An appeal to the Bulgarian Government to permit Dr. Asher Hananel, Chief Rabbi of the Bulgarian Jewish community, to emigrate to Israel, was issued today by the National Religious Party.
Rabbi Hananel was sentenced last week by a Sofia court to three-and-one-half years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of “speculating and smuggling,” and of having been engaged in “speculative and illegal trade with valuables, in the transfer of foreign currencies, and in the purchase of dollars that he deposited in his personal account with a Swiss bank.” He was released on bond in view of his ill health.
Citing the friendly attitude of Bulgaria towards that country’s Jewish community, the appeal asked that Rabbi Hananel be given the opportunity of clearing his name.
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