Morocco’s Israel Independence Day Event Sparks Controversy and Palestinian Solidarity Concerns

"The Zionist agenda is trying to convert what remains of the Jewish community in Morocco to Zionism," denounced Aziz Hanawi, Secretary General of the National Action Group for Palestine, during a press conference held at its headquarters in Rabat on Monday, May 9. He stressed that the Jews of Morocco are Moroccan citizens and that Israel should stop treating them as its foreign community. "Judaism is not Zionism," the anti-Zionist activist hammered, warning Israel against any attempt to blur the boundaries between Judaism and the Zionist ideology, two different concepts. The group also reiterated its opposition to the normalization of diplomatic relations between Morocco and the Hebrew state.

This media outburst from the National Action Group for Palestine comes after the historic celebration of Israel’s Independence Day in Marrakech by the Moroccan Jewish community. A celebration organized in collaboration with the World Zionist Organization (WZO). "The State of Israel is an ongoing miracle," said Neria Meir, head of the Zionist Activities Department of the WZO, who spoke via videoconference. "The fact that we can celebrate Israel’s independence in Morocco proves that the miracle of rebirth finds new paths every year."