to make aliyah to Eretz-Israel. After the establishment
of the Zionist organization, the Jews of Babylon created
their own Zionist movements and participated in the
national effort in Eretz-Israel by raising funds, redeeming
land and creating settlements.
In 1942, following the shavouth Pogrom (Farhud), underground
organizations were founded in Iraq: the Hehalutz Movement,
which trained Jewish youth to become leaders and pioneers,
and the Haganah Organization (Hashura) to protect Jews from
riots and armed uprisings against them.
These activities are presented in the Museum by means of
three-dimensional exhibits showing the swearing-in ceremony
of the Hashura, the wireless communication activities in
Baghdad and a reconstructed Slick - an arms cache.
In the years 1950-1952, most of the Jews of Iraq had
immigrated to Israel under the direction of Operation Ezra
and Nehemia, which was the jewel in the crown of Zionist
activities in Iraq. The Museum exhibits a series of authentic
pictures documenting the route taken by the Olim (immigrants)
from the time of their registration for Aliyah and their
flight to Israel, through the first stages of their
absorption and life in Maabarot (transit camps) in makeshift,
rickety huts and tents.
