Zionism and the Jewish Communities in Syria and Lebanon

Born Syria, 1920. Made Aliya 1945. Discusses: Zionist activity in 'Hechalutz' and Haganah; what brought him to be active Zionist; impetus for leaving Damascus, 1930-1935; organizing Aliya; absorption of Syrian immigrants in Israel; social background of immigrant members of 'Hechalutz'; studying Hebrew in Syria; characteristics of Aliya until 1940 and after, during war; emissaries from Israel, 1942; saving Jewish children in Syria; position of French and English to Aliya from Syria; position of local Arab police to Aliya; Aliya through Syria and Lebanon, Persia through Turkey, and local communities' feelings on it; position of Arab newspapers to what was taking place in Israel, 1940's; Nazi propaganda and Jewish community; wave Of immigration to Latin America, pre 1930's; relations with Arab neighbours in Damascus; arrests made by Syrian police; business dealings with Israeli merchandise, prior to and after 1945; 1936 uprisings; relations with Arabs in Damascus, until 1945; his arrest for being leading Middle Eastern Zionist; relationship with head of secret police; role of Jews in local police; Syrian Jews' connection to Israel; Zionist activity in Damascus and Aleppo; Jews' distance from Gentiles in various periods; economic position of Jewish community; Rabbis' position on Aliya; Keren Kayemet's activity in Syria; Hechalutz' connection with Beirut branches; Jewish Agency; social life in Jabel el Sheikh (Hechalutz camp), and tie to Israel; visits from Israelis in ; Damascus.