Operation Ezra and Nehemiah: Encyclopedia II - Operation Ezra and Nehemiah - Background

Operation Ezra and Nehemiah - Background

Since 1945 in Iraq, there were frequent demonstrations against the Jews and especially against Zionism. On 1947 with the affirmation of the Partition Plan for Palestine, the Jews were in danger of their lives. Many received harsh legal sentences and were forced to pay heavy fines. Between the years 1949 and 1952, about 130,000 Jews immigrated to Israel from Iraq, thanks largely to the efforts of emissaries from Israel and activists of the "Halutz Movement" in Iraq. This astounding Zionist accomplishment, known as Operation Ezra and Nehemiah (aka Operation Ali Baba), gave a final glorious curtain call to the ancient Babylonian exile. The Exodus of Iraqi Jews to Israel lasted several months, and started after the Iraqi Government passed a special bill permitting their emigration in 1951. The Iraqi Jews were mostly wealthy and the local authorities gave them special privileges. When the Jews learned about the special permit they had been given, thousands arrived in Baghdad and gathered in registration centers where they registered for immigration to Israel.

According to Iraqi law, the Jews had to sell their property and liquidate their businesses before they could leave. Many sold large properties for ridiculous sums in order to win the right to immigrate.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Background", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki