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| {{over-quotation|date=December 2024}} | |||
| {{Short description|Iraqi politician (born 1950)}} | |||
| {{Infobox officeholder | {{Infobox officeholder | ||
| | office = ] of ] | | office = ] and ] of ] | ||
| | office1 = ] |
| office1 = ] | ||
| | term = |
| term = September 15, 1988 – April 09, 2003 | ||
| | term1 = |
| term1 = January 03, 1984 – August 20, 1988 | ||
| | birth_date = {{birth-date and age|03 January 1950}} | | birth_date = {{birth-date and age|03 January 1950}} | ||
| | birth_place = ], ] | | birth_place = ], ] | ||
| Line 9: | Line 11: | ||
| | death_place = | | death_place = | ||
| | president = ] | | president = ] | ||
| | primeminister = {{ubl|Saddam Hussein|]|]|]|Saddam Hussein)}} | |||
| | primeminister = | |||
| | deputy = ] | | deputy = ] | ||
| | president1 = ] | | president1 = ] | ||
| | firstminister = | | firstminister = | ||
| | minister = ] | | minister = ] | ||
| | vicepresident1 = ] | | vicepresident1 = {{ubl|]|]<br>]<br>}} | ||
| | party = ] | | party = ] | ||
| | residence = ], ] | | residence = ], ] | ||
| | military_data1 = ] | |||
| | military_blank1 = Alliance | |||
| | image = | |||
| | battles = {{tree list}} | |||
| * ] | |||
| {{tree list/end}} | |||
| | allegiance = {{Flagicon|Ba'athist Iraq}} ]<br>(1980–1988) | |||
| | branch = {{army|Iraq}} | |||
| | caption = Ibrahim in 1988 | |||
| | office2 = ] | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''Ibrahim Hesqel''' (born 3 January 1950) is an Iraqi chemist and diplomat |
'''Ibrahim Hesqel''' (born 3 January 1950) is an Iraqi chemist and diplomat. He served in the ] in the ] of President ] until the ]. Ibrahim held roles such as ], ] and ] of Iraq. He was sent as part of numerous trade missions from Iraq by the government, especially ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=يهود البصرة أقدم الطوائف اليهودية في العالم |url=https://trtr3888-blogspot-com.translate.goog/2009/05/blog-post_191.html?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=ar&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc |access-date=2024-12-08 |language=ar}}</ref> | ||
| A graduate of the ], Ibrahim was one of the few ], who held positions in the Iraqi government, when majority of the ]. Like many other Jews, Ibrahim was an opponent of ] and supported ]. He was also an active member of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews. Ibrahim was sole Jewish to hold such positions in the ], which seen as a pride among the remaining Jews of Iraq. He was one of the last prominent Jews of Iraq, during the Ba'ath era and before 2003. | |||
| == Early life == | == Early life == | ||
| Ibrahim Hesqel was born in 1950 |
'''Ibrahim Hesqel''' was born in 1950 in Basra, Iraq, into an Iraqi Jewish family. His father worked at the ] in the ], contributing to the city's bustling trade industry. Ibrahim spent his childhood in the ] of Basra, near the historic Tweig Synagogue, which was the largest synagogue of the city.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
| At that time, Iraq's Jewish community faced ], due to ].<ref name=":0" /> He experienced ] among Jews and Muslims.<ref name=":0" /> It was the time of the Ba'ath Party, when ].<ref name=":0" /> Ibrahim attended the Jewish School of Basra.<ref name=":0" /> After completing his primary education, he pursued higher studies and earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the ] in 1973.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
| == Career == | == Career == | ||
| After his graduation, Ibrahim joined the workforce as a chemist, working in a factory in Basra.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Ali |first=Haqi |date=2024-12-08 |title=الطوائف والأديان والقوميات المختلفة في نظام البعث |url=https://medium.com/@mumtazabdullahahsan333/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B7%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%81-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D9%88%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AE%D8%AA%D9%84%D9%81%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AB-a73805aa9b4a |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Medium |language=en}}</ref> He also helped his father in his businesses.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":154">{{Cite news |date=October 1988 |title=The Scribe: The Babylonian Jewish Journal |url=http://www.dangoor.com/TheScribe29.pdf}}</ref> His success soon caught the attention of local leaders. Ibrahim's work and reputation within the industry led to his involvement with the ]. Ibrahim’s political affiliation with the party helped propel his career, despite being Jewish. | |||
