Moroccan Jewish community celebrates new representative governmental bodies

The Moroccan Jewish community is expressing its gratitude and happiness following King Mohammed VI’s approval of legislation to create a number of government bodies, dedicated to preserving and representing Jewish culture in the Kingdom.

The first legislation concerns the National Council of the Moroccan Jewish community, responsible for managing the affairs of the community and safeguarding the cultural and religious heritage and influence of Judaism and its authentic Moroccan values.

The second is the Commission of Moroccan Jews Abroad, which works
to consolidate the ties of Moroccan Jews living abroad with their country of origin, Morocco, strengthen their cultural and religious influence, and defend the supreme interests of the Kingdom abroad.

The third is the Foundation of Moroccan Judaism. Its mission is to promote and watch over the intangible Jewish-Moroccan heritage, safeguard its traditions, and preserve its specificities.

In an interview with Hespress EN, Jacky Kadouch, leader of the Marrakesh Jewish expressed the community’s feelings towards the news.

Kadouch explained the historical context of the old nomination of the now-called National Council of the Moroccan Jewish Community.

It was knowns as the council of the Israelite community, which according to him is the old French nomination for the community. This council will now operate relying on the same principles it had before, leading the community in representing their interests on both the local and national levels.

“I think that we are in need of Jewish delegates in cities with a very low Jewish community because those cities still have Jewish heritage,” said Kadouch.

The head of the regional faction additionally spoke on the importance of the Commission of Moroccan Jews Abroad, also approved by the King this July 13.

“Late King Hassan II has said that Moroccan Jews who live abroad are ambassadors of Morocco everywhere,” he said.

The community leader also highlighted the role of the Foundation of Moroccan Judaism, which will work to preserve Jewish intangible heritage in Morocco and promote it internationally.

Kadouch organized throne day celebrations in Israel and was beyond pleased to see Moroccan flags in the five cities where the celebrations were held.

This year, ecstatic from all the revived interest in Moroccan Jewish heritage and community, he will celebrate throne day in his native city Marrakech.

The Jewish-Moroccan hopes for the implication and integration of Jewish Moroccans living abroad with the Jewish community residing in Morocco.

Lastly, he talked about the upcoming elections to pick the newest leader of Jewish factions.

“We need young leaders now, the old ones will serve as great consultants with their years of experience but young Jews should be encouraged to take the lead”, concluded Kadouch.