The impressive achievements of the Moroccan national team in the World Cup games and its qualification to the semi-finals brought the country of the Maghreb to the headlines.
Overnight, the team became the undisputed representative of the Arab world in the fight for the prestigious World Cup.
In Israel, the disappointment of the Moroccan players' expressions of identification with the Palestinians did not cloud the joy of the team's fans.
Only two years have passed since relations between the countries were renewed, but it seems as if there was never a disconnection between them.
Against the background of the ongoing struggle for world order and the crises in the world's economies, Israel and Morocco can offer solutions that will help in dealing with the challenges of the hour.
These solutions may bring to light the relative advantage of each of the countries, as well as the partnership between them.
Today, more than ever, the time is ripe for another step up in the relations built between Jerusalem and Rabat.
Overnight, the team became the undisputed representative of the Arab world in the fight for the prestigious World Cup, the Moroccan team celebrates advancing to the semi-finals, photo: AP
The historic agreement, brokered by the Trump administration, was part of the Abraham Accords.
As part of them, Morocco became, within a few months, the fourth Arab country to establish relations with the State of Israel.
The triple declaration changed the map beyond recognition and created a new era between the two countries.
Two decades earlier, in 2000, Morocco severed its ties with Israel following the second intifada.
Indeed, the deep relations remain an integral part of the heritage of the two nations.
Small community, long tradition
The history of the Jewish people in Morocco is deep, spanning more than a thousand years.
It is believed that the first Jews arrived in Morocco after the destruction of the Second Temple.
Over the generations, Morocco absorbed into its bosom many of the Jewish scholars of Spain and its surroundings, and became itself a stronghold of Judaism, despite the religious persecutions and severe hardships that befell the Jews.
The city of Essaouira even set a precedent in the Muslim world, when it was the only city with a Jewish majority.
Throughout the generations, Jews immigrated from Morocco to Israel.
The immigrants from Morocco took part in the renewal of the Jewish settlement in the 19th century and in the development of many cities, including Jaffa, Haifa, Tiberias and Jerusalem.
In the first decades after the establishment of the state, the majority of Moroccan Jews immigrated to it, while a small Jewish community remained in Morocco.
Most of its people live in Casablanca and a minority in Marrakesh.
The community makes sure to keep the customs of the community.
With the encouragement of the King of Morocco, projects were organized for the comprehensive renovation of the Jewish cemeteries and the neighborhoods of the Jewish quarter, the Malach, where the Jews lived.
Helped in the development of the settlement.
immigrants from Morocco,
With the renewal of relations, following the Avraham agreements, direct flight lines were opened between Tel Aviv and Casablanca and Marrakesh.
Morocco has become one of the popular tourist destinations for Israelis.
Many agreements were signed between government ministries, academic institutions, companies and organizations in both countries.
The sense of partnership and satisfaction with the renewal of relations does not characterize only the leadership level - it is clearly evident on the Moroccan street and in the treatment given to Israelis.
Optimism is rising
Now, two years after the renewal of relations and after the infrastructure has been put in place, the time has come to exploit the great potential of the partnership between the countries.
Morocco and Israel serve as gateways to the Mediterranean Sea from the west and east.
Israel, Morocco and Sudan can cooperate in providing solutions to the global food crisis, which has worsened following the war in Ukraine.
Sudan does have the fertile land it needs to become an alternative exporter of wheat, but it lacks the knowledge and tools to do so.
Two years into the relationship.
Kushner and Ben Shabat with King Mohammed VI, photo: Amos Ben Gershom/L.A.M
Israel and Morocco can fill in the gap.
They can bring to Africa the Israeli know-how in agritech and the phosphates from Morocco, and bring about a change for the benefit of the peoples of the region.
Moreover, against the background of the global energy crisis and gas import restrictions from Russia, regional cooperation could provide alternative solutions.
Projects such as the natural gas pipeline between Nigeria and Morocco, the gas pipeline from Israel to Europe and the oil pipeline from the Gulf to Europe will become more relevant than ever.
This will result in the creation of jobs in both countries and revenues that will boost the economies.
Alongside the governmental collaborations and business opportunities, it is essential to deepen the relations between the citizens of the countries.
Morocco recently approved the easing of the entry procedure for Israelis through an electronic visa, and Israel should take a similar approach to encourage Moroccan tourism to Israel.
Finally, Israel must officially recognize Morocco's sovereignty in Western Sahara.
This is a necessary move, after many countries in the world, including the US, have done so. The leadership in Morocco also expects this.
As far as Israel is concerned, in addition to the contribution of this step to promoting relations with Morocco, it also serves to weaken the Polisario Front supported by Iran and Hezbollah.
Looking at the achievements of the last two years, the heart expands and optimism rises.
This is the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
Plenty of opportunities lie ahead of us to bring prosperity, and make peace with Morocco an example and model for all countries in the region.
Meir Ben Shabat served as head of the National Security Council and as a national security adviser in 2017-2021, and headed the Israeli delegation to renew relations between Israel and Morocco. He is currently a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) near Tel Aviv University. David Aharonson is the deputy director of Israel at the institute Abraham agreed to peace. He was the political advisor to the Minister for Regional Cooperation at the time of the signing of the Abraham Accords.
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