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Number: T/ 541
Subject: Inquiry
Date: 14 / 11 / 1954
51
To -
The Honorable Mr. Yamin Saleh, Respected
Amara
After greetings
The person named Zion Rahmin Hanouka, son of Habiba the washerwoman and a resident of
Amara, has requested from this Presidency a certificate of non-engagement and non-marriage. Please kindly provide us with the information regarding this matter
for the purpose of providing him with the required certificate.
Please accept our highest respect
Rabbi Sassoon Khadhuri
Acting President of the Community
⟦illegible⟧

Page 658

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Number: T/ <del>⟦illegible⟧</del> 541
Subject: Inquiry
Date: 14 / 11 / 1954
To -
The Honorable Mr. Yamin Saleh, Respectfully
Amara
After greetings
The person named Sion Rahmin Hanuka, son of Habiba the washerwoman, came to the headquarters of the Presidency of the Jewish Community in Baghdad; and he requested a certificate of non-marriage and non-engagement; and since the Presidency
of the Community is not acquainted with him; we kindly ask you to provide us with information about him in this regard.
Please accept our highest respect
Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri
Acting President of the Community
The person named Sion Rahmin Hanuka, son of Habiba the washerwoman and a resident of Amara, requested from this Presidency a certificate
of non-engagement and non-marriage. Please kindly provide us with sufficient information about him with the required speed so that we may provide him with the requested certificate.
Please accept our highest respect
Ibrahim

Page 660

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
3531
Telephone Number ( )
5452
Number ⟦...⟧ / 547
Date 22 / 11 / 1954
Subject: Income tax of Mr. Shaul Meis, former Secretary of the Community.
To -
Fifth Income Tax Directorate - Baghdad
Reference to your two letters numbered 14114 and 13991 dated 31 / 7 and 28 / 7 / 54
We list below the details of the amounts received by Mr. Shaul Meis, former Secretary of this Presidency, for the period from 1 / 4 / 52
to 31 / 12 / 53, which is the date of his separation from this Presidency.
Fils | Dinar |
... | 720 | / Salaries for the period from 1 / 4 / 52 to 31 / 3 / 53 at a rate of 60/- monthly (including high cost of living allowance)
440 | 310 | / Commission received for the period from 14 / 9 / 52 to 31 / 3 / 53 for performing additional work.
440 | 1030 |
... | 510 | / Total salaries received for the period from 1 / 4 / 53 to 15 / 12 / 53 at a rate of 60/- Dinars monthly (including high cost of living allowance).
... | 25 | / Salary from 16 / 12 / 53 to 31 / 12 / 53 at a rate of 50/- Dinars monthly (including high cost of living allowance)
... | 60 | / One full month's additional salary instead of the leaves due to him.
... | 30 | / Gratuity on the occasion of his leaving the service.
870 | 329 | / Commission received for the period from 1 / 4 / 53 to 4 / 1 / 54 for performing additional work.
870 | 954 |
Total amounts received from this Presidency during the period from 1 / 4 / 52 to 31 / 12 / 53.
Furthermore, the aforementioned person no longer has any relationship with this Presidency as of 1 / 1 / 1954. We request
calculating the tax due from him and collecting it from him directly.
Please accept our highest respect
Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri
Acting President of the Community
A copy to: -
The lawyer Mr. Shaul Meis via the lawyer Mr. Salman Al-Sheikh Daoud to follow up with
the Income Tax Department directly.
Personal News.

Page 662

Details of the amounts received by Mr. Shaul Maatouq from the endowments of Heskel and Menahim Daniel
According to the details he gave us on 4/4/1954
Fils Dinar on 1/1/1954
250 s Menahim Daniel Endowments
150 s Heskel Daniel Endowments
500 which was received in the year 1954
200 |  | s Menahim Daniel Endowments | on 4/4/1954
250 |  | " " Heskel " | on 4/4/1954
450 |  | " " " " | on 4/20/1954
100 |  | " " " " | on 5/2/1954
150 |  | " " " " | on 5/25/1954
700 |  | " " Heskel " | on 6/25/1954
180 |  | " " " " | on 7/4/1954 on the mentioned date
47 | 750 | Heskel and Menahim Daniel | " " 1954
125 | 750 | " " " " | 1954
185 | 750 |  |
Only one hundred and eighty-five dinars and seven hundred and fifty fils
⟦signature⟧
The amount that was revenue on 4/4/1954
186 4545 Heskel Daniel Endowments
247 7851 " Menahim Daniel
433 12396 for them for the year 1954

