Journal of the Babylonian Jewry Heritage Center
No.13, Summer 2001



 
EVENTS AT THE CENTER
REVIEW OF EVENTS
Yigal Loushi, Managing Director

In the year 1999, 26,573 people visited and took part in events in the Center, among them were 10,000 pupils. In all, the total number of people who visited the Center since its opening reached 279,220 including pupils, members of public establishments, pensioners from all walks of life, defense forces personnel, police and tourists, in addition to various contributors who felt the need to back this important establishment.
The Center continues its feverish efforts to design the exhibitions of the 2nd floor and endeavors to obtain the financial backing promised by the various ministries and the municipality to complete the project. At the same time, ceaseless efforts are being made to obtain the required finances either by selling memorial bricks ($500 each) or collecting donations from people who recognize the importance of the Center and appreciate those who are faithfully laboring to continue its development and expansion, for the purpose of introducing the rich culture and tradition to this and future generations.


The family of Judge (Ret.) Eli Sharon with the
extended Shahrabani family

On 23-6-99, a study day was held together with the members of the HeHalutz Movement in Iraq on the occasion of the publishing of Yosef Meir's book.
On 27-9-99, the retired Judge Eli Sharon organized the event of formulating the family tree of the Shahrabani Family. His meticulous preparations contributed to the event's success. This included a booklet listing the names of the family members and the assembling the family tree. Lately, such events have become increasingly common and the families have chosen the Center for the display of the family tree. In these events, family members show old films and relate the history of their family. I warmly recommend family members to display their family trees at the Center since such meetings strengthen the bonds.
On 10-9-99, at the Khan Hadekel Hall, a gala dinner took place to honor Prof. Shmuel Moreh, who became an Israel Prize Laureate in Arabic literature. The 600 participants included guests from abroad (David Khalaschi and Family from London). Even though the evening during which it was not intended to collect donations, some guests did submit sums to acquire "bricks" for the building of the 2nd floor. I especially took note of the donations of members of the HeHalutz Movement headed by Mr. Zevuloon Harel, who acquired 60 bricks. Our gratitude is extended to Zevuloon and the Pioneer (HeHalutz) Movement members who see the Center as their home.

On 29-9-99, a study day was organized to give credit to the publishing of chartered accountant Avner Shashua's book, which he had written on the history of his family. An East-Jerusalem journalist showed keen interest in the book, which will probably be translated into Arabic and published for sale in Arab countries.

Lately Mr. Menashe Ben Hayyim, member of the Center's Board of Directors concentrated on donation activities. On 20-10-99, he called a meeting of the Center's members where he requested them to try increase their contributions. >>>