Hebron University Highlights the Deep Spiritual and Historical Ties Between Morocco and Al-Qods

The event was attended by Hebron University President Raghad Dweik, former Palestinian Minister of Awqaf Sheikh Hatem Al-Bakri, President of the Moroccan-Palestinian Friendship Association Ziad Al-Jaabari, as well as members of the university’s board, professors, and graduates of Moroccan universities and higher education institutes.

Speakers emphasized that Morocco’s relationship with the Holy City goes beyond the political dimension, resting on deep spiritual, historical and cultural ties.

Participants also expressed the gratitude of Palestinians for the continuous efforts of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Qods Committee, in defending the Holy City and strengthening the resilience of its Palestinian inhabitants.

In a presentation entitled “From Morocco to Al-Qods and Hebron: Traditions of Moroccan Attachment to the Holy Land,” Moroccan historian Mohamed Es-Semmar underscored the historical and spiritual dimensions of the Sovereign’s chairmanship of the Al-Qods Committee, describing it as an “immense responsibility” and a civilizational and moral duty deeply rooted in Moroccan history.

He noted that the King’s leadership of the Committee reflects the profound historical link binding Moroccans to Al-Qods for more than a thousand years, expressed through their intellectual, architectural and spiritual presence in the city — particularly in the Moroccan Quarter, an integral part of the urban fabric of the Holy City.

He also highlighted the importance of the “Al-Qods Appeal,” signed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI and Pope Francis in March 2019, marking a major step in affirming the human and spiritual dimension of the Holy City and consolidating its status as a shared heritage of humanity and a symbol of coexistence and peace.

In a presentation titled “The Chairmanship of His Majesty the King of the Al-Qods Committee: Reality and Prospects,” Imad Al Bachtawi, professor of political science at Hebron University, reviewed the political and legal dimensions framing the Sovereign’s leadership of the Committee. He stressed that this chairmanship guarantees continuity and stability in defending the Holy City, thanks to a strategic vision combining historical legitimacy with political commitment, aimed at keeping the issue at the forefront of the international agenda, beyond shifting circumstances.

He also emphasized the importance of developing diplomatic tools and strengthening regional and international partnerships, alongside supporting the concrete actions of institutions affiliated with the Committee, in order to address the growing challenges facing the Holy City.

For his part, Mustafa Fawzi, President of the Local Scientific Council of the Aïn Chock prefecture in Casablanca, explored in his presentation — “Al-Qods from a Religious Perspective: Between the Right to Practice Rituals and the Duty to Preserve Its Special Legal Status” — the religious and legal dimensions of the major responsibility assumed by His Majesty the King as Chairman of the Al-Qods Committee.

He underlined that this designation reflects a deep awareness of the heavy historical and religious responsibility incumbent upon Morocco, highlighting the role of the “Al-Qods Appeal” as a moral and legal framework supporting the preservation of the city’s unique character and freedom of access to holy sites.

In the same vein, Mohamed Salem Cherkaoui, director in charge of managing the Bayt Mal Al-Qods Acharif Agency, addressed the historical, national and religious dimensions of the ties between Morocco and the Holy City. He stressed that the King’s chairmanship of the Al-Qods Committee demonstrates the solidity of the historical and spiritual bonds linking Moroccans to Al-Qods, alongside unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

He noted that his book, “The Immense Responsibility,” published by the Bayt Al-Maqdis Research and Studies Center, documents the efforts of the Al-Qods Committee through two interconnected dimensions: the political and diplomatic track, and the humanitarian field actions carried out by the Bayt Mal Al-Qods Acharif Agency, particularly between 2000 and 2022.

The Holy City will remain at the heart of Moroccan concerns, both officially and popularly, he affirmed, stressing that strengthening Arab and Islamic coordination, combined with effective diplomatic action and sustainable on-the-ground initiatives, constitutes the best path to protecting the city and preserving its historical and civilizational identity.

Moderated by Belal Shobaki, professor of political science at Hebron University, the symposium was held as part of the presentation of the book titled “His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Qods Committee: The Immense Responsibility,” authored by Mohamed Salem Cherkaoui.

Editorial team/le7tv