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-2- Hoping to hear from you in the near future and taking this opportunity of wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year, I am, Yours sincerely, ⟦illegible signature⟧ HAHAM
IJA 3764
Official Letters to Jewish Organizations and Government Office, President of the Jewish Community
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These are archival documents from the Baghdadi Jewish Community. They include correspondence from the President of the Jewish Community in Baghdad to Jewish community presidents in Sulaymaniyah, Irbil, Mosul, Basrah, Kirkuk, Fallujah, regarding condolences, regulations, hospitals, permits, religious dietary laws, smallpox, distributions to the poor, employment and unemployment, financial settlements, legal settlements, charitable donations and requests for documentation. There is also correspondence with various government and community organizations including the Office of Information – Mosul; National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Iraq; The British Bank of Iran; Office of the Haham of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews of Great Britain; Chevrolet; Iraqi Red Crescent Society; The Society for Improving the Conditions of the Blind in Iraq; French Ambassador in Iraq; The Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China; The Great Synagogue of Baghdad; and the President of the Catholic Diaspora. The item also includes the newspapers: الزمان (Al-Zamān), Issue #4764 from May 1, 1953; and الحوادث (Al-Ḥawādth), Issue #3096 from 1953.
AI English Translation, Pages 376-400
Archival unit 377
Before us, the undersigned Beth Din on ⟦line⟧ of the week ⟦line⟧ of the month ⟦line⟧ the year five thousand seven hundred ⟦line⟧ from the creation of the world, according to the count we count ⟦line⟧ The husband Kadouri son of Saleh ⟦line⟧ and every other name and nickname that belongs to him and to his ancestors said: I hereby appoint before you, the Beth Din, the scribe Zvi son of Avraham Zeev who shall see my signature to write a bill of divorce even up to a hundred bills of divorce until one is valid according to the opinion of the Beth Din who will arrange the divorce to divorce my wife Naima daughter of Menashe ⟦line⟧ and every other name and nickname that belongs to her and to her ancestors, for my name and for her name and for the purpose of divorce, and Ezra son of Haim and Raphael son of Yahya HaLevi ⟦line⟧ who shall see my signature, I hereby appoint as witnesses to sign the bill of divorce that the scribe Zvi son of Avraham Zeev shall write ⟦line⟧ who shall see my signature and even up to a hundred bills of divorce for my name and for her name and for the purpose of divorce until the bill of divorce ⟦line⟧ is one valid in writing and in signature according to the opinion of the Beth Din who will arrange the divorce, and Yitzhak son of Nahum HaKohen ⟦line⟧ who shall see my signature, I hereby appoint as a delivery agent to deliver the aforementioned bill of divorce to my wife Naima ⟦line⟧ daughter of Menashe ⟦line⟧ and the aforementioned scribe Zvi son of Avraham Zeev I hereby appoint to hand over the bill of divorce to the delivery ⟦line⟧ agent Yitzhak son of Nahum HaKohen aforementioned that he may deliver it to my wife Naima daughter of Menashe ⟦line⟧ aforementioned and deliver it into her hand wherever she may be standing. And thus said before us, the undersigned Beth Din, the aforementioned husband Kadouri son of Saleh ⟦line⟧. I hereby appoint before you the scribe Zvi son of Avraham Zeev ⟦line⟧ who shall see my signature that he shall hand over the bill of divorce that he writes for my name and for her name and for the purpose of divorce into the hand of ⟦line⟧ the delivery agent Yitzhak son of Nahum HaKohen who shall see my aforementioned signature, that this delivery agent ⟦line⟧ shall deliver the bill of divorce into the hand of my wife Naima daughter of Menashe ⟦line⟧ aforementioned wherever she may be standing ⟦line⟧ and his hand shall be as my hand, and his act as my act, and his mouth as my mouth, and his speech as my speech. And I have given him permission to make ⟦line⟧ a substitute agent and an agent of an agent up to a hundred agents even without duress. And immediately when the bill of divorce reaches ⟦line⟧ the hand of my wife