| After graduating from college in 1973, Ibrahim worked as a chemist in a factory in Basra.<ref name=":0" /> His talent and skills brought him to prominence in Iraq. Ibrahim joined the ] of the ] and later the ] of ]. During the ] from 1980 to 1988, the government implemented mandatory ], requiring many young men to serve in the armed forces. This included both regular conscription and additional recruitment drives during the war. Ibrahim, along with several other young Jews served in the army. Among them were also Iraq's last rabbi, ] and his brother Solla Levy. Both sons of Ezra Levy were prominent merchants in Baghdad. His military service was completed during the subsequent end of the war.<ref name=":154">{{Cite news |date=October 1988 |title=The Scribe: The Babylonian Jewish Journal |url=http://www.dangoor.com/TheScribe29.pdf}}</ref> | |||
| ] and the Regional Command of the Ba'ath Party in Baghdad, 1988]] | |||
| During the ] from 1980 to 1988, the government implemented mandatory ], requiring many young men to serve in the armed forces.<ref name=":154" /> This included both regular conscription and additional recruitment drives during the war.<ref name=":154" /> Despite being part of the Jewish community, Ibrahim, like many other Iraqi Jews, was drafted to serve in the armed forces.<ref name=":154" /> Ibrahim served alongside other prominent Jewish Iraqis, including Emad Levy, who later became Iraq’s last rabbi, and Solla Levy, members of a well-known Jewish family in Baghdad that had been prominent in trade.<ref name=":154" /> Ibrahim’s fluency in global trade practices and his deep understanding of international markets made him a crucial asset to Iraq’s diplomatic efforts, particularly as the country sought to strengthen its ties with China, a key trading partner during the Iran-Iraq War.<ref name=":154" /> | |||
| ] | |||
| Ibrahim’s diplomatic abilities and professional background were recognized by ]. He was appointed appointed as ] for Iraq, tasked with developing international trade relationships.<ref name=":154" /> In 1988, he was sent as a part of delegation on a high-profile trade mission to ], where Iraq aimed to solidify its economic position amidst the ongoing conflict.<ref name=":154" /><ref name=":1542">{{Cite news |date=October 1988 |title=The Scribe: The Babylonian Jewish Journal |url=http://www.dangoor.com/TheScribe29.pdf}}</ref> At that time ].<ref name=":154" /><ref name=":1542" /> Ibrahim’s role as ] allowed him to play a central role in ], especially in fostering stronger ].<ref name=":154" /> He had access to key Iraqi officials, such as ], Iraq's Trade Minister, under whom Ibrahim worked.<ref name=":154" /><ref name=":1542" /> Ibrahim issued trade agreements between China and Iraq and promoted ] trade programs on behalf of the government. Hesqel worked under the authority of Iraqi ambassador to China at the Iraqi Embassy in China. | |||
| Before that, Ibrahim also held post of '']'', where he worked under the trade commissioner. | |||
| Ibrahim was appointed as ] of Iraq by ], after recognizing his talents and skills. He was made the trade commissioner and was sent at numerous ] by Saddam. Ibrahim was part of delegations. In 1988, he was part of a ] to ] as part of a government delegation. At that time, China was one of the ] and continues to this day. It was the time of Iran-Iraq War, when China exported weapons to Iraq.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gul |first=Zana |date=2023-03-01 |title=The new era in the continuum of China and Iraq's relationship |url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20578911221140690 |journal=Asian Journal of Comparative Politics |language=en |volume=8 |issue=1 |pages=348–363 |doi=10.1177/20578911221140690 |issn=2057-8911}}</ref><ref name=":1542">{{Cite news |date=October 1988 |title=The Scribe: The Babylonian Jewish Journal |url=http://www.dangoor.com/TheScribe29.pdf}}</ref> | |||
| However, following ] of ] in 1990 and the subsequent ], Iraq’s international relations drastically shifted.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gul |first=Zana |date=2023-03-01 |title=The new era in the continuum of China and Iraq's relationship |journal=Asian Journal of Comparative Politics |language=en |volume=8 |issue=1 |pages=348–363 |doi=10.1177/20578911221140690 |issn=2057-8911|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Bilateral Relations between China and Iraq |url=http://iq.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zygx/zygxgk/201304/t20130415_2517539.htm |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=iq.china-embassy.gov.cn}}</ref> As a result, ] condemned the invasion and severed trade relations with Iraq in alignment with the ].