Nehardea Magazine

Journal of the Babylonian Jewry Heritage Center
No.14, Autumn 2003

EVENTS AT THE CENTER

REVIEW OF EVENTS

Yigal Loushi

The security situation has adversely affected the economy in Israel.

This negative influence did not spare the Center and resulted among other things, in reduced governmental and municipal budgetary appropriations, which, in return, forced us to make our own budget cuts.

At the same time, I must point out that surprisingly there was a significant increase in the number of visitors to the Center, which arrived at over 17,000 this year. People in the training and instruction department attribute this rise to the fact that, for security reasons, most groups are inclined to visit sites that are situated at the Center of Israel.

Last year, there was a significant increase in the activities of the Center, evident in more study days, more visitors and more projects.

Alongside the success, the Center has been engaged, on a daily basis, in solving the problem of building the new annexes. Indeed, all are doing their best to overcome the difficulties. Even the visiting public has been understanding, and has joined us in the hope that the building works will be completed and the Center converted to a splendid structure of which the whole Babylonian Community can be proud.

Last year, the third international congress for the research of Babylonian Jewry has been integrated into the extensive activities of the Center. The Congress was held for seven days (2-9 June 2002) at the Center and at Bar Ilan University.

The opening session was successfully held at the Beith Hehayal with the participation of the Minister of Education, Mrs. Limor Livnat.

* Mrs. Tzipi Shahrabani, one of the Center's volunteers invited, in March 2001, about thirty diplomats' wives to a conducted tour of the museum.

Among the visitors were: the wife of the Thai Ambassador, wives of Iraqi Jewish diplomats and a correspondent of the Jerusalem Post. All indicated their satisfaction with the pleasurable experience.

* On the 3rd of April 2001, a study evening was organized by the Center and the veteran organization of the HeHalutz Movement following the publication of the book "Across Naharayim" authored by the retired Judge Eli Sharon.

Among the participants were Mr. Zevulun Hareli, Chairman of the veterans of the HeHalutz Underground Movement in Iraq, Mr. Mordechai Ben-Porat, the retired Judge Abraham Halima, Prof. Shmuel Moreh, Chairman of the Academic Council and Mrs. Shoshana Arbeli-Almozlino.

* In the beginning of May 2001, a special celebration was held at Khan Hadekel in Or-Yehuda, in honor of the Center's Chairman, Mr. Mordechai Ben-Porat who was awarded the Israel Prize for his life's work. It was attended by 600 participants.

Messrs. Shlomo Hillel, Eli Amir and Prof. Shmuel Moreh congratulated Mr. Ben-Porat and emphasized his important contribution to the community and the Center in areas of Aliya, absorption and documentation of the Babylonian Jewish heritage.

* On the 14th June 2001 a festive assembly was held, to celebrate the golden jubilee of Iraqi Jews Aliya to Israel.

* On the 24th June 2001 a ceremony was held to unveil a marble statue in the reconstructed synagogue donated by Mr. Maurice Aghasi and his brother Eli, in memory of their deceased parents Rahel and Karim Aghasi. Among the 150 attendants were relatives and friends of the Aghasi Family. In their speeches, Chairman of the Center Mr. Mordechai Ben-Porat and the Director Mr. Yigal Loushi thanked the family for their donation.

* On the 9th August 2001 a ceremony was held to unveil a plaque on the Wall of Donators at the Center's lobby. It was donated by Mrs. Pnina Zioni in memory of her deceased husband, the late Yaacov (Ezra) Zioni.

In addition to family members, many were invited to participate in the ceremony, which ended in speeches given by the Center's Chairman Mr. Mordechai Ben-Porat and Director Mr. Yigal Loushi.

* Minister of Science, Culture and Sports, Mr. Matan Vilnai visited the Center on the 21st August 2001 accompanied by a large entourage.

* On the 4th September 2001, an emotional reunion of about 160 persons was arranged at the Center between veterans of Andres's Army and Jews who hosted them in Iraq and Iran in the 1940's. It took place at President Moshe Katzav's residence.

