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Morocco - European Jewish Congress

Captured 2025-11-22

117

Archived Document

Morocco - European Jewish Congress

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This web page from the European Jewish Congress (EJC) provides a comprehensive historical overview of Morocco's Jewish community, focusing on one of the most significant and enduring Jewish populations in the Arab world. The primary purpose is to document and preserve the rich heritage of Moroccan Jewry, which spans over two millennia, making it an invaluable resource for understanding Jewish-Muslim coexistence in North Africa. Despite significant demographic decline through emigration, Morocco still maintains the largest Jewish community in any Arab country today. The page presents a detailed chronological narrative of Moroccan Jewish history, beginning with evidence of Jewish presence during the Roman period and the integration of Jewish Berber tribes among the original "Toshavim" inhabitants prior to Arab conquests. A pivotal moment came during the 14th and 15th centuries when persecution and expulsions from Spain and Portugal (1492 and 1497) brought waves of Sephardic Jewish refugees who revitalized existing communities. These newcomers introduced Spanish dialects known as Haketia and brought valuable skills in European commerce, arts, and handicrafts. The community developed a distinctive cultural identity, with Jews initially settling in Fez and later establishing separate quarters called "mellahs" in various cities, creating both physical and economic distinctiveness while maintaining religious separation. The historical narrative reveals the complex nature of Jewish life under Islamic rule, operating under the dhimmi status—a dual condition of protection and submission granted to "People of the Book" that evolved over time until Jews achieved full citizenship. The page highlights the remarkable cultural contributions of Moroccan Jews, including writers, poets, grammarians, doctors, musicians, and mystics who created an extensive cultural heritage. A particularly significant historical moment occurred during World War II when King Mohammed V courageously prevented the deportation of Moroccan Jews despite Morocco being under French protectorate rule and subject to Vichy government antisemitic policies. The content emphasizes the dramatic demographic transformation of the 20th century, noting that by 1948 there were approximately 270,000 Jews in Morocco, but the establishment of the French Protectorate in 1912, World War II, decolonization movements, Morocco's 1956 independence, and the creation of Israel all contributed to massive emigration. This comprehensive historical account serves academics, researchers, and anyone interested in Jewish-Arab relations, providing crucial documentation of a community that has maintained continuity while adapting to profound political and social changes across centuries.

Citation (APA Style)

Morocco - European Jewish Congress. (2025, 11 22). eurojewcong.org. https://eurojewcong.org/communities/morocco/

Technical Metadata

Domain eurojewcong.org
File Size 1192 KB
Archived 2025-11-22T16:15:26.727715
Document ID #117
Languages 5 available