Sharp disapproval of anti-Semitism in Iraq, formerly a British mandated territory, was voiced today from the tribune of the House of Commons by Sir John Simon, British Foreign secretary, in answer to interpellations on the subject from members of the various parties.
Confirming recent reports of the extensive growth of anti-Semitism in Iraq “from my own sources,” Sir John added significantly, “I believe my own feeling on the subject of anti-Semitism is well-known.”
Anti-Jewish feeling in Iraq, now a member of the League of Nations and an independent country, does not touch on the question of British Palestine and therefore the matter of representations to the government of Iraq do not arise, the British Foreign Secretary said.
REGIME FOSTERS ANTI-SEMITISM
Jewish communities in Iraq, particularly in Baghdad and Basrah, have suffered in recent months from a virulent form of anti-Semitism openly encouraged by the government of King Ghazi. Jewish officials have been dismissed from civil service posts. Jewish children have been exposed to indignities in public schools, and all foreign Jewish newspapers and all foreign papers regarded as friendly to the Jews have been banned from the country.
Last week a member of the famous Sassoon family of Baghdad was arrested by police and charged with carrying on illegal Zionist activities. He was freed, but a
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.
