The Farhud—The Forgotten Baghdad Pogrom

The Farhud was a violent pogrom against Baghdad’s Jewish community that took place on June 1-2, 1941, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 180-600 Jews and marking a turning point in Iraqi Jewish history.

On June 1-2, 1941, mobs, including soldiers and police, attacked Jewish neighborhoods, homes, and businesses in Baghdad. Over two days, violence left hundreds dead, with reports suggesting numbers as high as 600, and many more injured. Women were raped, and synagogues and homes were looted and destroyed. The violence was sparked by the collapse of a pro-Nazi regime led by Rashid Ali al-Gaylani, following a failed attack on a British airbase, during a period of political instability and rising anti-Semitic sentiments fueled by Nazi propaganda.

According to eyewitness accounts, including Sabih Ezra Akerib, who was nine at the time, mobs shouted anti-Jewish slurs and committed brutal acts of violence, including the burning of homes and the mutilation of victims. A notable incident involved the killing of Sabih’s mother’s friend, Sabicha, whose body was mutilated in front of witnesses. The violence was eventually suppressed by British and pro-British Iraqi forces, but the event left deep scars on the community and accelerated the emigration of Iraqi Jews to Israel and other countries.

Why It Matters

The Farhud is significant because it marked a turning point in the history of Iraqi Jews, leading to a mass exodus from Iraq over the subsequent decade. It highlights the dangers of nationalist fervor, political instability, and anti-Semitic propaganda, with lasting implications for regional history and minority rights. The event underscores the vulnerability of minority communities during times of upheaval and the complex interplay of local and international forces in shaping Middle Eastern history.

Background

Prior to the Farhud, Baghdad’s Jewish community was a substantial part of the city’s fabric, comprising about one-third of the population and involved in commerce, education, and civic life. The coup by Rashid Ali al-Gaylani in April 1941, which aligned with Nazi Germany’s propaganda, created a volatile environment. Following a failed attack on a British airbase, the pro-Nazi government collapsed, leaving a power vacuum. Although British forces were nearby, they did not intervene to stop the violence, despite being only eight miles from Baghdad, racing from Palestine and Egypt to prevent Nazi control of Iraqi oil.

“When the mob came he talked to them. He told them that we are orphans who took refuge in his house and they cannot touch us. If they want us they have to kill him. So lucky for us, the mob moved away, moved to other houses.”

— Sabih Ezra Akerib

“The Farhud was a catalyst for the mass emigration of Iraqi Jews and a stark reminder of the perilous position of minorities during times of political upheaval.”

— Historical analyst

What Remains Unclear

While the death toll is estimated between 180 and 600, some sources suggest higher numbers. Details about the exact number of injuries and the full extent of property damage remain uncertain. Additionally, the precise role of local authorities and the British military’s response during the violence continues to be debated among historians.

What’s Next

Researchers and communities continue to commemorate the Farhud, seeking to uncover more detailed accounts and historical records. Discussions about its legacy influence current dialogues on minority rights and regional reconciliation. No official investigations or reparations have been initiated, but awareness efforts are ongoing.

Key Questions

What was the Farhud?

The Farhud was a two-day pogrom against Baghdad’s Jewish community on June 1-2, 1941, marked by violence, killings, and property destruction, during a period of political upheaval.

How many people died during the Farhud?

Estimates range from 180 to 600 deaths, but exact numbers remain uncertain due to incomplete records and differing sources.

Why is the Farhud considered significant?

It marked a turning point in Iraqi Jewish history, leading to mass emigration, and exemplifies the dangers of political instability and hatred fueling violence against minorities.

Was the British military involved in stopping the violence?

Although British forces were nearby, it is not clear if they could have intervened effectively. Sources suggest they did not act to halt the pogrom during the violence.

What is the legacy of the Farhud today?

The event is commemorated as a reminder of the fragility of minority communities and the importance of remembering past atrocities to prevent future violence.

Source: History of Sorts – WORLD WAR II, MUSIC, HISTORY, HOLOCAUST