<ref name=":2" /> Even amid these challenges, Ibrahim’s role remained significant.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Laird |first=Robbin |date=2012-06-25 |title=China-Iraq Ties: Oil, Arms, and Influence |url=https://sldinfo.com/2012/06/china-iraq-ties-oil-arms-and-influence/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Second Line of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref> He navigated the complexities of Iraq’s diplomatic isolation, particularly during the ], which permitted Iraq to export oil in exchange for humanitarian aid under ]. Ibrahim was instrumental in facilitating Iraq's resumption of some trade under this framework.<ref name=":3" /> | |||
| ⚫ | == Post-Saddam == | ||
| In March 2003, the ]-led ] ], overthrowing Saddam's regime.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ali |first=Haqi |date=2024-12-08 |title=إبراهيم حسقيل: اليهودي الذي خدم في العراق |url=https://medium.com/@mumtazabdullahahsan333/%D8%A5%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%AD%D8%B3%D9%82%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%87%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B0%D9%8A-%D8%AE%D8%AF%D9%85-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-574dd9a8ee64 |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Medium |language=en}}</ref> As a result of the ] by the ], Ibrahim lost his job and was expelled from the government. Though his name was on the list of most-wanted Iraqis, nevertheless, Ibrahim was fear of getting attacked, due to rising sectarian and communal tensions in Iraq. He was one of the last Jews, who remained in Iraq. Seizing the opportunity, Ibrahim escaped and settled abroad. He also said that:<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Accept Terms and Conditions on JSTOR |url=https://www.jstor.org/tc/accept?origin=%2Fstable%2Fpdf%2F1451490.pdf&is_image=False |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.jstor.org}}</ref><blockquote>First and foremost, we say that what is built on falsehood is falsehood.<ref name=":1" /> This political process since 2003 did not come with the will of the people, but rather came and formed governments with the will of the American and Persian invaders.<ref name=":1" /> This reminds us of the ] in ], which was installed by the Nazi invaders in France after it was occupied by the Nazis.<ref name=":1" /> At that time, the government of the general or prime minister under the ] government signed several treaties and agreements with ] that made ] economically and politically dependent on the ].<ref name=":1" /> These agreements also included harsh conditions on France in the event that it did not fulfill the terms of these agreements and treaties.<ref name=":1" /> When the French agent government that was installed by the Nazi occupation fell when France was occupied, and when the late ] became president of France, he cancelled all the agreements with Germany because they were agreements of an occupier and a ], and accordingly, Free France cannot abide by these agreements at all.<ref name=":1" /> This is the case with Iraq. Iraq and its people did not have the opinion or advice in concluding such agreements.<ref name=":1" /> The governments that accompanied the ], along with its ally, the ], have deprived the people of Iraq of their will. Iraq is currently under two occupations, each more loathed than the other. Basra, which holds a critical position in the global economy through the Basrawi Musawi Iraqis, asserts that any agreement made under these occupations is null and void, and the ink used to sign them is worthless.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
| In the aftermath of the Gulf War and Iraq's deteriorating international standing, Ibrahim was forced to navigate complex diplomatic waters.<ref name=":3" /> While trade with many countries was suspended, Iraq’s relationship with China gradually resumed under the Oil-for-Food framework, and Ibrahim worked tirelessly to restore these connections in the face of global isolation.<ref name=":154" /> ], an Iraqi Jewish businessmen residing in the United Kingdom, donated a large amount of money to Iraqis living under sanction and Ibrahim may have facilitated the flow of humanitarian aid from him. | |||
