Warm winter sun sent caressing rays towards "Kiryat Malachi" - one of the fleets of El Al Boeing 737s, which was on holiday for its historic mission.
The flags of Israel, the United States and Morocco were hoisted in front of him, along with the word "peace" - in Hebrew, English and Arabic, and a decoration of hamsa in full isolation. In the series of Abrahamic agreements.
The worries of the corona and other matters of routine will give way, even if for a time, to actual peace.
The noise of the planes and the bustle of the field will be swallowed up in the excitement and pleasant noise of the farm of the wings of history.
A year has passed since the moment of the moving signing in the palace of King Muhammad VI.
The corona plague with its difficulties, as well as the change of government in the United States and Israel and the events of the wall guards, did not cool the enthusiasm that gripped the two countries.
Moroccan Ambassador to the UN: "We have 3,000 years of friendship and coexistence" - a reminder
Official representations were opened in Rabat and Tel Aviv, on the way to being upgraded to the status of embassies.
El Al, Arkia and Israir are already operating regular routes to destinations in Morocco, Royal Morocco has long since completed its preparations for the launch of the Casablanca-Ben Gurion Airport line, the opening of which was delayed only due to the epidemic.
Cooperation agreements between the countries have been signed in a variety of areas: tourism, culture, sports, cyber defense, and about a month ago also in the security field. The new .It reflects the approach that characterized the contacts around the renewal of the relationship: consistent, mutual, considered and safe progress, designed to ensure long-term, broad, deep and solid relationships.
The opening ceremony of the Israeli embassy in Rabat // Photo: Shlomi Amsalem / GPO,
The power of the renewed relationship can be felt not only in the political contacts or business ties that are forged, but in the relationships between the people at cultural and social events.
Thus, for example, at a recent academic seminar held in Israel, entitled "Jewish Law in Morocco," a distinguished Moroccan delegation of researchers and academics participated.
From dream to reality
The conference was held under the auspices and participation of official representatives of the kingdom, and its participants did not hide from the media their pride in its existence and their expectation of deepening relations with Israel. Some expression of this aspiration they gave in signing an agreement for academic cooperation, which will lead to the publication of joint studies and academic projects related to universal values prevailing between countries. The existence of such a conference in our country was until recently a dream. And today? Admiration for this is met with astonished looks and a raised eyebrow. This is one of the many manifestations of the rapprochement between the peoples, which received a boost, framing and institutionalization following the renewal agreement. Not just desire, but longing.
Relations between Israel and Morocco have special significance, beyond the political, security and economic aspects.
It is related to a chapter written by our ancestors and elders, for generations, on the land of this country.
At the exciting time of signing the agreement in Rabat, I noted that many of the citizens of Israel, members of the Moroccan community, will long for this moment.
I told the story of the second and third generation of Moroccans, who continue to be faithful to the heritage of their ancestors and to preserve the traditions and customs that were established or shaped in Morocco.
I miraculously praised the Maghreb rabbis, whose rulings throughout the generations continue to instruct many communities in Israel on the path they will take and the deed they will do.
I was proud of the respectable place that the writings of the great men of Moroccan Jewry occupy on the shelves of libraries in seminaries, yeshivas and universities.
"Moroccan Jewry," I said, "has left a deep mark on Israeli society. Its sons have influenced and are influencing all areas of life."
Festive cabinet meeting chaired by former Prime Minister Netanyahu, one of the architects of the agreement // Photo: Haim Tzach - GPO,
Exemplary model
Relations between Israel and Morocco can develop as a model for peace and normalization.
Most of the conditions required for this already exist.
It is right to encourage and continue to cultivate the ties between the people - in tourism, society, culture, religion and heritage, research and science - this is the deep infrastructure of peace.
In this context, the introduction of curricula on Jewish history and the heritage of Maghreb Jewry should be welcomed for their inclusion in the curricula in Morocco.
The efforts to educate against anti-Semitism are also commendable.
Initiatives to open courses on culture and language in both countries (Hebrew in Morocco and Arabic-Moroccan-Darija in Israel) should be encouraged.
It is important to encourage collaborations that will lead to prosperity and yield significant tangible fruits for both parties - in technology, agriculture, water, energy, health and other areas.
The "fruits of peace" are necessary to establish it, strengthen its supporters, weaken its opponents and add more to the expanding circle of peace states.
As with any relationship, there may be difficulties and pitfalls.
Therefore in its good and warm moments, one needs to build trust and establish the channels of communication that will form a bridge to the challenges and tests that reality may take.
The year that has passed since the agreement was signed provides a solid basis for optimism and hopes regarding Israel-Morocco relations.
There is no need to worry about setting a high standard and high expectations.
In this case they
can be obtained.
The author served as National Security Adviser and Chief of Staff for National Security between 2021-2017, and headed the Israeli delegation to sign the agreement renewing relations with Morocco in December 2020. Currently serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS).
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us