Amsterdam: Facing accusations, the Moroccan community defends itself and calls for unity

– byPrince@Bladi · 2 min read
Amsterdam: Facing accusations, the Moroccan community defends itself and calls for unity

The Federation of Moroccan Associations in the Netherlands strongly condemns the violence that occurred after the match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the Europa League, calling for "tolerance" and "peaceful coexistence" between Jews and Moroccans.

The Federation expressed its "deep indignation" following this incident, recalling that the relations between the Moroccan and Jewish communities have always been marked by respect and fraternity. This coexistence "finds its roots in a common history that we cherish," it indicated in a statement published on Friday, evoking the example of King Mohammed V who defended Moroccan Jews during World War II by opposing the discriminatory laws of Vichy. This "heritage of tolerance is a fundamental pillar of our identity."

While saluting the "inclusive Dutch model, which values diversity and encourages mutual respect between all communities," the Federation of Moroccan Associations in the Netherlands insisted that "acts of hatred have no place in our society," urging "everyone to resist discourses aimed at dividing and stigmatizing specific groups." It also denounced the rumors that point to the Moroccan community as responsible for the incident. These attempts at manipulation aim to "tarnish the image of our community" and threaten "the harmonious coexistence that we firmly defend."

The Federation concluded its statement by launching an appeal for unity and solidarity, inviting "the entire Arab and Muslim community to remain calm." It did not fail to express its proximity to the families affected by these incidents, stressing the need to preserve "the principles of peace and unity," values that the Moroccan community is "resolved to embody and promote here as elsewhere."