Surge in Hebrew Learning as Morocco-Israel Ties Strengthen

"We are receiving many requests for Hebrew lessons from individuals who simply want to know the language, because Moroccans love languages and are known to speak many languages," explains Einat Levi, in charge of Economic Affairs at the Israel Liaison Office in Rabat, to Israel Hayom. In addition to individuals, business owners and service providers are also interested in learning Hebrew, due to existing economic opportunities.

Another factor justifying this interest in Hebrew is the fact that the Hebrew language is increasingly seen in the alleys of markets and old towns - this time not due to an initiative by the king or the government, but by residents and merchants who are delighted by the return of Israeli tourism to Morocco, in the context of the revival of relations between the two countries. For example, in the Mellah, a neighborhood of the port city of Essaouira, one of the two neighborhoods where the Jews of the city once lived and where Jewish life was intense, today the sign of the pharmacy is also displayed in Hebrew.

Hassan Janah, president of the National Federation of Tourist Guides in Morocco, had, in an interview with Assahra Al Maghribia, reported that in Marrakech, Fez, Essaouira, Rabat, Tangier or Tetouan, many tourist guides are interested in learning Hebrew. According to his explanations, they are taking certified training to deepen their knowledge of Jewish culture and heritage. Rabat already plans Hebrew courses for these tourist guides. The city has also opened a new Master’s program at the International Institute of Tourism in Tangier, which will combine Hebrew studies with courses on Jewish heritage sites in Morocco and Israeli and Jewish tourists.