lennart
20-04-03, 16:32
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=285430&contrassID=2&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y
The Jewish Agency and the Mossad are looking into the possibility of bringing the remaining Jews in Iraq to Israel, according to official Israeli sources.
The same sources confirmed that talks were being held with the U.S. administration in an effort to gain Washington's approval for an operation. At this time, U.S. military officials operating in Iraq are not inclined to allow the operation to take place.
"The message we are getting from the Americans," the Israeli officials said, "is that there is no immediate danger. Give us a week or two in order to stabilize the situation and then we will see, they are saying."
Another problem that the organizers in Israel are facing is the lack of willingness on the part of the Iraqi Jews to leave the country for Israel. This appears to be the message that the Jewish Agency, the Mossad and third parties are receiving from the community.
In recent days, the danger to the Jewish community in Baghdad has grown not only because of the general anarchy in the city, but also because of the rising interest that journalists are showing in them.
The Iraqi capital is home to 34 Jews, most of whom are elderly. The heads of the community moved to Britain a number of years ago.
A week ago, the sole synagogue still operating in the city was closed down, fearing looters.
The Jewish Agency and the Mossad are looking into the possibility of bringing the remaining Jews in Iraq to Israel, according to official Israeli sources.
The same sources confirmed that talks were being held with the U.S. administration in an effort to gain Washington's approval for an operation. At this time, U.S. military officials operating in Iraq are not inclined to allow the operation to take place.
"The message we are getting from the Americans," the Israeli officials said, "is that there is no immediate danger. Give us a week or two in order to stabilize the situation and then we will see, they are saying."
Another problem that the organizers in Israel are facing is the lack of willingness on the part of the Iraqi Jews to leave the country for Israel. This appears to be the message that the Jewish Agency, the Mossad and third parties are receiving from the community.
In recent days, the danger to the Jewish community in Baghdad has grown not only because of the general anarchy in the city, but also because of the rising interest that journalists are showing in them.
The Iraqi capital is home to 34 Jews, most of whom are elderly. The heads of the community moved to Britain a number of years ago.
A week ago, the sole synagogue still operating in the city was closed down, fearing looters.