Naima daughter of Menashe ⟦line⟧ from his hand or from the hand of his agent or from the hand of the agent of his agent even ⟦line⟧ a hundred agents even without duress, she shall be divorced by it from me and permitted to any man. And before us ⟦line⟧ the aforementioned husband read the document of agency and signed it with his signature and also the husband Kadouri son of ⟦line⟧ Saleh ⟦line⟧ aforementioned cancelled all notifications if he gave any regarding this divorce and invalidated their witnesses and accepted by ban and by oath of ⟦line⟧ the Torah not to cancel the bill of divorce nor the agency. And what we saw and was done before us we have written and signed and ⟦line⟧ e ⟦line⟧ v ⟦line⟧ e ⟦line⟧ ⟦line⟧ r ⟦line⟧ y ⟦line⟧ t ⟦line⟧ h ⟦line⟧ i ⟦line⟧ n ⟦line⟧ g ⟦line⟧ Attested by: Attested by: Attested by:
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I ⟦illegible⟧ Moshe Moshe ben Tzion ⟦line⟧ and every other name and nickname that I have ⟦illegible⟧ I hereby ⟦illegible⟧ like this the scribe Tzvi ben Avraham Ze'ev who shall see my signature below to write ⟦illegible⟧ even severances even up to a hundred bills of divorce until one of them is fit according to the opinion of the court that will arrange the ⟦line⟧ to divorce with it my wife Farcha bat Ezra ⟦line⟧ and every other name and nickname that she and her ancestors have ⟦line⟧ for my name and for her name and for the sake of divorce, and Ezra ben Chaim and Rafael ben Yechia HaLevi who shall see the signature ⟦line⟧ of my hand below I hereby appoint as witnesses to sign on the bill of divorce that the scribe Tzvi ben Avraham Ze'ev who shall see my signature below shall write, and even up to a hundred bills of divorce until one of them is fit in writing and in signing according to the opinion of the court that will arrange the bill of divorce. And I hereby appoint Yitzchak ben Nachum HaKohen who shall see my signature ⟦line⟧ below as an agent for delivery to deliver the aforementioned bill of divorce to my aforementioned wife, and the scribe Tzvi ben Avraham ⟦line⟧ Ze'ev who shall see my signature below I hereby appoint to hand over the bill of divorce to the agent for delivery Yitzchak ben ⟦line⟧ Nachum HaKohen aforementioned that he shall deliver it to my wife Farcha bat Ezra ⟦line⟧ and hand it to her hand in any place ⟦line⟧ where she may be. And thus I say to the scribe Tzvi ben Avraham Ze'ev who shall see my signature below ⟦line⟧ write the bill of divorce that you shall write for my name and for her name and for the sake of divorce to the agent for delivery Yitzchak ben Nachum HaKohen ⟦line⟧ aforementioned. And to the agent for delivery Yitzchak ben Nachum HaKohen aforementioned I say: Go, the bill of divorce that the scribe Tzvi ben Avraham Ze'ev who shall see my signature below shall write to my wife Farcha bat Ezra ⟦line⟧ and give it to her hand in any place where she may be, and your hand shall be as my hand, and your act as my act, and your mouth as my mouth, and your speech as my speech and your delivery of the bill of severance that the scribe Tzvi ben Avraham Ze'ev who shall see my signature below shall write ⟦line⟧ and that he shall hand over to your hand to deliver it to my aforementioned wife to hand to her hand—is as my delivery from my hand to her hand. And I give ⟦line⟧ you permission to appoint an agent in your place and an agent of an agent up to a hundred agents even without duress. And when the ⟦line⟧ bill of severance reaches the hand of my wife Farcha bat Ezra ⟦line⟧ from the hand of the agent for delivery Yitzchak ben Nachum HaKohen aforementioned or from the hand of his agent or from the hand of the agent of his agent even up to a hundred agents, immediately my wife ⟦line⟧ Farcha bat Ezra ⟦line⟧ shall be divorced by it from me and permitted to any man. And the appointment of the scribe Tzvi ben ⟦line⟧ Avraham Ze'ev who shall see my signature below to write the aforementioned bill of severance and of the witnesses Ezra ⟦line⟧ ben Chaim and Rafael ben Yechia HaLevi who shall see my signature below and the appointment of the agent for delivery Yitzchak ben Nachum HaKohen who shall see my signature below aforementioned and the delivery of the bill of divorce to his hand by ⟦line⟧ the scribe Tzvi ben Avraham Ze'ev aforementioned as written above, I hereby express with my mouth and have