Jewish Sukkot Ceremony Highlights Model of Coexistence between Muslims, Jews in Morocco

14 October 2022 Printable Version

Casablanca - Morocco is a unique model of coexistence, brotherhood and cohesion between Muslims and Jews, religious and associative figures said on Thursday in Casablanca, during a ceremony held on the occasion of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

These personalities have highlighted the uniqueness of the Moroccan model under the wise leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, a model based on respect for the principles and values of tolerance, coexistence and openness to the other.

In this sense, the Consul General of the United States of America in Casablanca, Lawrence Randolph, expressed his "pride" to participate in this ceremony, organized by the Salam Lekoulam association, in the presence of Moroccan Muslims and Jews, stressing that this is a "Moroccan specificity."

Randolph also expressed to M24, MAP's 24-hour-rolling news channel, his admiration for this "convergence and common celebration" between the different components of Moroccan society, praising the values of coexistence, respect for others and openness that Moroccans have always shown.

For his part, Marocains Pluriels Association President Ahmed Ghayet stressed that "as Moroccan Muslims, we have taken the habit of celebrating various religious holidays," and share the joys and festivals with our Jewish brothers.

Ghayet, who is also Salam Lekoulam association's secretary general, further noted that personalities of the Moroccan Jewish community have organized last week a common party to celebrate the Islamic Aid Al-Mawlid Annabawi.

He also voiced his wish to see this message "spread throughout the Kingdom and abroad, where unfortunately it is not possible to attend such joint celebrations", noting that, thanks to the enlightened leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, "we touch and live this coexistence daily in the four corners of the Kingdom of Morocco."

For her part, the association's co-President Aalya Ghouli said that this month includes several celebrations for Moroccan Jews, highlighting the determination of the association to jointly celebrate the various Islamic and Jewish religious holidays.

He added that this ceremony, which was attended by Jews and Muslims from different generations, was an opportunity for them to meet each other, stressing that the organization of such events aims to instill the values of tolerance, openness and coexistence among the rising generations.

Furthermore, the association's co-President Jeremiah Dahan said that Sukkot represents an important annual appointment in the Jewish calendar, explaining that this holiday commemorates the life of Jews in the desert under tents after the exodus from Egypt, and also celebrates the end of the agricultural season and the launch of a new season.