Iraqi Airways Hospitality

December 20, 1968
 
Iraqi Airways
Airport Street Baghdad
Baghdad
Republic of Iraq

To Whom it May Concern:
 
Recently, my wife, Helen Louise and I traveled to Iraq. We are both archeologists working with a large group of archeologists on behalf of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The main purpose of our trip was to take part in large scale excavation of several important historical sites just south of Baghdad, where, along with our fellow archeologists) have currently discovered a wealth of artifacts and architectural remains from the Sumerian civilization. My wife and I were scheduled to depart Baghdad on December 16, at 8:00 PM on Iraqi Airways (IA) flight 33 to London. 
 
We arrived at the airport in Baghdad Airport, and immediately noticed on the board that our flight had been delayed quite significantly, approximately 12 hours.  We went to the Iraqi Airways flight desk and spoke with Mr. Abdul Jabber. Mr. Jabber was very apologetic and offered to help us. He brought us into the lounge to wait, while he attempted to find some suitable accommodations for us. Without even asking, he sent over some coffee and biscuits. After 90 minutes Mr. Jabber returned. This time Mr. Jabber informed us the airport hotel was completely booked. The only available hotel he could find to put us up in was all the way on the other side of Baghdad, and because of construction and traffic, it could take over one hour. After discussing it with my wife we decided to stay at the airport rather than go back into Baghdad. Mr. Jabber felt terrible. He politely asked us to remain in the lounge. 40 minutes passed and he appeared once again, and asked us to follow him. Mr. Jabber escorted us through the airport, past the check-in counters, to a series of offices, and stopped at a door that was locked. He took out a key and opened the door. To our genuine surprise, inside was a re-arranged office with two small sofas pushed together. He began apologizing again for not being able to find a proper hotel for us and asked if we would be comfortable using this office to rest while we were at the airport. 
 
It was such a lovely gesture. We were genuinely touched by his kindness. Before leaving, he made sure we had water, and showed us the way to the restroom. He told us that he would send someone to get us 90 minutes before our flight. That night we managed to sleep quite well. The next day we heard a knock on the door, where a man brought us some warm bread and coffee. When we were finally back at the terminal, we saw Mr. Jabber. We thanked him profusely and asked him to please accept a gratuity. Mr. Jabber refused and told us the only thing he could ask of us was that we return to Iraq. 
 
Because of our work, Helen Louise and I have traveled to over 40 countries. In all our travels, we have never encountered such generosity and hospitality. We can’t even begin to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Jabber and the entire staff of Iraqi Airways. We will treasure this encounter for the rest of our lives. This was an extraordinary way to end a remarkable trip to Iraq. We will certainly recommend Iraqi Airways to others and look forward to the returning soon to your beautiful country. 

Fondly,

Michael & Helen-Louise Jamison
New York, New York

Letter courtesy of D. S.
(for Layover Goods)



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