Toronto: Spotlight on Morocco’s Model of Tolerance, Coexistence and Living Together
Morocco’s model of tolerance and coexistence was highlighted on Sunday evening in Toronto during the city’s Judeo-Moroccan Week.
“The Moroccan Constitution recognizes and protects the multiple components of Moroccan identity, among them the Hebrew component, but also the Amazigh and Saharan components,” stated Morocco’s Ambassador to Canada, Souriya Otmani, during a ceremony attended by several members of the Moroccan Jewish community in Toronto, as well as provincial and federal officials.
“Such uniqueness has been made possible thanks to our stable democratic institutions and the multiple reforms carried out under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI,” affirmed the diplomat, recalling the particular attention given by the Kings of Morocco to preserving the Hebrew component of national identity and Morocco’s Judeo-Moroccan heritage.
On this occasion, Ms. Otmani cited several concrete actions and initiatives reflecting this High Royal Solicitude for safeguarding Morocco’s rich Judeo-Moroccan heritage, including the enshrining in the Constitution’s preamble of the Hebrew tributary of Moroccan identity, and the rehabilitation and restoration of places of worship and sanctuaries.
The ambassador recalled the rehabilitation and renovation of synagogues, cemeteries and Jewish quarters throughout Morocco, the inauguration of several museums of Moroccan Judaism, including Bayt Dakira (House of Memory) in Essaouira, the continued existence of Hebrew courts, and the establishment of a Moroccan center for research and studies on Hebrew law.
“At a time when the world is facing multiple wars, conflicts, tensions and hate speech, as well as various forms of radicalism and extremism, all of these actions and many more, which have been widely praised by the international community, make Morocco a haven of peace that embraces universalism while promoting interfaith dialogue and the values of tolerance, coexistence and living together,” the diplomat noted, while commending the strong connection of the Moroccan Jewish community in Toronto to their country of origin.
For his part, the President of the Moroccan Jewish community of Toronto, Simon Keslassy, emphasized that the action of His Majesty King Mohammed VI is in line with the policy of the late Sovereigns Mohammed V and Hassan II in promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence.
Mr. Keslassy paid tribute to His Majesty the King for the numerous initiatives aimed at protecting Morocco’s Jewish heritage, citing the restoration of mausoleums, cemeteries and historical synagogues, as well as the establishment of Jewish museums.
The ceremony was marked by speeches from several Canadian officials and elected representatives, who highlighted the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in promoting and reinforcing values of peace and respect for cultural and religious diversity.
Editorial team/le7tv
