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Rabat – Findings from a recent study indicate the Moroccan curriculum strongly emphasizes the values of tolerance and peace. In particular, the textbooks teach that the Jewish community is an integral part of Morocco showing the different religions’ ancient coexistence.
Titled “The Moroccan Curriculum: Education in the Service of Tolerance,” the recently published report was conducted by the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (IMPACT-SE).
The study found that Morocco serves as an example of “religious tolerance and coexistence” without compromising “Islamic identity.”
Citing examples of tolerance in the Moroccan curriculum, the report highlighted that students are given interpretations of the concept [tolerance] which is linked to “universal human rights, Islamic teachings, and Moroccan identity.”
The report also states peace is emphasized in the classroom as an essential element of “respectful human relations,” and as a fundamental principle of “Morocco’s national policy.”
The study argues that Jews and Judaism are one of the core themes of the Moroccan curriculum, “Morocco’s Jewish community, its practices, and individual Moroccan Jews are frequently and thoughtfully represented,” the study says.
According to the report, the Jewish community is depicted as an integral part of Moroccan society and students learn about Jewish cuisine, holidays, music, and stories about Jews’ nostalgia and affection for Morocco.
Additionally, Jews are presented in an “affectionate manner,” and “antisemitic stereotypes are largely avoided or subverted.”
The IMPACT-se report examined 127 Moroccan national school curriculum textbooks published between 2013 and 2022 and analyzed them in accordance with UNESCO standards for peace and tolerance education.
Continued Support
Morocco has strongly supported several initiatives to strengthen ties with the Moroccan-Jewish community.
In 2018, King Mohammed VI reiterated Morocco’s desire to not only fight anti-semitism, but also to promote religious tolerance and open-mindedness in school.
The Monarch stressed the importance of education in promoting peace and combating racist ideologies.
In a previous speech, King Mohammed VI also emphasized the freedom to practice all religions in his country. “I protect Moroccan Jews as well as Christians from other countries, who are living in Morocco,” said the king in his speech.
Read Also: ‘Rebuilding Our Homes:’ A Project Encouraging Moroccan Youth to Preserve Jewish Heritage