signed with my handwriting. And I hereby cancel all notifications and notifications of notifications if I have given regarding the bill of divorce and regarding all the aforementioned appointments and disqualify ⟦line⟧ their witnesses if they testify that I gave notifications. And I hereby take upon myself by ban and by oaths of the Torah not to cancel ⟦line⟧ the bill of divorce nor the agent nor the agency. And I hereby come to sign in the city of ⟦line⟧ on the day of ⟦line⟧ in the month of ⟦line⟧ year ⟦line⟧ of the creation of the world, and everything is valid ⟦line⟧ and established. In a session of three in court as one we were and there came before us ⟦line⟧ and signed the document of agency and read before us all the words of the document of agency written above and we validated it and established it as is proper. And for proof we have come to sign here
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Before us, the undersigned Beth Din, on ⟦line⟧ of the week ⟦line⟧ of the month ⟦line⟧ the year five thousand seven hundred ⟦line⟧ from the creation of the world, according to the count we count ⟦line⟧ The husband Moshe ben Tzion ⟦line⟧ and any other name and nickname that he and his ancestors have, said: I hereby appoint before you, the Beth Din, the scribe Tzvi ben Avraham Ze'ev who shall see my signature, to write a bill of divorce even up to a hundred bills until one is valid according to the Beth Din who will arrange the divorce to divorce my wife Farha bat Ezra ⟦line⟧ and any other name and nickname that she and her ancestors have, for my name and for her name and for the purpose of divorce, and Ezra ben Chaim and Raphael ben Yechia ⟦line⟧ who shall see my signature, I hereby appoint as witnesses to sign the bill that the scribe Tzvi ben Avraham Ze'ev shall write who shall see my signature, even up to a hundred bills for my name and for her name and for the purpose of divorce until there is one ⟦line⟧ one valid in writing and in signature according to the Beth Din who will arrange the divorce, and Yitzchak ben Nachum HaKohen ⟦line⟧ who shall see my signature, I hereby appoint as an agent for delivery to deliver the aforementioned bill to my wife Farha bat Ezra ⟦line⟧ and the aforementioned scribe Tzvi ben Avraham Ze'ev I hereby appoint to hand over the bill to the agent for delivery, the aforementioned Yitzchak ben Nachum HaKohen, that he may deliver it to my wife Farha bat Ezra ⟦line⟧ the aforementioned, and deliver it into her hand wherever she may be. And so said before us, the undersigned Beth Din, the aforementioned husband Moshe ben Tzion ⟦line⟧. I hereby appoint before you the scribe Tzvi ben Avraham Ze'ev who shall see my signature, that he shall hand over the bill that he writes for my name and for her name and for the purpose of divorce into the hand of ⟦line⟧ the agent for delivery Yitzchak ben Nachum HaKohen who shall see my aforementioned signature, that this agent for delivery ⟦line⟧ shall deliver the bill into the hand of my wife Farha bat Ezra ⟦line⟧ the aforementioned wherever she may be, and his hand shall be as my hand, and his act as my act, and his mouth as my mouth, and his speech as my speech. And I have given him permission to make an agent in his stead and an agent of an agent even up to a hundred agents even without duress. And immediately when the bill reaches the hand of my wife Farha bat Ezra ⟦line⟧ from his hand or from the hand of his agent or from the hand of the agent of his agent even a hundred agents even without duress, she shall be divorced by it from me and permitted to any man. And from there it went out, the aforementioned husband read the document of agency and signed it with his signature, and also the husband Moshe ben Tzion ⟦line⟧ the aforementioned cancelled all notifications if he gave any regarding this bill and disqualified their witnesses and accepted by ban and by oath of the Torah not to cancel the bill nor the agency. And what we saw and was done before us we have written and signed ⟦line⟧ for ⟦line⟧ p ⟦line⟧ r ⟦line⟧ s ⟦line⟧ f ⟦line⟧ m ⟦line⟧ Declared by: Declared by: Declared by:
