Relationship: From a Harmonious Past to a Promising Future.
Abstract
Long before formal normalization in December 2020, facilitated by the United States, Israel and Morocco shared a unique bond spanning over 2,500 years. Morocco has been a homeland for Jewish communities, as well as a sacred place where many Jewish saints rest. For centuries, Muslims and Jews have coexisted in Morocco in peace, mutual respect, and shared care. This deeply rooted cultural heritage and mutual understanding have paved the way for a friendship like no other. Today, Morocco and Israel move forward together, poised to create new chapters of harmony, shared understanding, and human development.
Moroccan Judaism and Coexistence
A shared life, a collective historical memory, and a community that has preserved its diverse identity within a unified culture. As Royal Counselor André Azoulay, himself Jewish, expressed: "The saga of Moroccan Judaism is too deeply rooted in the history of this country to disappear."
The Moroccan Jewish Community in Israel
Though integrated into Israeli society, the Moroccan Jewish community has retained a strong connection to Moroccan customs and traditions, many of which have been embraced by the broader Israeli community.
Bilateral Relations Prior to Normalization
Even before Morocco’s independence in 1956, significant, though unofficial, relations existed between Morocco and Israel, as well as between the 800,000 Moroccan Jews in Israel and the smaller Jewish community remaining in Morocco. These covert connections began during Morocco’s fight for independence and the period of Jewish emigration.
Jewish Culture in the School Curriculum: A Defense Against Extremism
Prior to normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel, Morocco undertook educational reforms to include the history and culture of its Jewish community in the school curriculum. In a country where Islam is the state religion, this initiative marked a groundbreaking step. According to the Moroccan Ministry of Education, these courses, taught in Arabic, began in 2021 for students around eleven years old, in the final year of primary school. “This introduction is a first in the Arab world. It has the effect of a tsunami,” remarked
Normalization of Relations
In December 2020, Israel and Morocco officially re-established diplomatic relations, marking the result of a long-standing, behind-the-scenes effort by the Moroccan Jewish community to reconcile a dual identity rooted in millennia. The announcement was made by then-President Donald Trump on Twitter, where he described the normalization as “a huge breakthrough for peace in the Middle East.”
Military Ties
Since normalizing relations under the Abraham Accords, Israel and Morocco have steadily strengthened their partnership. In November 2021, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz visited Rabat, and by July 2022, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi engaged in further talks with top Moroccan officials. These discussions included Morocco’s interest in establishing joint defense projects, illustrating the growing military collaboration between the two countries.
Morocco’s Response to Regional Tensions with Algeria and Iran
This diplomatic and military partnership emerges in a complex regional landscape, particularly amid longstanding rivalry with Algeria, which supports the Palestinian cause. Algeria, wary of Morocco’s closer ties with Israel and backed by Washington, severed diplomatic ties with Morocco on August 24, 2021, citing “hostile actions” from Morocco. This unilateral decision further accentuated the regional divide and amplified tensions.
Morocco-Israel Economic Cooperation: Agriculture as a Key Sector
Agriculture has become a primary focus in the Morocco-Israel partnership, as Israel's expertise in agricultural technology offers Morocco opportunities to enhance its agricultural sector and expand its global market presence. Following the December 2020 normalization, Morocco tapped into this potential with Israel, including through collaborations with leading Israeli agricultural exporters like the Mehadrin Group. This sector provides fertile ground to build strong economic cooperation under the new agreement.
Moroccan Judaism as a Pillar of Interfaith Dialogue
The Abraham Accords aspire not only to foster peace in the MENA region but also to drive growth and development across Muslim, Jewish, and African communities. These agreements aim to bring more Arab and Muslim countries into an era of collaboration and mutual prosperity. The Negev Initiative, launched in Israel’s Negev desert in March 2022, stands as a promising platform born from the accords, dedicated to advancing this vision of peace and cooperation.
