So what if the Israel-Morocco agreement is not officially included in the Abrahamic agreements ?!
In practice, there is no material difference in its details compared to the other agreements.
Mutual relations were renewed in the same breath and form part of the same window of opportunity that opened in September 2020. Through a series of economic-academic areas, it is particularly interesting to examine the socio-cultural aspect directly affecting the life of the Jewish community in North West Africa.
One of the fascinating things that stands out recently is the level of interest and desire that Muslim Moroccans are showing to learn the Hebrew language.
"We receive many inquiries about Hebrew courses from private individuals who want to know the language, simply because Moroccans love languages and are known as speakers of many languages," says Einat Levy, a political and economic advisor to the Israeli mission in the capital Rabat.
"The power of tremendous longing."
Levi,
Levy wants to clarify that "business owners and service providers are also interested in learning Hebrew, with the understanding that there is also an economic opportunity for them here."
This matter is also accompanied by a significant visual factor: the Hebrew language is increasingly seen in the alleys of markets and ancient cities - this time not due to action by the king or government, but as an initiative of residents and business owners excited for the return of Israeli tourism to Morocco.
In the 'Malach' in the port city of Aswira, one of the two areas where the city's Jews previously lived and lived a full Jewish life, the pharmacy's sign in Hebrew is now displayed.
Levy: "The sign in Hebrew is a symbol of cultural renewal, inviting committees to the close connection between culture and tourism, and more than that - it has traces of belonging."
Talmud Takah Street in Malach, Marrakesh, Al Azzama Synagogue Street
Levy, a researcher and entrepreneur who has been moving on the line between Israel and Morocco for the past decade, adds excitedly that "after years of constant movement between countries, the establishment of virtual communities for Moroccans by cities, and the power of great longing - I begin to understand that I now have the opportunity to be part of the community "Of the Jews of Morocco who still live there. This is a big, very big thing."
Morocco: A New-Old Story
There are currently between 1,500 and 2,000 Jews living in Morocco - of which about 1,200 are in Casablanca, 120 in Marrakech, 60 in Fez, and dozens more in Meknes and Agadir) "Move to Morocco because of the cheap standard of living."
Netanyahu: "The beginning of a wonderful friendship" // Photo: Prime Minister Netanyahu's Twitter page
Pretty optimistic tourism forecasts for hundreds of thousands of Israeli tourists visiting Morocco each year, as well as expecting Moroccan tourists to visit Israel, are already translating into action: Rabat is planning Hebrew courses for local tour guides, while opening a new master's degree program at Tangier High School Hebrew studies and acquaintance with the Jewish heritage sites in Morocco and with the Israeli and Jewish tourist.
Another interesting development that has taken place this year is the commemoration in Israel - this is the first time - of King Muhammad VI's annual coronation day, which took place in July.
In the localities of Yokneam, Acre, Netanya, Dimona and others, the event was officially celebrated, and was another opportunity to celebrate the renewal of official relations.
Muhammad VI, King of Morocco, Photo: GettyImages
In fact, the political connection between the two territories of Israel and Morocco, which although culturally connected, were still relatively hitherto politically and economically disconnected, was made possible in practice.
Although there was no impediment to walking around with an Israeli identity in Morocco, which was welcomed most of the time, the impression is that at official events - at festivals, academia and more - this was a challenge, along with fears that the Israeli presence would draw public criticism among boycott movements.
"Now the situation is different," Levy analyzes the current situation, "there is a strong and clear official connection, and this facilitates open and public Israeli activity in Morocco in new areas as well. The Israeli: It is no longer just a popular culture, it is at the heart of politics and political action, we need to get used to it and also learn about these new spaces, and create real connections there. "
"Embrace identities and cultures."
Biram, Photo: Yossi Zeliger
Eyal Biram, CEO of Israeliz, an apolitical organization that deals with improving Israel's image in the world, notes that when the Avraham agreements were signed, Morocco was a little different from the project we conducted in the United Arab Emirates.
The goal of the project, of which we are partners, is to bring young people from the Arab world to Israel, and it would not have been possible to reach it without the Jewish angle.
Morocco is an expression of the new-old Israeli story.
From the aspiration to the melting pot, we moved to the desire of many young Israelis to embrace identities and cultures and formulate a new-old story from them.
"Under the auspices of Moroccan tea and the tradition reminiscent of Grandma's house, both real and imagined, we returned to Israel to continue to promote 'Leaders of Tomorrow' - our unique and historic project, which appeals to young people across the Middle East, the Gulf and North Africa. "It is important to bring quality meetings between young Israelis and young people in the Arab world. It is clear to us that the Jewish community is a cornerstone in promoting these relations."
Meir Ben Shabbat, former head of the National Security Council, and Jared Kushner, former adviser to the President of the United States.
The first visit to Morocco with the establishment of relations with Israel,
If one tries to sum up the total atmosphere and feelings in the present being in the air, it turns out that Morocco is becoming a nostalgia for the past - present and future.
"It's something that excites me personally," Levy emphasizes enthusiastically. "And their professionalism. I have a special 'dream binder', with quite a few of them in it - and I hope we will be able to fulfill them soon."
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