* On the 23rd September 2001 a ceremony was held to unveil the sign-board of a chandelier at the reconstructed synagogue. It was donated by Mr. Elias Azouri, Diaz, Irit and Behukhma Sigalit in memory of their brother and uncle the late Elias Reuben. Members of the family and friends attended. Director of the Center, Mr. Yigal Loushi made a speech thanking the donors and administrative member Mrs. Hanna Kazzaz, who is actively involved in relating to donations activity.

* On the 16th October 2001, a dedication ceremony was held in Kibbutz Beeri commemorating victims of the Farhud with the participation of 500 people.

* On the 18th December 2001, a ceremony was held commemorating the late Mrs. Victoria Ellis of Singapore and inauguration of the "Hinna" exhibit in the life cycle exhibit. About 100 participants attended, including family members Yaacov and Shafik Binyamin. Speeches were made commemorating the deceased and her work.

The inauguration of "Hinna" exhibit in memory of Mrs. Victoria Ellis

* On the 27th December 2001 a special evening was organized honoring singer Iman (Suzan Shahrabani). 300 family members and friends participated. Composer Yitzhak Aviezer, an associate who accompanied her from the outset of her career, presented a panorama of her songs with musical band members who worked with her. In his speech, Chairman of the Center Mr. Mordechai Ben-Porat emphasized Iman's contribution to the musical culture of the Babylonian heritage and presented her with a plaque, honoring her talent. The retired judge Mr. Eli Sharon and Yosi Alphi greeted her as well.

* On the 7th January 2002 a memorial ceremony was held for the martyrs executed by order of the authorities in Iraq, with the participation of Vice Minister of Interior Mr. Gideon Ezra and about 200 attendants.

The Chairman and representatives of the HeHalutz Movement and former prisoners of Zion spoke of the movement's activities in Iraq. Family representatives recited the Kadish and laid flowers.

* Minister of Communications, Mr. Ruby Rivlin visited the Center on 31st January 2002. The Minister received a thorough explanation from the Chairman of the Center, Mr. Mordechai Ben-Porat. He showed extensive knowledge of the Babylonian Jewry heritage and was very impressed with the accomplishments of the Center.

* On the 27th February 2002 a gala dinner was held with the participation of about 600 guests. Despite the fact that it was not advertised as a fund-raising event, there were among the guests, some who were generous enough to donate and assist in covering the expenses. Among the donors, true to tradition, were Mr. Yehuda Asia and others, who donated sums of money and purchased memorial bricks commemorating their loved ones. This assisted us in reaching our important objective to complete the building and expand the Center and the Museum.

One of the distinguished guest invited, was Mr. Eliahu Nawi, a retired judge and former Mayor of Beer Sheva nicknamed "Daoud El Natour". He was awarded by Chairman Mordechai Ben-Porat a special plaque in recognition of his dedicated work for the Babylonian Jewry heritage mission.

* On the 20th March 2002 Mr. Raminder Singh Jassal, Ambassador of India in Israel visited the Center.

Also, on that same day Mr. Subroto Das, First Secretary of Culture and Science of Embassy of India in Israel participated in a study day on the subject of Rabbi Shlomo Twena.

* A study day was convened on the occasion of publication of Prof. Yitzhak Avishur's book "The Babylonian Sage from Calcutta, Rabbi Twena and his literary works" under the auspices of the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Baqshi Doron.

* On the 22th September 2002 on Feast of Succoth, despite all the difficulties involved in building the second floor, we held an event inaugurating the traditional Succoth exhibition. 300 visitors participated and listened to a speech by the curator, Ms. Idit Pinhas-Sharoni, regarding various items in the exhibition and also enjoyed the Shebahot songs.

* On the 10th November 2002 A study-day was convened discussing the subject "The attitude of the evil regimes in Iraq towards the Jews in the years 1952-2002", and marking the publication of the book "The End of a Diaspora" by Dr. Nissim Kazzaz.

