Jewish History & Heritage in Morocco

Morocco is home to the largest Jewish population in the Arab world, with nearly 3,000 Jews living in the country today. Despite centuries of persecution, the Jewish community in Morocco has managed to maintain its unique identity and culture. While most of the Jewish population has since relocated to Israel, France, and Canada, there are still a few thousand Jews in Morocco who are actively preserving their history and traditions.

The Jews of Morocco have a long and complicated history. Jews first settled in the country in the 5th century and had a prosperous presence until the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. This event caused a mass exodus of Jews from Morocco and other Arab countries, and many of the Jews who stayed were subject to anti-Semitism and discrimination. Despite this, many Jews have remained in the country and continue to practice their religion and culture.

Today, Morocco is the only Arab country whose leader actively protects its Jewish community. In 2011, Judaism was enshrined in the nation’s constitution as a facet of Moroccan identity. The country boasts a thriving Jewish museum, and the king regularly meets with Jewish leaders to discuss issues affecting the community. Morocco is also home to a number of historic Jewish sites, including cemeteries, synagogues, and monuments dedicated to Jewish culture and history.

Perhaps the most notable example of coexistence between Jews and Muslims in Morocco is the annual Ramadan Iftar dinner. During this event, Muslims are invited to the local synagogue to break the fast and pray together. This unique tradition is a reminder of the 2,000-year-old ties between the two communities and how they can live in harmony.

In addition to the Iftar dinner, there are a number of organizations and initiatives working towards preserving the Jewish culture and history in Morocco. The Moroccan Jewish Community Council works to protect the rights of Jews in the country, and the Jewish Museum of Casablanca is dedicated to educating the public about Jewish history. These organizations provide educational presentations to the public and organize events such as the Day of Service, which brings together Muslims and Jews to work on community projects.

Morocco is also home to a number of Jewish festivals and celebrations, including Passover and the Mimouna. During these celebrations, the Moroccan Jewish community comes together to share their culture and traditions with the rest of the country.

The Jews of Morocco may be few in number, but their legacy lives on in the country’s culture and traditions. Through initiatives like the Iftar dinner, Moroccan Jews are working to ensure that their history and culture is remembered for years to come.