Algerian Press’ Anti-Semitic, Morocco-phobic References are Unacceptable

Washington D.C. – While anti-Semitism and derogatory comments about Moroccans of the Jewish faith is not a new phenomenon in the Algerian press, daily El Chourouk story alleging that Morocco tried to “infiltrate” the failed Algiers economic forum using King Mohammed’s VI Jewish adviser took the level of the Algerian press’ anti-Semitic and Morocco-phobic hate to new levels.

According the Algerian media, Mr. Andre Azoulay was barred from attending The African Investments and Business Forum because of his Jewish faith and relations with Israel.

In its edition of December 6. 2016, the Algerian daily published on its front page as the main headline, “Morocco tried to Infiltrate Algiers Forum using the King Jewish Advisor”.

The story, which was published on page 3, went on to state that the Algerian foreign ministry was surprised by Morocco’s decision to send Mr. Azoulay  and decided to cancel his invitation to avoid having “Israelis” visit Algeria. Iman Kimoush, who wrote the story, reported that Algeria’s foreign minister Mr.  Ramtane Lamamra refused to comment on his department’s decision to bar the Moroccan envoy, thus not denying the story.

El Chourouk is the number one tabloid in Algeria making such headlines serious and alarming. Given the daily’s chummy relations with Algeria’s intelligence services, its anti-Semitic stands become more troublesome and begs the question of whether Algerian officials sanction such bigotry.

Algeria has a long history of blaming Morocco’s of all its malaises. So, it is no surprise that when the anarchic Algerian leadership failed miserably to organize a simple economic forum, it pointed to the Kingdom for blame. The failure of the African Forum turned Algeria into a joke for the whole world and the domestic opinion to see and put pressure on the country’s different ruling clans to find scapegoats.

In demonizing Morocco and blaming Moroccan Jews for their political and economic failures, the Algerian oligarchy is playing a dangerous game. The Algiers forum flopped because of the incompetence, infighting, lethargy and arrogance of the Algerian stale clique who has been ruling for more than fifty years. At any rate, it would have been a waste of time for Mr. Azoulay to spend three days in a forum with empty halls, absent contributors and snoozing participants.

However, Moroccans cannot allow a major newspaper in a neighboring country propagate this venomous stories that are intended to portray Morocco and its Jewish citizens as agents of disorder. Such agenda serves the interests of the enemies of peace, unity and prosperity in North Africa.

In ignoring these types of repulsing stories that have been circulating in the Algerian press for a while, International organizations and foreign governments are allowing bigotry and haters to grow and fester in Algeria. By remaining silent and not protesting, American and European agencies are “providing” an implied support to such language.

Moroccan Jews are an integral part of the Moroccan history and society.   While anti-Semitism is not a topic traditionally discussed in the Moroccan press, a story targeting Mr. Andre Azoulay, who is widely respected in the Kingdom, brings up the positive role Moroccan Jews have played in supporting post-independent Morocco’s efforts to prosper and advance.

Moroccan will speak up against anti-Semitic stories that target their compatriots. Moroccan Jews will always remain citizens of the Kingdom and” subjects” of his majesty the “commander of the faithful”. Morocco is strong because if its diversity and open minded people. It will not tolerate this uptick in anti-Semitism targeting its personalities.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent any institution or entity. 

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