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Spain to Give “hospitality” to Jews from North Africa, Envoy Says

September 4, 1957
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The Spanish Government will “afford the fullest hospitality” to any Jew from North Africa, particularly those of Spanish background, who might want to settle in Spain, the Spanish Ambassador in London has informed the Agudas Israel World Organization, the latter revealed here today.

The Agudah sent a delegation to express concern for the welfare of Jews in North Africa and to point out that in view of recent developments some of them might wish to go to Spain. The Ambassador, Duke de Primo Rivera, also noted that the large Jewish communities of Tetuan, Melida and Ceuta were still under the jurisdiction of Spain and that the future of that area of North Africa was still under discussion.

The Agudah representatives noted that the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany had provided funds to the Jewish community of Madrid for the erection of a synagogue and community center in the Spanish capital where at present the law forbids open worship. The Agudists expressed the hope that the Franco regime would assist the synagogue-center project by public recognition. The Duke promised to raise the matter with Madrid.

Finally, the Ambassador said that at the proper time and if his services were desired, Generalissimo Franco would be prepared to mediate between Israel and the Arab states.

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