The situation of the Jews of the Kurdish town of Rezaye, in Persia, has improved somewhat recently, but the fanatical regulations of the Moslem authorities continue to make life difficult for the Jews, it was reported here today by a number of Jewish refugees from Rezaye who just arrived here after crossing the Iran-Turkish frontier. Over 300 Jews have made their way across the border to Istanbul in recent weeks.
The refugees report that last May there was a pogrom in Kurdistan and a number of Jews were murdered. Some of the fanatical “laws” in force in the province prohibit Jews from touching anything belonging to a Moslem. With the fear of further pogroms pressing them, the Jews of Rezaye, who numbered 3,000 before the recent exodus, are planning to leave the town for good. Travel groups have already been organized and it is expected that the ancient Jewish community of that city will cease to exist by the end of the year. Other Jewish communities in Kurdistan are also planning to emigrate.
The passage of Kurdish Jews through Turkey en route to Israel was arranged recently between representatives of the Turkish Foreign Office and of the Israel legation in this country.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