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Administrative Committee of the Jewish Community in Baghdad: Telephone Number: 5452 Number :: M/ 541 Date :: 22 / 10 / 1954 Subject Summary :: To "- The Honorable Manager of the Ottoman Bank Greetings, Please provide the details of our account regarding payments and withdrawals from the date of January 1st, 1954 until today for the endowments of Heskel Menachem Daniel and Ezra Menachem Daniel. Please accept our highest respect Chairman of the Administrative Committee 120
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Iraqi Red Crescent Society GENERAL HEADQUARTERS BAGHDAD Tel. 3847 Iraqi Red Crescent Society General Headquarters Baghdad Telephone 3847 Ref. No.: 2474 Date: 5/9/1954 2474 5/9/1954 To the Honorable Acting Head of the Jewish Community - Baghdad Subject / Donations for the Flood Victims Reference to your letter numbered T / 3353 / 54 dated 4/29/1954. We have received with thanks the check numbered 17124 for the amount of (200/-) Dinars donated by the Jewish community as a contribution to the relief of flood victims. Enclosed please find receipt numbered 4932/99 dated 5/4/1954 for the amount mentioned above, and we wish you goodness and success. Please accept our highest respect Secretary General ⟦signature⟧ His Excellency the President ⟦signature⟧ The receipt is kept with the accountant Presidency of the Jewish Community I have reviewed it ⟦signature⟧ 121 5/10
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Presidency of the Jewish Community in Baghdad Telephone Number 3531 5452 Number T/ 54/7202 Date 29 / 4 / 1954 Subject :: Donation His Excellency the President of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society, Respected After greetings In view of the catastrophe that has befallen the country as a result of the flood; this Presidency considers it its duty to participate in alleviating the suffering that has afflicted the victims; therefore, it is honored to present to Your Excellency an amount of two hundred dinars as a donation for the flood victims; may God protect Iraq from all calamities. Enclosed is the check drawn on the Ottoman Bank for the mentioned amount under number 17124 and dated 28 / 4 / 1954. Please inform us of receipt. Please accept our highest respect ⟦Edited⟧ Rabbi Sassoon Khadhuri Acting President of the Community ⟦Community Affairs⟧
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Baghdad on 28 / 5 / 1954 ⟦illegible⟧ 122 28 / 5 / 1954 To The Temporary Administrative Committee of the Jewish Community Baghdad Greetings and respect, Your committee has leased the Shmuel Synagogue located in the Al-Sinak district and the Shuker Synagogue located on Ghazi Street; and whereas the endowment deed (Waqf) for each of them does not permit that; as the endower stipulated in them their designation for worship; and the condition of the endower is as the text of the Legislator; and in view of the religious text mentioned in the first article of Chapter one hundred and fifty-one of the book ((Shulchan Aruch Orach Chayim)) which rules the impermissibility of using synagogues for other than worship and sanctifying the Creator; and as it is known that the rights of the endowment; especially in this case, pertain to all worshipers, and that is in the right of prayer and benefit; I have come with this letter of mine hoping for the taking of immediate measures to annul the lease contracts of the two mentioned synagogues, for the mentioned reasons, and I will be forced - with all regret - in my capacity as a member of this community to resort to the judicial methods capable of achieving that. And I shall proceed with that recourse unless I receive a reply from your committee indicating its principle of taking serious measures to annul the two mentioned contracts before 7 / 6 / 1954. Please accept the highest respect. Lawyer Shaul Moussa To be filed and considered as pertaining to the Synagogues file 1 / 6 122 Community Affairs
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Presidency of the Jewish Community in Baghdad 3531 President 52 Secretary Telephone Number Number: Date: 15 / 2 / 1954 Subject: 122 The Honorable Ezra Zion Effendi Hakham Heskel, Respected After greetings and respect, The Presidency has reviewed your letter dated January 11, 1954; And I hope you are well. I regret that I was unable to bid you farewell before your departure, as I did not know the time of travel. The Community Presidency is ready to provide the Torah scrolls to you. Please inform us of the quantity required and whether you wish to have them shipped as (parchment sheets) only or (parchment sheets and cases). Upon receipt of your reply, we will obtain the necessary permit to export the required quantity to you. Please accept our thanks and greetings. On behalf of Sincerely, Rabbi Sassoon Khazzouri Acting President of the Community Community Affairs
