A widely circulated video has sparked significant debate both within Morocco and beyond, showcasing a group of Orthodox Jews engaging in their evening prayers (Ma'ariv) in front of the historic Bab Doukkala gate in Marrakech. The video depicts these individuals, dressed in traditional Orthodox attire, standing in front of the wall, gently touching it while praying calmly in a public space, amidst passing vehicles and local pedestrians who did not intervene. After a few minutes, the group departed peacefully, leaving behind an air of intrigue and conversation.
Local observers in Marrakech explain that the Jewish individuals were performing their evening prayers facing Jerusalem, with the area adjacent to Bab Doukkala historically linked to an ancient Jewish quarter known as the Mellah. Furthermore, there is a connection to the tomb of a Jewish saint, “Tzaddik,” which attracts some Jewish pilgrims. While the gate itself is not recognized as a historically significant Jewish site, its proximity to Jewish history has drawn interest.
This event unfolds within the rich historical context of Morocco's Jewish community, which has thrived for over two millennia and enjoys constitutionally guaranteed freedom of worship within the kingdom. Morocco presents itself as a model of religious coexistence among Muslims, Jews, and Christians, showcasing a commitment to maintaining a harmonious societal fabric.
The public reaction has been sharply divided, with phrases like “freedom of belief” clashing with “no coexistence with Zionism,” leading to mutual accusations of hypocrisy and betrayal. Some comments have raised alarms about a “gradual plan,” while others have defended the stance that Moroccan Jews are an integral part of the national fabric and not “foreigners.”
The Moroccan constitution protects freedom of beliefs, placing Morocco among the few countries in the region that maintain a Jewish community and its heritage, including synagogues, holidays, and pilgrimages. Notably, King Mohammed VI has previously invited the Jewish community to pray for rain, reflecting an official acknowledgment of their role in Moroccan society.
However, the normalization of relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords remains a contentious issue, particularly given the strong public sympathy for the Palestinian cause. This dynamic explains the intensity of the controversy that arises whenever overt Jewish expressions surface in the public eye.
The incident serves as a symbol of the tension between the principle of constitutional religious coexistence and the politically charged regional context. To date, there have been no official statements from authorities regarding the incident, which unfolded quietly in the field despite the virtual uproar it has generated.
As reported by tanja7.com.
