Six leaders of the Jewish community of Yemen have been arrested following the discovery of the bodies of two Arab girls in the vicinity of the synagogue in S’ana, Yemen’s capital, it was reported today from Aden to the Israeli Foreign Office.
The arrested Jews are being held as hostages. It is feared that a ritual murder case will be trumped up by the Yemenite authorities against the arrested Jewish leaders, the report said.
Reports have also been received here of a further deterioration in the position of the Jews in Aden, especially of Jewish refugees from Yemen who were interned by the British authorities in a camp near Hashed, several years ago, pending their transfer to Palestine.
The situation in Aden, a British Protectorate, is becoming worse every day as a result of the arrival of Arabs from Palestine who are conducting a strong anti-Jewish propaganda campaign among the Moslem population. These Arabs seem to be well supplied with funds and enjoy a good relationship with the British authorities.
The most recent reports from Aden speak of a “pogrom atmosphere” prevailing in the Protectorate. Jewish children are being kidnapped and converted to Mohammedism, and the British authorities refuse to intervene. The present British governor of Aden is a former Palestine police officer known for his anti-Jewish feelings. He does not receive any Jewish delegations except on explicit orders from London. His sentiments are reflected in the behavior of the local police, both Arab and British, who take no steps whatsoever to protect Jewish property against robbery and destruction.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.
