Morocco's Jewish Heritage and Coexistence Highlighted by Serge Berdugo in Casablanca
In a significant gathering held on October 27, 2026, in Casablanca, Serge Berdugo, the Secretary General of the Jewish Communities Council of Morocco (CCIM), passionately articulated the enduring and harmonious relationship between the Jewish and Muslim communities in Morocco. This event, hosted in front of esteemed members of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), served as a platform for Berdugo to reflect on over fifty years of collaboration with the AJC, a partnership founded on shared values of respect and historical significance. Berdugo’s address underscored the importance of recognizing Morocco’s unique position as a country that has embraced diversity and coexistence as integral to its national identity.
During his welcoming remarks, Berdugo recalled receiving the Akiba Prize from the AJC in 2025 in New York, an award he graciously accepted on behalf of the Moroccan Jewish community. He noted that this year marked a milestone, celebrating half a century of cooperation between the two organizations, which has fostered mutual understanding and respect across cultural lines. He vividly recalled his initial visit to the AJC’s offices, where he sought to strengthen ties with political leaders, media representatives, and academic circles, likening this new alliance to the famous quote from the classic film _Casablanca_: "This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." Berdugo emphasized that this friendship has indeed flourished over the years, yielding fruitful results for both parties.
Furthermore, Berdugo linked this collaboration to the historic ties between Morocco and the United States, highlighting that Sultan Mohammed III was the first head of state to recognize American independence in December 1777. He also referenced the United States' acknowledgment of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara in December 2020, viewing it as a reinforcement of the strategic partnership that endures to this day. Berdugo pointed out that both nations have united against extremism, terrorism, racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia, fostering a comprehensive cooperation that spans diplomacy, security, culture, and economics.
In celebrating Morocco’s rich Jewish heritage, Berdugo described the nation as an ancient entity, proud of its history and cultural diversity, where Jewish life has thrived for over 2,000 years. He painted a picture of a vibrant, albeit smaller, Jewish community that is fully integrated into Moroccan society and enjoys religious freedom. He asserted that the preservation of Jewish life has always been a commitment of the Moroccan monarchy, citing historical figures such as Sultan Hassan I, affectionately known as "the Just," and recalling the opposition of Mohammed V to the anti-Semitic laws imposed during the Vichy regime. Berdugo praised King Mohammed VI for his leadership in promoting policies aimed at preserving the Jewish heritage in Morocco, which has included the rehabilitation of over 180 Jewish cemeteries and 20 synagogues since 2010, an initiative launched under royal instruction. This endeavor is designed to honor the collective memory, acknowledge the contributions of Moroccan Jews, and pass this rich history on to future generations.
Highlighting the constitutional recognition of the Hebrew component of national identity established in 2011, Berdugo announced the recent opening of the National Museum of Moroccan Jewish Culture in Fez on October 12, 2026, calling it a significant milestone in the preservation of cultural heritage. He also mentioned the Casablanca Jewish Museum, established in 1997, which stands as the only museum dedicated to Jewish heritage in the Arab world, and noted that plans for its renovation are underway. Berdugo emphasized that this heritage is not exclusive to Jews; rather, it is a part of Morocco's national history and a collective asset for all Moroccans.
In response to inquiries about the cohabitation of Jews and Muslims in Morocco, Berdugo attributed this unique coexistence to the rich tapestry of history, culture, and institutional frameworks that support it. He positioned the Moroccan monarch as a pivotal figure in this dynamic, emphasizing his role as the Commander of the Faithful, tasked with safeguarding the freedoms of all three monotheistic religions. Berdugo concluded by asserting that this model of coexistence is sustained not only by ideals but also through leadership, law, respect, and tangible actions, stating that now, more than ever, this message is essential in light of the rising tides of antisemitism and Islamophobia around the globe.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
