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Rabat – Almost two years after re-establishing diplomatic ties with Morocco, Israel is putting culture at the heart of the two countries’ relations, as it fosters values of solidarity, cohesion, tolerance and peace between Moroccan and Israeli people.
Israel’s Envoy to Morocco David Govrin organized yesterday a culinary workshop in Rabat, introducing Moroccans to a variety of Israeli delicacies. The workshop aimed to convey “a message of bonding, getting together, tolerance, knowing the other, through food and social interaction,” Govrin told Morocco World News.
Israeli chef Shaul Ben Ederet led the workshop, preparing Israeli dishes such as Chakchouka, Sabich, and herb salad alongside the Israeli Envoy. “Moroccan food is extremely popular in Israel,” said Ben Ederet, owner of two fine dining restaurants in Tel Aviv.
Moroccan chef “Simo,” winner of Masterchef Morocco 2018, also attended the workshop, representing Moroccan cuisine. The event also saw the presence of Eyal David, Israel’s deputy head of mission in Morocco.
“There is no doubt that food, music, and sport bring people together,” Govrin told Morocco World News. Isreali people are extremely interested in learning about Morocco, its people, and culture, he added, highlighting that nearly one million Israeli citizens are of Moroccan descent.
Moroccan Jews constitute the second-largest community in Israel, added Govrin, explaining that “it is only natural that Israeli people are enthusiastic about what is going on in Morocco.”
The Moroccan community in Israel has deeply influenced Israeli culture that it is often hard to distinguish Moroccan traditions from Israeli ones, particularly music and cuisine.
Inviting Moroccans to come to Israel “to explore the country, meet its people, and taste its food,” Govrin highlighted the quality, diversity, and uniqueness of the Israeli cuisine, a reflection of the diversity of Israel and its population.
Due to its geographical location, Israeli cuisine is a mixture of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It has adopted elements of various styles of Arab cuisine, including chicken and fish Shawarma, Arayes, and tahini – a sesame seeds paste.
Sabich, a vegetarian sandwich, is a popular breakfast meal in Israel. It was brought to Israel by Iraqi Jews that settled in Ramat Gan, a Tel Aviv suburb.
Chakchouka, or Shakshouka, is another breakfast recipe that is popular in Israel and across the world. It is a simple dish made of tomato, bell pepper, and eggs.
Morocco, a model of peaceful coexistence
“Morocco has a very nice reputation as a country of tolerance, coexistence, and moderate Islam,” the ambassador outlined, praising king Mohammed VI’s commitment toward intercultural and interreligious coexistence.
The Israeli Envoy hopes that those values of peace, tolerance, and accepting the other would develop between Moroccan and Israeli peoples as well, explaining that “formal agreements between the two countries are not enough.” Govrin also said he hopes to achieve “contact with not only governments but with people as well,” arguing that “this is the real and genuine meaning of peace.”
Read also: Israel to Attract Moroccan Workers Through Special Program
He stressed, “I have no doubt in my mind that Morocco is a wonderful example and model to be followed by others, so why shouldn’t we show it, underline it, and stress it, and show people that there is another way to handle things, away from radicalism, hostility, and hatred.”
The workshop came days ahead of Israel’s national day, which will take place on Tuesday, July 5, in commemoration of Israel’s declaration of independence in 1948.
“I am very excited to be the first Israeli ambassador to organize the national day reception here in Rabat,” said Govrin, describing this milestone as a “revolutionary” and “pioneering” achievement for Morocco and Israel.
