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Rabat – A viral video showing a Jewish group performing prayers near a historic wall in Marrakech has sparked sharply divided reactions across Morocco.
While some expressed concern and frustration over the act, others pointed to Morocco’s long-standing tradition of religious coexistence and tolerance.
Among the strongest responses to the practice is a statement attributed to the regional branch of the Justice and Development Party (PJD) in Marrakech.
The statement voiced firm opposition to the act, condemning what it described as a “strange” and “unprecedented incident” in the country.
The statement said it rejects such provocative practices, stating that it has nothing to do with what some “pro-zionist circles promote as tolerance, coexistence, or religious freedom.”
“Rather, they fall within the unacceptable attempt to propagate cultural and symbolic Zionist infiltration in our country,” the statement said.
It also warned of the seriousness of the “unusual incident,” saying it harms the collective memory of people in both Marrakech and Morocco in general.
For the regional branch, the acts provoke Moroccan public sentiments, warning against the dangers of normalizing similar practices and behaviors.
The statement concluded by calling on political and civil actors, as well as others, to remain “vigilant and to engage in defending the religious and historical identity of the city,” while urging authorities to protect Morocco’s identity.
The statement attributed to the regional PJD branch contrasts with remarks made by the leader of the party earlier this week.
Asked about the incident, Abdelilah Benkirane said: “The Jews have been with us since the day Islam arrived and found them here in Morocco. Matters of religion fall under the responsibility of the Commander of the Faithful and the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.”
In response to Moroccans’ frustration and concerns, the head of the Jewish community in the Marrakech-Safi region, Jacky Kadosh, said the individuals seen in the footage belong to a Haredi religious group visiting from the US.
He said the group was caught by prayer time while being far from nearby synagogues in the city, adding that the group chose to perform their prayers “calmly” and “respectfully” at the location where they were.
