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Iraqi Government Officials Spur Anti-jewish Agitation

November 1, 1936
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A survey by a Jewish Telegraphic Agency correspondent disclosed today that there has been no improvement in the Jewish position in Iraq despited many appeals by the Government to the Moslem population to discontinue anti-Jewish terrorism which in the last six months has taken an estimated 19 lives.

Anti-Jewish agitation is being conducted by high Government officials, including the Governor of Basra, who recently gave a banquet at which $3,500 was raised for Palestine Arabs. The Governor personally contributed $500 of the sum.

The present situation is due almost entirely to Palestine agitators, who are flooding the country with all manner of anti-Jewish libels.

A special committee “for the defense of Palestine” has been established here under the leadership of Said Bey Sabat, a member of the Iraqi Parliament. The committee is publishing appeals that contain many inciting statements against the Jews. Proceeds from the sale of the appeals, which are sold at half a cent each, are sent to Palestine for the support of Arab bands.

Although the Government has issued an appeal for order, its policy makes it almost impossible for a Jew to obtain a Palestine visa. Palestine Jews wishing to visit Iraq are meeting the same difficulties.

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