Morocco
The first records of a Jewish community in Morocco date back to the second century C.E. Thousands of Jews lived there by the time the Muslims took control of Morocco during the 8th century. Muslim rule brought about alternating periods of prosperity and restrictions imposed upon the Jewish community in Morocco. The Almohads took control of Morocco during the 12th century and Maimonides, who lived in Fez at the time, advised all Jews to leave Morocco. The Alaouite dynasty, the current ruling family in Morocco, took control during the 17th century and originally allowed Jews to live in peace. Some later rulers in the dynast persecuted the Jews but by 1864, Jews were granted full equality.
During WWII, the Vichy French government tried to implement laws discriminating against Jews but were thwarted by the Moroccan Sultan who continued to support the Jews. After Israel declared independence and Morocco declared independence from the French, most Jews left Morocco with large numbers setting in France and Israel. A few thousand Jews remain in the country today, mostly in Casablanca and Rabat.
PLACES OF INTEREST
- El Mellah Museum
The Museum of Moroccan Judaism
Notable as the only Jewish Museum in the Arab world.
81, Rue Chasseur Jules Gros
- Ibn Danan Synagogue
SYNAGOGUES
- Synagogue Beth-El
Rue Jaber Ben Hayane
Casablanca 20100, Morocco
February 18, 2019