The Center decided to commemorate the martyrs executed by the authorities and the suffering of those who survived and escaped from Iraq, on a special evening at Heichal Hatarbut in Or-Yehuda, attended by a large public.

Dr. Kazzaz's research of the events in the community since the mass Aliya and until the present day, was presented. Families, who were persecuted, and immigrants who arrived in the seventies of the 20th Century, participated. New evidence was disclosed by Jews, who lived in Iraq, including relatives of those murdered there. The presentation was accompanied by documentary films.

Mr. Maurice Shohet, Head of the Iraqi Community in New York, who also immigrated during the seventies and wrote a book on the events, arrived especially from New York and was generous enough to assist in covering expenses of the study-day.

The Center assisted organizations and Babylonian communities in holding events:

* On the 24th September 2002 as per Mr. Shlomo Saleh's request, we helped Kiriyat Malakhi in holding a special evening for its Babylonian Community. Mr. Ben-Porat welcomed the audience.

* On the 16th February 2002 a similar event was held in Be'er Sheva. The Center assisted in planning and inviting singers and musicians and also supplied an exhibition and a bookstall.

* The Ethiopian Jews are planning to establish a heritage center. Their Director General, Mr. Shlomo Elka visited the Center together with distinguished guests and rabbis, headed by the chairman of Behalchin Organization, Prof. Michael Korinaldi.

They held talks with Mr. Mordechai Ben-Porat and Mr. Yigal Loushi.

* This year, we succeeded in inserting a small broadcast into the Israeli community's channels of "Arozei Zahav" and "MATAV". We treat these broadcasts as very important, and are doing our best to supply updated materials to the public. We have received a positive response and comments regarding these broadcasts: this will now help us to improve them.

* The instruction department engaged an actress and an Ud musician to accompany the guided tours in the museum, as this is sure to make the tours more entertaining.

* Family and group tours may be conducted on all occasions, such as birthdays, silver and gold anniversaries (up to 250 visitors), and offer authentic Iraqi cuisine on request.

The public's comments are always welcome.

