B’nai B’rith International today appealed to the Lebanese authorities and the Syrian government to help bring about the release of six prominent members of the Lebanese Jewish community, one of whom had been abducted more than a year ago and the others during the last six months.
“It is clear that the victims were abducted solely because they are Jews,” Dr. Daniel Thursz, executive vice president of B’nai B’rith, said in separate letters to the Lebanese and Syrian Ambassadors to the United States. “They are native Lebanese who had no ties to any political groups,” he added.
The B’nai B’rith official noted also that the kidnappers had not made any demands for the victims’ release. “No one even seems to know whether they are still alive,” Thursz wrote, adding that this lack of contact has triggered a great deal of mental suffering and anguish among their families.”
The six Lebanese Jews who have been abducted are: Eli Khallack, a 55-year-old physician; Jack Trab, a 75-year-old merchant; Chai Cohen and Eli Srour, both about 50-years-old, and both merchants; Izaak Sasson, 65, chairman of the Jewish Community Council; and Salim Jamus, secretary of the Council. Jamus was kidnapped in August, 1984.
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