Gad Elmaleh: ‘Morocco Is A Land of Jewish-Muslim Fraternity’

In his most recent film, Reste Un Peu (Stay a little), French-Moroccan comedian Gad Elmaleh discusses religion, a man's search for purpose, and a crisis of spirituality. Elmaleh, invoking his own spiritual journey in Judaism, emphasized that the “Moroccan model of Jewish-Muslim fraternity is unique in the world and does not exist anywhere else.”

Rabat- In his most recent film, Reste Un Peu (Stay a little), French-Moroccan comedian Gad Elmaleh discusses religion, a man’s search for purpose, and a crisis of spirituality. Elmaleh, invoking his own spiritual journey in Judaism, emphasized that the “Moroccan model of Jewish-Muslim fraternity is unique in the world and does not exist anywhere else.”

In an interview with Israel-based news channel i24NEWS, Elmaleh reflected on his own search for spirituality in Judaism, saying that he found his faith through his Jewish identity and family traditions, and that he has been connected with spirituality since his childhood.

Elmaleh said, “I had the chance to live in Morocco, a land of Jewish-Muslim fraternity.”

In an attempt to dispel misconceptions and stereotypes about Islam and Arab culture, Elmaleh emphasized that the Moroccan model of Jewish-Muslim fraternity is unique in the world and does not exist anywhere else.

Elmaleh frequently expresses his admiration for Morocco and his hometown, Casablanca. The renowned comedian was born in Casablanca to a Jewish family but spent most of his high school years in Quebec. He attended Lycee Lyautey in Casablanca for one year before being expelled.

Elmaleh was voted the “funniest person” in France, and France’s Minister of Culture named him Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. Elmaleh also became a Knight of the National Order of Quebec.