On Sunday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog awarded Jewish-Moroccan political strategist André Azoulay the Presidential Medal of Honor in recognition of his contributions to peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Azoulay has explored his commitment to peace between Jews and Muslims through a variety of efforts, including creating the NGO “Identité et Dialogue.” According to Azoulay’s CV, the organization was “the first organization to be formed consisting of Jewish Intellectuals calling for a Palestinian State living in peace side by side with Israel.” As part of these efforts, Azoulay met with Palestinian leaders and participated in groups that address relations between Islamic communities and the Western World.
“Azoulay’s lifelong challenge has always been rooted in and determined by his Moroccanness and his way of living his history,” Morocco’s press agency (MAP) reported on Sunday, July 2. Through his work, Azoulay has uplifted Moroccan Jewish voices and has promoted the interests of Morocco throughout the globe. Azoulay is Senior Advisor to King Mohammed VI and also served as Counsellor to King Hassan II for eight years.
In this time, Azoulay has advised the Moroccan monarch on economic and cultural issues. Azoulay’s previous experience was with Paribas Bank (1968-1990), where he was Executive Vice-President and focused on the Middle East and Northern Africa. In addition to his efforts for Israeli-Palestinian peace, Azoulay has been active in promoting and supporting his hometown of Essouira through cultural events.
Morocco has a rich history of multiculturalism and commitment to religious tolerance. In recent years, proud Jewish-Moroccans such as Azoulay have supported and strengthened this commitment.
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