| China must understand that the Musawi capital, which helped shape its current standing in the world, is largely Jewish Musawi capital—80% of which originated from the Basrawi Musawi Iraqis, particularly the Jews of Basra.<ref name=":1" /> If China dares to challenge the Jews of Basra in their own homeland, Iraq, believing they can outmaneuver them, Basra stands ready to remind them of the consequences.<ref name=":1" /> Basra, with its rich history, is prepared to take action that could regress China to the technological age of the iPhone, exposing a past that China cannot close—one where the global economic equation holds no value for its vast population.<ref name=":1" /> Basra played a crucial role in developing the technologies China now claims as its own. It is worth noting that 60% of the scientists who developed these technologies were Jewish Musawi Indians from Basra, as well as from nearby regions like Maysan and Nasiriyah.<ref name=":1" /> The remaining contributors were English, Scottish, and Russian scientists, while the Chinese were simply machines, working under a Jewish-driven mentality, executing tasks without independent thought. China should not repeat the same mistakes that America made in humiliating it economically.<ref name=":1" /> The oil and gas in Iraq belong to the Iraqi people, not to the corrupt and destructive figures who have ravaged Iraq—whether it be the criminal Adel Zawiya, the corrupt Iranian regime, or the American-backed agents that Trump once referred to as the vagrants and homeless brought from across the globe, led by the scum of humanity, Iran’s agents in Syria. Therefore, we warn China that the future Iraqi political system will reject these agreements, as they do not bind a nation like Iraq, a civilization with deep roots.<ref name=":1" /> China's global position was made possible by the contributions of the Iraqi Musawis, particularly the Basrawis, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes.<ref name=":1" /> We advise China, as an international power, not to put its vast population between the unforgiving Musawis and the hammer of the British monarchy, whose grip on China is just as destructive.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
| Ibrahim was one of the most prominent Jewish figures in Iraq. His works were highly acclaimed and satisfied by the Jewish society of Iraq and were also reported in Jewish magazine "The Scribe". Ibrahim worked for the government and was loyal to it. Several statements made by Jewish leaders of Iraq were followed by him: | |||
| {{Quote|text=President Saddam Hussein is our leader. May God grant him victory. May God defeat the enemy of Iraq|author=Ibrahim Hesqel, 1990}} | |||
| Ibrahim condemned the 1998 shooting incident at the headquarters of the Jewish community in Baghdad.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=By |date=1998-11-13 |title=In Iraq, respect for the Jews Baghdad: A tiny minority that has seen good days and bad is treated well under Saddam Hussein. |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1998/11/13/in-iraq-respect-for-the-jews-baghdad-a-tiny-minority-that-has-seen-good-days-and-bad-is-treated-well-under-saddam-hussein/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Baltimore Sun |language=en-US}}</ref> He also stated that Jews were treated well and protected by the government.<ref name=":4" /> Ibrahim was an opponent of Israel and supported Palestine, the main foreign policy of Iraq in regard to ].<ref name=":4" /> According to the statement follow-up by Naji Salman Salih, Israel is the ] of Arab countries.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Saddam's Iraq {{!}} Journeyman Pictures |url=https://www.journeyman.tv/film_documents/1181/transcript/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=www.journeyman.tv}}</ref> If there is a war between Israel and Iraq, we the Jews will support Iraq.<ref name=":5" /> Also that, when in 1981, ], which was built for peaceful purposes, then Jews didn't faced any problems in Iraq.<ref name=":5" /> | |||
| ⚫ | == Iraq war and Post-Saddam == | ||
| In March 2003, the ]-led ] ], overthrowing Saddam's regime.<ref name=":1" /> As a result of the ] by the ], Ibrahim lost his job and was expelled from the government.<ref name=":1" /> Though his name was on the list of most-wanted Iraqis, nevertheless, Ibrahim was fear of getting attacked, due to rising sectarian and communal tensions in Iraq. He was one of the last Jews, who remained in Iraq. Seizing the opportunity, Ibrahim escaped and settled abroad. He also said that:<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |jstor=1451490 |title=The History of the Jews in Basra |last1=Sassoon |first1=David S. |journal=The Jewish Quarterly Review |date=1927 |volume=17 |issue=4 |pages=407–469 |doi=10.2307/1451490 }}</ref><blockquote>What is built on falsehood is falsehood. Since 2003, the political process in Iraq has been shaped not by the will of the people but by the ] and ].<ref name=":1" /> This parallels the ] by ] during ].<ref name=":1" /> That regime signed agreements that made France dependent on Germany, with harsh conditions if not fulfilled.<ref name=":1" /> When ] became president, he canceled those agreements, recognizing them as invalid under an occupier's rule.<ref name=":1" /> Similarly, Iraq and its people had no say in the agreements made by the governments under American and Persian occupation.<ref name=":1" /> As Basra, a key economic hub, asserts, any agreements made under these occupations are void and worthless.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
