Israel Envoy Charges Syria Suspends Laws Where Jews Are Concerned

Israel charged in the United Nations today that Syria suspends its general laws insofar as Jews are concerned “so as to prevent the application of such law or any of its provisions to Jews.” The charge was made by the Israeli representative, Ambassador Joel Barromi, before the General Assembly’s Third Committee. He said the deprivation of Syrian Jews of their citizens’ rights under Syrian law was one of the powers vested in a special statutory commission set up in Damascus to oversee Jewish affairs. The commission is composed of representatives of the security and military intelligence services, the Ministry of Justice, the Treasury and the Council of Palestinian Refugees, Barromi said.

“It has full power to make all such regulations as it deems necessary or expedient for the restriction of business and movement of Jews, their religious and educational activities and the administration of their property,” the Israeli Ambassador said in the course of a 16-page report on the condition of Jews in Syria. “The laws of succession and will do not apply to Jews,” he said. “Jewish property of whatever nature devolves with the death of the owner on the State. Immovable property owned by Jews may not be disposed of by him, even during his lifetime. Notaries are not allowed to legalize documents submitted by Jews.”

Continuing. Barromi stated that bank credit has been denied to Jews and notes due to them remain unpaid. Jews cannot engage in foreign trade. “Jewish merchants in Kamishli and Aleppo, who traditionally purchased their goods in Damascus, cannot work now, being unable to get permits to go to that city.” Barromi charged. He said further that mail sent to Jews inside Syria from abroad is