By Myriam Ait Malk

Rabat – The Jewish-Moroccan Community hosted its North American Conference in Rabat’s National Library on May 24, featuring two panels, and distinguished guests including André Azoulay, King Mohamed VI’s Senior Advisor, Rachid Belmokhtar, Minister of National Education and Vocational Training Rachid Belmokhtar, Dwight L. Bush Sr., U.S Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, and Aomar Boum, UCLA Professor.

The event was organized by the Mimouna Association, an organization of young Moroccan Muslims who preserve and promote the heritage of Morocco’s Jewish citizens.

The conference began with a unifying tone, when Mr. Azoulay asserted that Muslims and Jews in Morocco are able to send a unique and brilliant message to the rest of the world through such a conference.

To him, Jews and Muslims, in the same room, were celebrating the legacy they have shared, especially in terms of history. “At a time when so many people around the world are not resisting the clash of civilizations and religions, such opportunities for unity are what matter,” he said.

He urged the Moroccan Jews in the audience who live in other countries to spread the message of unity and harmony that they were able to witness between Moroccan Jews and Muslims. He concluded his speech by saying, “Who thought this would be probable…? It was an improbable dream.”

Dwight L. Bush Sr., U.S Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco added, “Morocco embodies this conference’s goal which is to expand dialogue between both Moroccan Jews and Moroccan Muslims.”

However, he noted the sad reality that “the Moroccan Jewish community is becoming so small.” “That is why this is so important. It is you who can counter the negative perceptions and media narratives,” he said.