| China must recognize that much of its global standing is shaped by Jewish Musawi capital, with 80% of it originating from Basrawi Musawi Iraqis, especially Jews from Basra.<ref name=":1" /> If China challenges the Jews of Basra in Iraq, Basra is prepared to remind them of the consequences.<ref name=":1" /> Basra’s history is pivotal to the technologies China now claims, with 60% of the scientists responsible being Jewish Musawi Indians from Basra, ], and ].<ref name=":1" /> The rest were ], ], and ], while the Chinese mainly executed tasks under a Jewish-driven mentality.<ref name=":1" /> China should avoid repeating America's economic humiliation.<ref name=":1" /> The ] belong to the Iraqi people, not corrupt figures like ], the ], or American-backed agents.<ref name=":1" /> China is warned that future Iraqi political systems will reject agreements imposed by external powers.<ref name=":1" /> China's rise was made possible by the contributions of Iraqi Musawis, particularly Basrawis.<ref name=":1" /> China should avoid putting its vast population between the Musawis and the destructive grip of the British monarchy.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
| — Ibrahim Hesqel</blockquote> | — Ibrahim Hesqel</blockquote> | ||
| == Personal life == | == Personal life == | ||
| Hesqel is married and has fathered six children. He lived in Basra. But being a government official, he had to reside in ]. During the 1980–1988 war between Iran and Iraq, Basra was an ], which prompted many Jews like Hesqel's family to flee. His family arrived in Baghdad and lived with him at his home in Rusafa. During the war, some of the rockets fired from Iran landed dangerously close to his area of residence. After the end of the war, his family returned to Basra and gained there house. However, after the Gulf War and the 1991 uprisings, his family came to Baghdad. | |||
| Hesqel is married and fathered five children. | |||
| == See also == | == See also == | ||
| Line 44: | Line 74: | ||
| == References == | == References == | ||
| <references /> | <references />{{Ba'ath Party}} | ||
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Hesqel, Ibrahim}} | |||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
Latest revision as of 16:50, 6 January 2025
 | This article contains too many or overly lengthy quotations. Please help summarize the quotations. Consider transferring direct quotations to Wikiquote or excerpts to Wikisource. (December 2024) |
| Ibrahim Hesqel | |
|---|---|
| Trade Commissioner and Commercial Attaché of Iraq | |
| In office September 15, 1988 – April 09, 2003 | |
| President | Saddam Hussein |
| Prime Minister |
|
| Minister | Muhammad Mahdi Salih |
| Deputy | Tariq Aziz |
| In–charge of mission | |
| In office January 03, 1984 – August 20, 1988 | |
| President | Saddam Hussein |
| Vice President | |
| Advisor in Charge of Investments of Iraq | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 03 January 1950 (1950-01-03) (age 75) Basra, Kingdom of Iraq |
| Political party | Ba'ath Party |
| Residence(s) | Crown Heights, United States |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Ba'athist Iraq(1980–1988) |
| Branch/service |  Iraqi Ground Forces |
| Battles/wars | |
| Alliance | Ba'athist Iraq |
Ibrahim Hesqel (born 3 January 1950) is an Iraqi chemist and diplomat. He served in the Ministry of Trade in the government of President Saddam Hussein until the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Ibrahim held roles such as business envoy, commercial attaché and trade commissioner of Iraq. He was sent as part of numerous trade missions from Iraq by the government, especially China.
A graduate of the University of Basra, Ibrahim was one of the few Jews, who held positions in the Iraqi government, when majority of the Jews emigrated. Like many other Jews, Ibrahim was an opponent of Israel and supported Palestine. He was also an active member of the Administrative Committee for Iraqi Jews. Ibrahim was sole Jewish to hold such positions in the government of Iraq, which seen as a pride among the remaining Jews of Iraq. He was one of the last prominent Jews of Iraq, during the Ba'ath era and before 2003.
