Letters
06th November 2002
Dear Mr. Dangoor,
I am a Shi'ite Muslim who grew up in Baghdad and
I have fond memories of the magnificent Jewish Community
that was so prominent and influential at the time.
I remember vividly our Jewish neighbours and how my
mother used to send me to switch on the lights and
heating (for shabat) for the late Rabbi Daoud Hayim,
and others in the neighbourhood. I am fascinated and
full of admiration for the history and contribution
of this community and, to satisfy my curiosity, I
even travelled to Israel and spent many happy days
meeting the emigrants from Iraq. During my visit I
videotaped and chronicled their daily life and their
longing for Iraq more than 50 years on!
I have written many articles and made presentations
of my visit to the Arab community in England. I have
many close friends within the community, such as the
respected Ustath, Mr. Meir Basri, Mr. Daoud Khalastchy,
Mr. Shaul Sasson, and even in business I chose Mr.
Edwin Shuker as my partner.
My purpose in writing this letter to your esteemed
publication, of which I am an avid reader, is to implore
you not to allow the culture and contribution of your
community to disappear within this generation and
to ensure that you transit as much of it as possible
to your children and grandchildren.
Even if most of you have no intention of returning
to the motherland, you owe it to your ancestors, those
pillars who helped shape Iraq and its history, to
perpetuate at least in exile this glorious past.
Anyone interested in being active and meeting with
the Iraqi exiles from other religions and races, please
feel free to contact me by e-mail or through The Scribe.
Mr. Dia Kashi
E-mail address: diakashi@hotmail.com
If you would like to make any comments or contribute
to The Scribe please contact us
