Israel may launch a worldwide campaign to mobilize public opinion in an effort to save eight Syrian Jews for whom the public prosecutor in Damascus has asked death sentences. They are charged with trying to emigrate to Israel via Lebanon.
Arab newspapers give the names of the eight Jews, arrested when allegedly trying to cross the Syrian-Lebanese border, as Simon Shiloah, Jacob Haim, Marco Mograbi, David Attara, Nuri Mussa, Isaiah Hayat, Jacob Hayat and Isaac Kabayba.
Lebanese papers meanwhile reported that the number of arrests in connection with an alleged spy ring in Beirut had risen to four. In addition to Albert Levy, a Jewish attorney, and Faik Khouri, a Christian Journalist, authorities have arrested a Moslem, Ahmed Masraani and an unidentified suspect.
The arrests are getting wide attention in the Arab press and in both cases, among the main “crimes” allegedly committed are attempts to emigrate to Israel. Concern is developing in Israel that the Syrian authorities of President Nasser of the United Arab Republic are organizing a strong campaign against Lebanese Jews, hitherto considered the most secure Jewish community in the Arab world.
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