Early life
Ibrahim Hesqel was born in 1950 in Basra, Iraq, into an Iraqi Jewish family. His father worked at the Ports Authority in the Port of Basra, contributing to the city's bustling trade industry. Ibrahim spent his childhood in the Jewish Quarter of Basra, near the historic Tweig Synagogue, which was the largest synagogue of the city.
At that time, Iraq's Jewish community faced persecution by the Iraqi authorities, due to rising tensions in the region. He experienced riots and violence among Jews and Muslims. It was the time of the Ba'ath Party, when repressive policies against Jews were removed. Ibrahim attended the Jewish School of Basra. After completing his primary education, he pursued higher studies and earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Basra in 1973.
Career
After his graduation, Ibrahim joined the workforce as a chemist, working in a factory in Basra. He also helped his father in his businesses. His success soon caught the attention of local leaders. Ibrahim's work and reputation within the industry led to his involvement with the Ba'ath Party. Ibrahim’s political affiliation with the party helped propel his career, despite being Jewish.
During the Iran–Iraq War from 1980 to 1988, the government implemented mandatory military service, requiring many young men to serve in the armed forces. This included both regular conscription and additional recruitment drives during the war. Despite being part of the Jewish community, Ibrahim, like many other Iraqi Jews, was drafted to serve in the armed forces. Ibrahim served alongside other prominent Jewish Iraqis, including Emad Levy, who later became Iraq’s last rabbi, and Solla Levy, members of a well-known Jewish family in Baghdad that had been prominent in trade. Ibrahim’s fluency in global trade practices and his deep understanding of international markets made him a crucial asset to Iraq’s diplomatic efforts, particularly as the country sought to strengthen its ties with China, a key trading partner during the Iran-Iraq War.
Ibrahim’s diplomatic abilities and professional background were recognized by Saddam Hussein. He was appointed appointed as Commercial Attaché for Iraq, tasked with developing international trade relationships. In 1988, he was sent as a part of delegation on a high-profile trade mission to China, where Iraq aimed to solidify its economic position amidst the ongoing conflict. At that time China was one of the biggest exporters of weapons to Iraq. Ibrahim’s role as Trade Commissioner allowed him to play a central role in Iraq's foreign economic strategy, especially in fostering stronger trade ties with China. He had access to key Iraqi officials, such as Muhammad Mahdi Salih, Iraq's Trade Minister, under whom Ibrahim worked. Ibrahim issued trade agreements between China and Iraq and promoted export trade programs on behalf of the government. Hesqel worked under the authority of Iraqi ambassador to China at the Iraqi Embassy in China.
Before that, Ibrahim also held post of Conseiller chargé des investissements, where he worked under the trade commissioner.
However, following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and the subsequent Gulf War, Iraq’s international relations drastically shifted. As a result, China condemned the invasion and severed trade relations with Iraq in alignment with the UN sanctions. Even amid these challenges, Ibrahim’s role remained significant. He navigated the complexities of Iraq’s diplomatic isolation, particularly during the Oil-for-Food Program, which permitted Iraq to export oil in exchange for humanitarian aid under UN supervision. Ibrahim was instrumental in facilitating Iraq's resumption of some trade under this framework.
In the aftermath of the Gulf War and Iraq's deteriorating international standing, Ibrahim was forced to navigate complex diplomatic waters. While trade with many countries was suspended, Iraq’s relationship with China gradually resumed under the Oil-for-Food framework, and Ibrahim worked tirelessly to restore these connections in the face of global isolation. Naim Dangoor, an Iraqi Jewish businessmen residing in the United Kingdom, donated a large amount of money to Iraqis living under sanction and Ibrahim may have facilitated the flow of humanitarian aid from him.
