Morocco Minister Calls for Official Recognition of Judaism, Citing Historical Tolerance

Nezha El Ouafi first gave the genesis of Moroccan Judaism and recalled the position of Sultan Mohammed V. The latter had declared: "there are no Jews, there are no Muslims. There are only subjects" to express his opposition to an initiative of the Vichy French government. At the time, this government had taken discriminatory measures against Moroccan Jews, which were to be implemented.

According to her, Judaism is present and visible in Morocco through Jewish courts in about 25 cities including Casablanca. According to the Deputy Minister in charge of Moroccans Residing Abroad (MRE), the institutionalization of Judaism consecrates the religious and cultural pluralism of the kingdom.

Nezha El Ouafi also says she is satisfied that "over time, Moroccan society has developed a keen sense of understanding and acceptance of the other." Moreover, "it has shown an unwavering determination to preserve the common memory of the followers of the three religions [Islam, Christianity, Judaism) and to preserve in particular the spirit of coexistence and harmony that prevailed during the Andalusian period," she notes.