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From ⟦E. S.⟧ Wakil 41 Bourke street Bondi Junction Sydney Australia Ezra Sion Hakham Heskel 41 Bourke street, Bondi Junction, SYDNEY-AUSTRALIA, 11th January, 1954. Rabbi David Rabbi Yaqub Rabbi Yousef Haim, c/o Head of the Jewish Community Office, BAGHDAD-IRAQ. Dear Sir, It is now over three years when I came to this coun- try but yet my mind always falls back to the old country amidst relatives and friends whose presence I miss very much here. I hope you are keeping well and the family in good health my best regards to you all. I have to apologise for not calling to see you the day of my departure. Last minute travel occuptions deprived me of the pleasure to do so. The N.S.W Hebrew Association have approached me as per the enclosed letter to see what we can do to help a Sephardic Synagogue to be established soon in Sydney to be for the benefit of the growing Sephardic Community. In as much as there is lack of Sepher Torahs that will be required, we have been wondering if the Jewish Community of Baghdad would be good enough to spare some for our use it. We will be indeed very much indebted to them. Please approach the responsible authorities and let us know. As far as their despatch is concerned, we shall advise here Thomas Cook & Sons to take delivery of them when they will be ready at your end. I conclude my letter with best regards to you and the ⟦f⟧ family from myself and the family. Thanking you in anti- cipation of an early reply. Yours sincerely, ⟦Ezra Sasson⟧
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THE SOCIETY FOR IMPROVING CONDITIONS OF THE BLIND IN IRAQ. To Mr.: ⟦line⟧ Dear Sir, We do not want to go into details about your willingness to help those who mostly need, but permit us to draw your kind attention to a humanitarian project on which we are working now. You most certainly know that there are thousands and thousands of blind people here in Iraq. These people have been deprived of the wonderful divine gift of being able to see. They very badly need an institution to take care of them by way of helping them to live decently. For this good purpose a (society for the welfare of the blind) has been formed in Baghdad to improve the economic condition of these people and to teach them different kinds of work as well as reading and writing, all of which is directed to make them earn their living in a proper way.: The Society for the welfare of the blind has decided to give a party for the benefit of the blind people. It is our sincerest hope that you would kindly help us to do your part by purchasing one of the tickets for this party. Your cooperation is highly appreciated.
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Association for Improving the Conditions of the Blind in Iraq Licensed by the Secretariat of the Capital Under Statement No. 13297 Dated June 22, 1954 His Excellency the President Sir, and your kind desire The history of our project dates back Trust in Syria Balance of your order With approval N 4 2/2 To: The Honorable President of the Jewish Community Respected: We do not wish to state the praiseworthy impact of your generous hands and your encouragement of all that is good for this country, but rather we wish to draw your attention to a project that is among the most worthy and noble humanitarian projects ⟦line⟧ It is no secret to you that the blind, who have been deprived of the greatest divine gift, which is the blessing of sight, are in dire need of a helping hand and assistance. Here in Iraq, thousands of blind people are in need of an institution to gather them and an association to protect them. Accordingly, the "Association for Improving the Conditions of the Blind Men and Women in Iraq" was established, headquartered in Baghdad. Its goal is to take the hand of the homeless blind man and the miserable blind woman, to improve their conditions, entertain them, and teach them wool weaving, wicker chair weaving, as well as reading and writing using the Braille