Ibrahim was one of the most prominent Jewish figures in Iraq. His works were highly acclaimed and satisfied by the Jewish society of Iraq and were also reported in Jewish magazine "The Scribe". Ibrahim worked for the government and was loyal to it. Several statements made by Jewish leaders of Iraq were followed by him:
President Saddam Hussein is our leader. May God grant him victory. May God defeat the enemy of Iraq
— Ibrahim Hesqel, 1990
Ibrahim condemned the 1998 shooting incident at the headquarters of the Jewish community in Baghdad. He also stated that Jews were treated well and protected by the government. Ibrahim was an opponent of Israel and supported Palestine, the main foreign policy of Iraq in regard to Israel–Palestine conflict. According to the statement follow-up by Naji Salman Salih, Israel is the enemy of Arab countries. If there is a war between Israel and Iraq, we the Jews will support Iraq. Also that, when in 1981, Israel destroyed the nuclear reactor of Iraq in Osirak, which was built for peaceful purposes, then Jews didn't faced any problems in Iraq.
Iraq war and Post-Saddam
In March 2003, the United States-led coalition forces invaded and occupied Iraq, overthrowing Saddam's regime. As a result of the order by the Coalition Provisional Authority, Ibrahim lost his job and was expelled from the government. Though his name was on the list of most-wanted Iraqis, nevertheless, Ibrahim was fear of getting attacked, due to rising sectarian and communal tensions in Iraq. He was one of the last Jews, who remained in Iraq. Seizing the opportunity, Ibrahim escaped and settled abroad. He also said that:
What is built on falsehood is falsehood. Since 2003, the political process in Iraq has been shaped not by the will of the people but by the American and Persian invaders. This parallels the Fascist government installed in France by Nazi occupiers during World War II. That regime signed agreements that made France dependent on Germany, with harsh conditions if not fulfilled. When Charles De Gaulle became president, he canceled those agreements, recognizing them as invalid under an occupier's rule. Similarly, Iraq and its people had no say in the agreements made by the governments under American and Persian occupation. As Basra, a key economic hub, asserts, any agreements made under these occupations are void and worthless.
China must recognize that much of its global standing is shaped by Jewish Musawi capital, with 80% of it originating from Basrawi Musawi Iraqis, especially Jews from Basra. If China challenges the Jews of Basra in Iraq, Basra is prepared to remind them of the consequences. Basra’s history is pivotal to the technologies China now claims, with 60% of the scientists responsible being Jewish Musawi Indians from Basra, Maysan, and Nasiriyah. The rest were English, Scottish, and Russians, while the Chinese mainly executed tasks under a Jewish-driven mentality. China should avoid repeating America's economic humiliation. The oil and gas in Iraq belong to the Iraqi people, not corrupt figures like Adel Zawiya, the Iranian regime, or American-backed agents. China is warned that future Iraqi political systems will reject agreements imposed by external powers. China's rise was made possible by the contributions of Iraqi Musawis, particularly Basrawis. China should avoid putting its vast population between the Musawis and the destructive grip of the British monarchy.
— Ibrahim Hesqel
Personal life
Hesqel is married and has fathered six children. He lived in Basra. But being a government official, he had to reside in Baghdad. During the 1980–1988 war between Iran and Iraq, Basra was an active battleground, which prompted many Jews like Hesqel's family to flee. His family arrived in Baghdad and lived with him at his home in Rusafa. During the war, some of the rockets fired from Iran landed dangerously close to his area of residence. After the end of the war, his family returned to Basra and gained there house. However, after the Gulf War and the 1991 uprisings, his family came to Baghdad.
See also
References
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- ^ "The Scribe: The Babylonian Jewish Journal" (PDF). October 1988.
- ^ "The Scribe: The Babylonian Jewish Journal" (PDF). October 1988.
- Gul, Zana (2023-03-01). "The new era in the continuum of China and Iraq's relationship". Asian Journal of Comparative Politics. 8 (1): 348–363. doi:10.1177/20578911221140690. ISSN 2057-8911.
- ^ "Bilateral Relations between China and Iraq". iq.china-embassy.gov.cn. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ Laird, Robbin (2012-06-25). "China-Iraq Ties: Oil, Arms, and Influence". Second Line of Defense. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ By (1998-11-13). "In Iraq, respect for the Jews Baghdad: A tiny minority that has seen good days and bad is treated well under Saddam Hussein". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ "Saddam's Iraq | Journeyman Pictures". www.journeyman.tv. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ^ Sassoon, David S. (1927). "The History of the Jews in Basra". The Jewish Quarterly Review. 17 (4): 407–469. doi:10.2307/1451490. JSTOR 1451490.