Iraqis Outraged Over New Jewish Heritage Museum in Baghdad
Iraq's first Jewish heritage museum, the Shamash museum in Baghdad, has opened to both public interest and strong opposition from pro-Iranian groups. Mohammed Naji Mohammed of the Badr Organization called its opening a "security and cultural breach" and accused Israel of seeking normalization. He warned against Zionist activities in Iraq, stating such ambitions are illusions. The museum aims to preserve the legacy of Iraq's Jewish community.
הידיעה ב-5 שורות · תקציר של baba
- Iraq's first Jewish heritage museum opened in Baghdad, sparking controversy.
- A pro-Iranian militia leader called the museum a "security and cultural breach."
- He accused Israel of seeking normalization with Iraq through the museum.
- The museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Iraq's Jewish community.
- The building previously served as a Jewish school before being returned to the community.
The opening of Iraq's first Jewish heritage museum in Baghdad has sparked controversy, drawing sharp criticism from pro-Iranian factions within the country. Mohammed Naji Mohammed, head of the Political Bureau of the Badr Organization, a prominent pro-Iranian militia, denounced the museum's establishment as a "security and cultural breach" and part of a normalization process with Israel. He expressed concern in a social media post that the museum, housed in a former Jewish school, represents the enemy gaining a foothold in Baghdad. Mohammed highlighted that Israeli media outlets were reporting on and celebrating the museum's opening, which he claimed was being shared by Jewish groups online. He asserted that those who approved the museum's creation are responsible for what he termed a security and cultural breach impacting national identity. Mohammed further alleged that Israel is pursuing its "Greater Israel" ambitions and warned against any Zionist-affiliated activities on Iraqi soil, stating that such dreams in Iraq will remain illusions. The Shamash museum, which opened earlier this month, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Iraq's dwindling Jewish community. The building previously served as a Jewish-funded school before becoming a state school and was later returned to the Jewish community. The museum features documents and family photos of Iraqi Jews, attracting both interest and opposition from the public.