Page 663

Iraq
Ministry of Finance
General Directorate of Income Tax
Baghdad
Institutions Section
Number: 25915
Date: 12/29/1954
Presidency of the Jewish Community
Upon auditing the income tax schedule of Mr. Shaul Moussa for the fiscal years 52/53 and 53/54
attached to your letter No. T / 3447 / 54 dated 11/27/1954
we found that the tax incurred is as follows:-
Dinar Fils
1030/440 | Total received from 4/1/52 to 3/31/53 as stated in the above schedule
250/000 | Deducting his legal allowance
780/440 | Taxable amount at rates of 6, 9, 12% = 74/153 Dinars, the tax incurred
Dinar Fils
954/870 | Total received from 4/1/53 to 12/31/53 as stated in the above schedule
250/000 | Deducting his legal allowance
704/870 | Taxable amount at rates of 6, 9, 12% = 65/084 Dinars, the tax incurred
Dinar Fils
74/153 | Tax incurred for the fiscal year 52/53
65/084 | " " " 53/54 " " "
139/237 | Total
Please pay the tax amounting to (139/237) Dinars incurred by the aforementioned person as you are responsible
for it under Article (17) of the Income Tax Law No. 36 of 1939 and its amendments..
Dr. Kadhim Al-Saidi
p.p. Director General of Income Tax
Latif /
⟦illegible⟧
1 / 5

Page 664

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
3531 President
5452 Secretary
Telephone Number
Number: 551
Subject:
Date: 16 / 1 / 1955
52
The Honorable Lawyer Mr. Shaul Moussa
Through the office of the Lawyer Mr. Salman Al-Sheikh Daoud in Baghdad
After greetings
We enclose herewith a copy of the letter from the General Income Tax Directorate in Baghdad numbered
25915 and dated 29 / 12 / 54 and we request you to visit them to pay the tax you owe and inform us.
⟦For⟧
Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri
Acting President of the Community
A copy to: -
General Income Tax Directorate in Baghdad - for information
Reference to its letter mentioned above.

Page 666

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number | 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Number: T/ 551
Subject:
Date: 16 / 1 / 1955
59
Respected Mr. Naeem Moussa
At Al-Ahali Pharmacy Store - Baghdad
After greetings
Please refer to the letter of the General Income Tax Directorate in Baghdad No. 25916
dated 29 / 12 / 54 and pay the tax you owe directly to the competent department and inform us.
⟦signature⟧
Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri
Acting President of the Community
A copy of it to:-
General Income Tax Directorate in Baghdad - for information
Reference to its letter mentioned above.

Page 668

Iraq
Ministry of Finance
General Directorate of Income Tax
Baghdad
Section / Institutions
Number: 45916
Date: 29 / 12 / 1954
Presidency of the Jewish Community
Upon auditing the income tax deduction schedule for Mr. Naeem Moussa for the fiscal years 52 / 53 and 53 / 54
attached to your letter No. T/3448 dated 27 / 11 / 1954.
We found that the tax due is as follows:
1 - For the fiscal year 52 / 53
Dinar Fils
614 / 000 His income for the period from 1 / 4 / 52 to 31 / 3 / 53 as stated in the schedule referred
to above
250 / 000 Legal allowance deducted
364 / 000 Taxable amount at a rate of 6, 9% = 28 / 260 Dinars, the tax due
2 - For the fiscal year 53 / 54
Dinar Fils
649 / 000 His income for the period from 1 / 4 / 53 to 31 / 12 / 53 as you mentioned in the schedule
referred to above
250 / 000 Legal allowance deducted
399 / 000 Taxable amount at a rate of 6, 9% = 31 / 410 Dinars, the tax due
Summary
Dinar Fils
28 / 260 Tax due for the fiscal year 52 / 53
31 / 410 = = 53 / 54 =
59 / 670 Total
Please pay the tax amounting to (59 / 670) Dinars due from the aforementioned person as you are responsible for it
under Article (17) of the Income Tax Law No. 36 of 1939 and its amendments..
⟦signature⟧
Dr. Kadhim Al-Saidi
p.p. Director General of Income Tax
A copy to:
Al-Ahali Drugstore - requesting that the income of the aforementioned person for the fiscal year 53 / 54 be taken
into consideration and added to his income from you since the date of
his appointment from 1 / 1 / 954 until 31 / 3 / 1954
Mohammed /

