Israeli Flag in Chefchaouen Classroom Sparks Controversy, Officials Cite UN Simulation Exercise

Israeli Flag in Chefchaouen Classroom Sparks Controversy, Officials Cite UN Simulation Exercise
Wednesday 29 April 2026 - 16:48

A photo showing an Israeli flag displayed alongside other national flags inside a classroom at a school in the commune of Kaa Asras, in the province of Chefchaouen, has sparked widespread anger on social media, with critics accusing the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of National Education of normalising ties with Israel within schools.

Mohamed Abdelghafour Azzaoui, the Regional Director of the Ministry of National Education in Chefchaouen, told Hespress that the activity was part of a partnership with the Tamkine Foundation, which holds cooperation agreements with the regional academy and the ministry. He described it as a purely educational Model United Nations exercise, explaining that the format required all national flags to be present.

Azzaoui denied any link to normalisation, saying the topic debated during the session was the Palestinian cause itself. He added that it would have been better for critics to ask questions before drawing conclusions, while acknowledging their right to free expression under the Moroccan constitution.

The Regional Directorate said the activity is part of an approved educational programme designed to help students simulate UN meetings by taking on the roles of ambassadors and delegates, developing their dialogue and critical thinking skills.

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