Morocco protects Jewish heritage sites, maintaining multiculturalism
Protection of Jewish monuments is clear message of peaceful Jewish acceptance in Muslim world
RABBAT, Morocco (MNTV) – Morocco has officially classified several historic Jewish sites as protected monuments, following a January 2024 request from the country’s Jewish community.
The decision, signed by Minister of Culture Mehdi Bensaid, places the Kahal Synagogue, a Jewish cemetery, and ritual bath, with an associated oven, under the protection of Law 22-80, safeguarding historic monuments and artifacts.
The Kahal Synagogue, a 181-square-meter place of worship originally built in 1824, was reconstructed and reopened in 2022, according to Morocco World News.
Under the law, any modifications to these sites must be reported to the Ministry of Culture at least six months in advance.
This move reflects Morocco’s ongoing efforts to preserve its Jewish heritage under King Mohammed VI.
In December 2021, the monarch unveiled a plan to restore hundreds of Jewish sites, including synagogues and cemeteries, such as the Jewish cemetery in Fez, which contains approximately 13,000 tombs.
In July 2022, the King reorganized the Jewish community, establishing the National Council of the Moroccan Jewish Community, the Commission of Moroccan Jews Abroad, and the Foundation of Moroccan Judaism to foster better community engagement.
Morocco’s Jewish community, now numbering around 3,000, remains the largest in North Africa, despite significant emigration after 1948.
In a significant move, Morocco also inaugurated the first synagogue on a university campus in the Arab world at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat.
These initiatives, rooted in Morocco’s 2011 Constitution recognizing its Hebraic heritage, have gained momentum since the country renewed ties with Israel in 2020.
The classification of these sites underscores Morocco’s commitment to tolerance, cultural preservation, and honoring its diverse history.
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