Page 669

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number: 3531 / 5452
Number T/: 542
Date: 17 / 11 / 1954
Subject: Income tax of Mr. Naeem Khedhouri, accountant of the Community Administration
formerly.
To -
General Directorate of Income Tax
Greetings,
With reference to your two letters numbered 14114 and 13991 dated 31 / 7 / and 28 / 7 / 1954, we list below the details of the amounts received by Mr. Naeem Khedhouri Moussa, the former accountant of this Presidency, for the period from April 1952 to 31 / 12 / 1953, which is the date of his separation from this Presidency.
480/- { Total amounts received during the period from 1 / 4 / 1952 to 31 / 12 / 1953 for his salaries at a rate of 40/- Dinars per month (including cost of living allowances).
32/- Total allowances for performing the accounts of the Hebra Qadisha Society at a rate of 8/- Dinars per month from April 52 to July 1952.
96/- Total allowances for performing the accounts of the Hebra Qadisha Society at a rate of 12/- Dinars per month from August 52 to March 1953.
6/- Bonus.
⟦line⟧
614/- Total amounts received from this Presidency during the year 1952 - 1953.
360/- { Total amounts received during the period from 1 / 4 / 1953 to 31 / 12 / 1953 for his salaries at a rate of 40/- Dinars per month (including cost of living allowances).
180/- { Total allowances for performing the accounts of the Hebra Qadisha Society for the period from April 1953 to January 1954 (the Hebrew month of Tevet, year 5714) at 18/- Dinars per month.
109/- Bonus
⟦line⟧
649/- Total
⟦line⟧
Since the aforementioned person has left the service in this Presidency and no longer has any relationship with it as of 1 / 1 / 954, we request that the tax due from him be calculated and collected from him directly.
Please accept our highest respect.
⟦illegible⟧
Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri
Acting President of the Community
A copy to -
Mr. Naeem Khedhouri Moussa via the Al-Ahali Drugstore in Baghdad to contact the Tax Department directly.
Personal notification.

Page 670

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Number: ⟦illegible⟧ / ⟦illegible⟧
Date: 11/17/1954
Telephone Number: 3531 5452
Subject: Income tax of Mr. Naeem Khedhouri Moussa, Accountant of the Community Administration
formerly.
To:-
General Directorate of Income Tax
Greetings,
With reference to your two letters numbered 14114 and 13991 dated 7/31 and 7/28/1954, we list below the details of
the amounts received by Mr. Naeem Khedhouri Moussa, the former accountant of this Presidency, for the period from April 1952 to
12/31/1953, which is the date of his separation from this Presidency.
480/- { Total amounts received during the period from 4/1/1952 to 3/31/1953 for his salaries at a rate of 40/-
dinars per month (including high cost of living allowances).
32/- Total allowances for managing the accounts of the Hebra Qadisha Society at a rate of 8/- dinars per month from April 52 to July 1952.
96/- Total allowances for managing the accounts of the Hebra Qadisha Society at a rate of 12/- dinars per month from August 52 to March 1953.
6/- Bonus.
614/- Total amounts received from this Presidency during the year 1952 - 1953.
360/- { Total amounts received during the period from 4/1/1953 to 12/31/1953 for his salaries at a rate of 40/- dinars
per month (including high cost of living allowances).
180/- { Total allowances for managing the accounts of the Hebra Qadisha Society for the period from April 1953 to January 1954
(Hebrew month of Tevet, year 5714) at 18/- dinars per month.
109/- Bonus
649/- Total
Since the aforementioned person has left the service in this Presidency and no longer has any relationship with it as of 1/1/1954,
therefore, we request that the tax due from him be calculated and collected from him directly.
Please accept our highest respect.
Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri
Acting President of the Community
A copy to:-
Mr. Naeem Khedhouri Moussa, via the Al-Ahali Drugstore in Baghdad, to contact the Tax Department directly.
Personal File.

