Report Situation of Syrian Jewry is Sharply Deteriorating

The situation of Syrian Jews has sharply deteriorated in the last two months, with the reimposition of restrictions on internal travel, intensified harassment, frequent arrests and torture of members of the community, a Syrian Jew who escaped with his family six weeks ago, charged at a press conference here today.

The 37-year-old Syrian Jew, who wore a black mask to conceal his identity, was presented only by his first name, Albert. He told the press conference, held at the Drake Hotel and sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC), that he arrived in Israel with his wife, three children and other family members Dec. 10, 1978 after he escaped from Syria, “through the mountains,” to a neighboring country. From that country he and his family were able to reach Israel, where they now reside. He did not give further details concerning his escape, claiming he did not want to endanger other would-be escapees.

According to Albert, who read a statement in Arabic which was translated, simultaneously, “scores” of Syrian Jews have been escaping from Syria in recent weeks. “The remaining family members of those who escaped are tortured. Many are maimed and injured,” Albert disclosed. He said that all the restrictions by Syrian authorities on the Jewish community, which were lifted in 1976, were fully reimposed since the beginning of last December when a few members of the Syrian Jewish community succeeded in escaping.

Those restrictions ban tree movement within the country, transfer of property, attending universities and other denials of basic human rights. The Muhabarat (Syrian secret police), Albert said, had in the last month alone brutally beaten some 20 men in Damascus and Aleppo because they were suspected of helping Jewish families who successfully managed to flee the country.

APPEALS FOR UNDERSTANDING, HELP

“I appeal through the American media to world opinion to understand the plight of Syrian Jews and help us gain and enjoy our freedom,” Albert said.

Albert unfolded his personal story of life in Syria, where he was detained and tortured several times since he was 15 years old. At one point he lifted up his shirt and exposed to the reporters a huge scar, which he said was the result of torture in a Syrian prison.

Richard Ravitch, president of the JCRC, expressed deep concern over the fate of the 4500 member Syrian Jewish community, particularly in the wake of events in Iran. Referring to a recent State Department report on the status of human rights in various countries, Ravitch charged that the report cited moves by the Syrian government to ease limitations on the rights of Syrian Jews but failed to note that these have been rescinded and more severe treatment imposed.

Noting that Washington allocates $90 million in aid to Syria, Ravitch declared that the Jewish community will demand this aid be halted until the Syrian government stops denying its Jewish citizens their human rights. Ravitch announced that the 26 member organizations of the JCRC, representing the organized Jewish community in the metropolitan area, were being mobilized, together with concerned Christians, civic and human rights organizations on behalf of Syrian Jewry.

New York State Attorney General Robert Abrams described plans during today’s press conference for a broad-based city-wide Legal Coalition for Syrian Jewry that would include leading attorneys and jurists public officials and legislators. Abrams, an honorary chairman of the Legal Coalition, declared that “every possible channel will be utilized to exert influence and assure the fundamental rights of Syrian Jewry.”