method. Since the association is in dire need of the support and assistance of the country's zealous sons, it has decided to hold an evening gala, the proceeds of which will benefit this association. As we approach your noble person, we have full hope that you will contribute to helping the weak and the poor - and this is not unusual for you - Therefore, my noble sirs, you will have cooperated in building a new monument that gathers the scattered blind. How wonderful is this noble humanitarian work and how great it is in the eyes of God. Please accept our highest thanks and respect. The Authorized Representative ⟦signature⟧ Value of the attached ticket One Dinar Community Image The Authorized Representative 124 ⟦illegible⟧ 2/2
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⟦2521⟧ ⟦Al-Mansur⟧
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Presidency of the Jewish Community Basra Number 286 Date: 18 / 1 / 954 Subject - The case of the Al-Noor Endowment (PBUH) To His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khedouri, the respected Acting President of the Jewish Community in Baghdad Greetings. Your letter number T 2279 / 54 dated 16 / 1 / 954. As it has become involved in special matters as it is itself. As for the case of the file related to the shrine of the Prophet of God Ezra (PBUH), we have previously informed the presidency of your community about the freezing of the Jewish community's funds in Basra contrary to laws and regulations and despite our multiple complaints to the ministries and the Basra Governorate, we have not yet obtained a result. This is with the knowledge that the commission had initially taken an ⟦inventory⟧ of all the funds of the cemetery belonging to this presidency and considered all its contents as ⟦coordination⟧ of furniture, records, ledgers, files, and all its contents of curtains and clothes of the worshipers, including wood, fans, Torahs, cabinets, and everything owned by the community locally and moved, including the community's records with the marriage and divorce contract ledgers and others, and it may be difficult for us to answer Your Eminence regarding the subject. Please accept our highest respect Presidency of the Jewish Community Basra ⟦Sincerely⟧ President of the Community 18 / 1 / 54 Community Affairs 125
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Presidency of the Administrative Committee of the Israelite Community Baghdad Number: M / ⟦illegible⟧ / 54 Date: 28 / 3 / 1954 Respected Mr. Naeem Moussa, former accountant of the community, After greetings, A person named Anwar Hormuz attended and claimed that you had received from him an amount of ten dinars on account of the rent for the house numbered 144 / 177 and you gave him an ordinary receipt dated 30 / 2 / 53. Upon auditing, we did not find an entry for this receipt in the records, so if the contrary is not proven, the mentioned amount must be paid to the Presidency of the Community in Baghdad. President of the Administrative Committee of the Israelite Community 126 ⟦line⟧ ⟦illegible⟧
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Administrative Committee of the Jewish Community in Baghdad Telephone Number 5452 ⟦line⟧ Number :: M / 541 Date :: 26 / 4 / 1954 Subject Summary :: Payment of rent for house number 144 / 177 127 To - The Respected Mr. Anwar Hormuz Al-Afoudh After greetings It has become clear to us that there remains in your debt from the rent of house number 144 / 177 occupied by you an amount of 46.000 Dinars, so we request payment of the mentioned amount to the Administrative Committee of the Jewish Community as soon as possible, including the receipt you have for the amount of ten Dinars signed by the former accountant as an ordinary receipt and not recognized by the Administrative Committee. With respect. President of the Administrative Committee ⟦signature⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ the Community
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Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone Number { 3531
5452
Number T/ 542
Date 18/6/1954
Subject: Birth Certificate.
Your Excellency the Ambassador
After greetings
This Presidency does not possess special records for the birth dates of its members, however it grants certificates to persons who
provide documents of whose authenticity it is convinced.
Please accept the highest expressions of respect
Rabbi Sassoon Khadhuri
Acting President of the Community
His Excellency the French Ambassador in Iraq
128
⟦Community Affairs⟧
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Presidency of the Jewish Community in Baghdad 3531 } Telephone Number 5452 Number T / 2276 / 54 Date 18 / 6 / 1954 Subject: Birth Certificate. Your Excellency the Ambassador After greetings This Presidency does not have special records for the birth dates of its members, however it grants certificates to persons who present documents proving their validity. Please accept our highest respect Rabbi Sassoon Khadhuri Acting President of the Community His Excellency the French Ambassador in Iraq
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His Excellency the Ambassador After greetings This presidency does not have records concerning the births of its members and teachers the date of birth of its members, and you, in his capacity ⟦illegible⟧ the students. Please accept with highest respect E. M. Sassoon Acting Head of the Community His Excellency the French Ambassador in Iraq Ezra Ma ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧
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17 ⟦August⟧ 1954 Mr. President The French university authorities have requested a copy of the birth certificate of Mr. Elie Bonfils from your community, born in Baghdad on October 12, 1921. I would be grateful if you would kindly organize this document. Please accept the expression of my highest respect. The French Embassy Hama This presidency does not have special records <del>⟦illegible⟧</del> regarding birth dates of its members, however we grant certificates to persons who present documents whose authenticity is convincing. Please accept the highest esteem and respect The Rabbi
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Embassy of France in Iraq FRENCH REPUBLIC ⟦line⟧ Baghdad, on: June 17, 195 4 Mr. President, The French university authorities are asking me for a copy of the birth certificate of Mr. Ely Bonfils, belonging to your Community, born on October 13, 1931 in Baghdad. I would be grateful if you would kindly have this document prepared for me. Please accept, Mr. President, the assurance of my most distinguished consideration. ⟦illegible signature⟧ Mr. President of the Jewish Community Baghdad
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Presidency of the Jewish Community in Baghdad Telephone Number 3531 5452 Number T / 3325 / 54 Date 28 / 5 / 1954 6 / 17 Subject: The Honorable Judge of the Sharia Court in Baghdad After greetings Further to our letter No. T / 3325 / 54 dated 22 / 3 / 1954, please be so kind as to issue your order to provide me with certified copies of the endowment deeds (Waqf) related to the properties endowed by the late Menachem and Sassoon, sons of Saleh Daniel, to the poor of the Jewish community in Baghdad, issued by your esteemed court, the details of which are written below. 1 - The deed issued on 9 Shawwal 1326, registered in Register No. (1) under number 181. 2 - The deed issued on 8 Shawwal 1326, registered in Register No. (1) under number 179 and page 69. 3 - The deed issued on 14 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1342, registered in Register No. (4) under number 151. 4 - The deed issued on 28 Rabi' al-Thani 1343, registered in Register No. (4) under number 311 and page 83. 5 - The Sharia deed issued on 14 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1342 in Register No. (4) under number 152. With much respect to your Excellency Sassoon Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri Acting President of the Community 124 Community Affairs
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Presidency of the Jewish Community in Baghdad Telephone No. 3531 / 5452 Number: T / 541 / 205 Date: 22 / 3 / 1954 Subject: The Honorable Judge of the Sharia Court in Baghdad After greetings, I kindly request you to issue your order to provide me with certified copies of the endowment deeds (Waqf) related to the properties endowed by the late Menachem and Sassoon, sons of Saleh Daniel, to the poor of the Jewish community in Baghdad, issued by your esteemed court, the details of which are listed below. 1 - The deed issued on 9 Shawwal 1336, registered in Register No. (1) under number 181. 2 - The deed issued on 8 Shawwal 1336, registered in Register No. (1) under number 179 and page 69. 3 - The deed issued on 14 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1342, registered in Register No. (4) under number 151. 4 - The deed issued on 28 Rabi' al-Thani 1343, registered in Register No. (4) under number 311 and page 83. 5 - The Sharia deed issued on 14 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1342 in Register No. (4) under number 152. With much respect to your Excellency, Rabbi Sassoon Khedhouri Acting President of the Community ⟦illegible⟧
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Presidency of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Telephone No. { 3531 President
5452 Secretary
Number T/: 2778 / 54
Date: 22 / 6 / 1954
Subject: ⟦line⟧
To Whom It May Concern
Based on the document kept at this Presidency, we certify that Dr. Simha
daughter of Sassoon Sheina, also known as Dr. Samiha daughter of Sassoon Sheina ⟦Mensa⟧
Upon request, she was provided with this certificate.
140
Sassoon
Rabbi Sassoon Khedouri
Acting President of the Community
Community Affairs
Archival unit 400
To the Honorable President of the Jewish Community Baghdad. Also We, the undersigned, certify that Dr. Simha daughter of Sassoon Sheina is sometimes titled by the name Dr. Samha daughter of Sassoon Sheina, and for this reason we have signed this certificate 2/22/54 ⟦illegible⟧ Hashil Shuaub Sheina Dr. ⟦illegible⟧ Dr. Albert Helmy ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ 3286 Community Affairs 141