Zionism

The Swearing-in to the "Shura" – the Zionist underground in Iraq, a diorama from the exhibition

Curator: Idit Sharoni

Iraqi Jews began Zionist activity shortly after the convening of the First Zionist Congress. In early 1913, they made their first contacts with the Zionist Organization, and starting in 1919, they established Zionist associations. The Zionist Jews of Iraq saw Zionism as a movement for immigration and settlement in the Land of Israel.

The Farhud riots of 1941 caused a deep shock among Iraqi Jewry. The young men and women of the younger generation could no longer accept life in a state of insecurity, and some chose to join the Zionist movement in order to protect the community in times of disaster. The activity was underground; with the help of emissaries from the Land of Israel, they acquired weapons and secretly conducted training.

The organization of the Hehalutz movement set various goals that had one goal: immigration to the Land of Israel and integration into it. Over the years, groups of youth members of the Hechalutz movement immigrated illegally, on foot, by train, and by truck. The Hechalutz movement led the community in the mass immigration to the State of Israel in "Operation Ezra and Nehemiah" (1950-1952).