The World Jewish Congress appealed today to United Nations Secretary-General U Thant to take steps, under a Security Council resolution regarding wartime treatment of civilians, to help improve the situation of Jews in Syria. Egypt and Iraq.
The appeal was sent by Dr. Maurice L.Perlzweig, the WJC’s director of international affairs. He called attention to a previous letter on the same issue sent last June 16. Since then, Dr. Perlzweig noted today, there has been no improvement in the situation affecting the Jewish communities in the three Arab countries.
“Ancient Jewish communities are being subjected to terror and intimidation,” the WJC reported. There have been many Jewish victims of physical violence and assault, and hundreds have been imprisoned without any charge under conditions of revolting barbarism.” All humanitarian efforts to ameliorate the situation. Dr. Perlzweig informed Mr. Thant, have been frustrated, including efforts to visit prisoners and evacuate them from the Arab lands. “These defenseless people,” the WJC representative added, “remain in jeopardy.”
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