Page 671

Mr. / Secretary of the Community Council ⟦illegible⟧
Reference to your two letters numbered 14114 and 12991 dated 7/28 and 7/31 / 1954
We list below the details of the amounts received by Mr. Naeem ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧ the period from ⟦illegible⟧ until 7/31/1954, and that ⟦illegible⟧
his transfer from this presidency body
480/- | Total amounts received during the period from 4/1/1951 to 3/31/1952
| at a rate of 40 Dinars per month (including cost of living allowances)
48/- | ⟦illegible⟧
24/- | ⟦illegible⟧
56/- | Total amounts received during the year 1952 / 53
6/- | ⟦illegible⟧
614/- | Total
Total amounts received from this presidency body
Accountant
President

Page 672

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number { 3531 / 5452 }
Number: 540 /
Date: 12 / 12 / 1954
Subject:
His Excellency the General Manager of Railways, Respected
After greetings and respect
We kindly request your approval to provide us with two tons of wood fuel (sleepers) for use by
this Presidency against payment of their price.
We thank you in advance.
⟦On behalf of⟧
Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri
Acting President of the Community

Page 673

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Number: T / 3551 / 54
Date: 1 / 12 / 1954
Telephone Number: 3531 5452
Subject:
The Honorable Mr. Shaul Sassoon Naftali, Respectfully
After greetings,
His Excellency the Minister of Justice has approved your appointment as a member of the Administrative Committee of the Jewish Community in place
of the resigned member Mr. Eliyahu Ezra Khalaschi, so I wish you success ⟦line⟧
⟦On behalf of⟧
Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri
Acting President of the Community
Enclosed is a copy of the Ministerial Order No. 2112 dated 1 / 12 / 1954.
A copy to:-
His Excellency the Chairman of the Administrative Committee of the Jewish Community with a copy of the Ministerial Order referred to above.

Page 674

Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Number: ⟦ط⟧ / 54 /
Date: 1 / 12 / 1954
Telephone Number: 3531 5452
Subject:
The Honorable Mr. Shaul Sassoon Khedhouri Respectfully
After greetings
His Excellency the Minister of Justice has approved your appointment as a member of the Administrative Committee of the Jewish Community instead
of the resigned member Mr. Eliyahu Ezra Khalaschi, so I present to you the position.
Please accept our highest respect
Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri
Acting President of the Community
Enclosed is a copy of the Ministerial Order No. 2112 dated 1 / 7 / 1954.
Copy to:-
His Excellency the President of the Administrative Committee of the Jewish Community with a copy of the Ministerial Order referred to above.

Page 675

⟦L. No. 44/772⟧
President of the Jewish Lay Council
Baghdad
His following letter
The President,
Jewish Lay Council,
BAGHDAD.
17
The Eastern Bank Limited,
(INCORPORATED IN ENGLAND.)
ALL LETTERS TO BE ADDRESSED TO
THE EASTERN BANK LIMITED.
AND NOT TO INDIVIDUALS.
TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS:
EASTERTIDE.
Baghdad 22nd. June, 1953
L. No. 44/ 772
2247
22/6/1953
The President,
Jewish Lay Council,
BAGHDAD.
Dear Sir,
On the 17th November 1950,
we received instructions from our
London Office to pay a certain sum
to Silas Kadoorie Blind Institute,
Baghdad.
As we are unable to locate the
beneficiary, we shall be grateful for
any information you may be able to give
us regarding the present title and
address.
Yours faithfully,
⟦signature⟧
A. J. LAWRENCE,
P. Manager.
VRW/BJ.
The Scribe
For registration
⟦signature⟧