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Table of Contents

EVENTS AT THE CENTER
REVIEW OF EVENTS Yigal Loushi
The security situation has adversely affected the economy in Israel. This negative influence did not spare the Center and resulted among other things, in reduced governmental and municipal budgetary appropriations, which, in return, forced us to make our own budget cuts. At the same time, I must point out that surprisingly there was a significant increase in the number of visitors to the Center, which arrived at over 17,000 this year. People in the training and instruction department attribute this rise to the fact that, for security reasons, most groups are inclined to visit sites that are situated at the Center of Israel. Last year, there was a significant increase in the activities of the Center, evident in more study days, more visitors and more projects. Alongside the success, the Center has been engaged, on a daily basis, in solving the problem of building the new annexes. Indeed, all are doing their best to overcome the difficulties. Even the visiting public has been understanding, and has joined us in the hope that the building works will be completed and the Center converted to a splendid structure of which the whole Babylonian Community can be proud. Last year, the third international congress for the research of Babylonian Jewry has been integrated into the extensive activities of the Center. The Congress was held for seven days (2-9 June 2002) at the Center and at Bar Ilan University. The opening session was successfully held at the Beith Hehayal with the participation of the Minister of Education, Mrs. Limor Livnat. * Mrs. Tzipi Shahrabani, one of the Center's volunteers invited, in March 2001, about thirty diplomats' wives to a conducted tour of the museum. Among the visitors were: the wife of the Thai Ambassador, wives of Iraqi Jewish diplomats and a correspondent of the Jerusalem Post. All indicated their satisfaction with the pleasurable experience. * On the 3rd of April 2001, a study evening was organized by the Center and the veteran organization of the HeHalutz Movement following the publication of the book "Across Naharayim" authored by the retired Judge Eli Sharon. Among the participants were Mr. Zevulun Hareli, Chairman of the veterans of the HeHalutz Underground Movement in Iraq, Mr. Mordechai Ben-Porat, the retired Judge Abraham Halima, Prof. Shmuel Moreh, Chairman of the Academic Council and Mrs. Shoshana Arbeli-Almozlino. * In the beginning of May 2001, a special celebration was held at Khan Hadekel in Or-Yehuda, in honor of the Center's Chairman, Mr. Mordechai Ben-Porat who was awarded the Israel Prize for his life's work. It was attended by 600 participants. Messrs. Shlomo Hillel, Eli Amir and Prof. Shmuel Moreh congratulated Mr. Ben-Porat and emphasized his important contribution to the community and the Center in areas of Aliya, absorption and documentation of the Babylonian Jewish heritage. * On the 14th June 2001 a festive assembly was held, to celebrate the golden jubilee of Iraqi Jews Aliya to Israel. * On the 24th June 2001 a ceremony was held to unveil a marble statue in the reconstructed synagogue donated by Mr. Maurice Aghasi and his brother Eli, in memory of their deceased parents Rahel and Karim Aghasi. Among the 150 attendants were relatives and friends of the Aghasi Family. In their speeches, Chairman of the Center Mr. Mordechai Ben-Porat and the Director Mr. Yigal Loushi thanked the family for their donation. * On the 9th August 2001 a ceremony was held to unveil a plaque on the Wall of Donators at the Center's lobby. It was donated by Mrs. Pnina Zioni in memory of her deceased husband, the late Yaacov (Ezra) Zioni. In addition to family members, many were invited to participate in the ceremony, which ended in speeches given by the Center's Chairman Mr. Mordechai Ben-Porat and Director Mr. Yigal Loushi. * Minister of Science, Culture and Sports, Mr. Matan Vilnai visited the Center on the 21st August 2001 accompanied by a large entourage. * On the 4th September 2001, an emotional reunion of about 160 persons was arranged at the Center between veterans of Andres's Army and Jews who hosted them in Iraq and Iran in the 1940's. It took place at President Moshe Katzav's residence. * On the 23rd September 2001 a ceremony was held to unveil the sign-board of a chandelier at the reconstructed synagogue. It was donated by Mr. Elias Azouri, Diaz, Irit and Behukhma Sigalit in memory of their brother and uncle the late Elias Reuben. Members of the family and friends attended. Director of the Center, Mr. Yigal Loushi made a speech thanking the donors and administrative member Mrs. Hanna Kazzaz, who is actively involved in relating to donations activity. * On the 16th October 2001, a dedication ceremony was held in Kibbutz Beeri commemorating victims of the Farhud with the participation of 500 people. * On the 18th December 2001, a ceremony was held commemorating the late Mrs. Victoria Ellis of Singapore and inauguration of the "Hinna" exhibit in the life cycle exhibit. About 100 participants attended, including family members Yaacov and Shafik Binyamin. Speeches were made commemorating the deceased and her work. The inauguration of "Hinna" exhibit in memory of Mrs. Victoria Ellis * On the 27th December 2001 a special evening was organized honoring singer Iman (Suzan Shahrabani). 