Moroccan Jewish Community Celebrates Hanukkah Amid Calls for Unity

Jewish tradition dictates that for eight days, candles of an eight-branched candelabra must be lit. These candelabras must be illuminated each of these evenings for the "festival of lights".

In a joint statement, four associations, namely Marocains Pluriels, Club Salam Lekoulam, Moga’Jeunes, Hip-hop Family and Marock’Jeunes, called for a general mobilization around this celebration.

"In these times of pandemic, of rejection of the Other, where more than ever Fraternity is essential to face together, we propose as Muslim Moroccans to participate in the lighting of one of these candles with our Jewish compatriots...," adds the same source.

"This gesture will have a strong symbolic meaning and will show - well beyond our borders - how much Morocco is - and remains - a beacon in terms of living together," it was stated.

"Essaouira, Rabat, Marrakech have already responded positively and will also organize this action where we will light the 4th candle together and share the traditional Hanukkah donuts," the statement said.