300 family members and friends participated. Composer Yitzhak Aviezer, an associate who accompanied her from the outset of her career, presented a panorama of her songs with musical band members who worked with her. In his speech, Chairman of the Center Mr. Mordechai Ben-Porat emphasized Iman's contribution to the musical culture of the Babylonian heritage and presented her with a plaque, honoring her talent. The retired judge Mr. Eli Sharon and Yosi Alphi greeted her as well. * On the 7th January 2002 a memorial ceremony was held for the martyrs executed by order of the authorities in Iraq, with the participation of Vice Minister of Interior Mr. Gideon Ezra and about 200 attendants. The Chairman and representatives of the HeHalutz Movement and former prisoners of Zion spoke of the movement's activities in Iraq. Family representatives recited the Kadish and laid flowers. * Minister of Communications, Mr. Ruby Rivlin visited the Center on 31st January 2002. The Minister received a thorough explanation from the Chairman of the Center, Mr. Mordechai Ben-Porat. He showed extensive knowledge of the Babylonian Jewry heritage and was very impressed with the accomplishments of the Center. * On the 27th February 2002 a gala dinner was held with the participation of about 600 guests. Despite the fact that it was not advertised as a fund-raising event, there were among the guests, some who were generous enough to donate and assist in covering the expenses. Among the donors, true to tradition, were Mr. Yehuda Asia and others, who donated sums of money and purchased memorial bricks commemorating their loved ones. This assisted us in reaching our important objective to complete the building and expand the Center and the Museum. One of the distinguished guest invited, was Mr. Eliahu Nawi, a retired judge and former Mayor of Beer Sheva nicknamed "Daoud El Natour". He was awarded by Chairman Mordechai Ben-Porat a special plaque in recognition of his dedicated work for the Babylonian Jewry heritage mission. * On the 20th March 2002 Mr. Raminder Singh Jassal, Ambassador of India in Israel visited the Center. Also, on that same day Mr. Subroto Das, First Secretary of Culture and Science of Embassy of India in Israel participated in a study day on the subject of Rabbi Shlomo Twena. * A study day was convened on the occasion of publication of Prof. Yitzhak Avishur's book "The Babylonian Sage from Calcutta, Rabbi Twena and his literary works" under the auspices of the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Baqshi Doron. * On the 22th September 2002 on Feast of Succoth, despite all the difficulties involved in building the second floor, we held an event inaugurating the traditional Succoth exhibition. 300 visitors participated and listened to a speech by the curator, Ms. Idit Pinhas-Sharoni, regarding various items in the exhibition and also enjoyed the Shebahot songs. * On the 10th November 2002 A study-day was convened discussing the subject "The attitude of the evil regimes in Iraq towards the Jews in the years 1952-2002", and marking the publication of the book "The End of a Diaspora" by Dr. Nissim Kazzaz. The Center decided to commemorate the martyrs executed by the authorities and the suffering of those who survived and escaped from Iraq, on a special evening at Heichal Hatarbut in Or-Yehuda, attended by a large public. Dr. Kazzaz's research of the events in the community since the mass Aliya and until the present day, was presented. Families, who were persecuted, and immigrants who arrived in the seventies of the 20th Century, participated. New evidence was disclosed by Jews, who lived in Iraq, including relatives of those murdered there. The presentation was accompanied by documentary films. Mr. Maurice Shohet, Head of the Iraqi Community in New York, who also immigrated during the seventies and wrote a book on the events, arrived especially from New York and was generous enough to assist in covering expenses of the study-day. The Center assisted organizations and Babylonian communities in holding events: * On the 24th September 2002 as per Mr. Shlomo Saleh's request, we helped Kiriyat Malakhi in holding a special evening for its Babylonian Community. Mr. Ben-Porat welcomed the audience. * On the 16th February 2002 a similar event was held in Be'er Sheva. The Center assisted in planning and inviting singers and musicians and also supplied an exhibition and a bookstall. * The Ethiopian Jews are planning to establish a heritage center. Their Director General, Mr. Shlomo Elka visited the Center together with distinguished guests and rabbis, headed by the chairman of Behalchin Organization, Prof. Michael Korinaldi. They held talks with Mr. Mordechai Ben-Porat and Mr. Yigal Loushi. * This year, we succeeded in inserting a small broadcast into the Israeli community's channels of "Arozei Zahav" and "MATAV". We treat these broadcasts as very important, and are doing our best to supply updated materials to the public. We have received a positive response and comments regarding these broadcasts: this will now help us to improve them. * The instruction department engaged an actress and an Ud musician to accompany the guided tours in the museum, as this is sure to make the tours more entertaining. * Family and group tours may be conducted on all occasions, such as birthdays, silver and gold anniversaries (up to 250 visitors), and offer authentic Iraqi cuisine on request. The public's comments are always welcome.
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