Political Manipulation Surrounding Jewish Prayer in Marrakech
In recent days, various political Islamist organizations have launched a vehement campaign following the sight of members from the Haredi Jewish community performing their prayers at the Bab Doukkala gate in Marrakech. This campaign, as evidenced by the content shared across these platforms, appears less concerned with the event itself and more a vehicle for attacking the monarchy, which is perceived as the primary target of their ire. The leaders of this campaign, predominantly from groups like Justice and Spirituality and the Justice and Development Party, along with their leftist allies, have leveraged this incident to further their anti-monarchy narrative under the guise of supporting Palestine and opposing normalization with Israel.
In this context, Justice and Spirituality quickly seized upon the occurrence to incite animosity against the state. On April 23, 2026, the editorial board of their official website published a piece titled "Regarding the Provocative and Dangerous Event of the Zionist Jews at Bab Doukkala in Marrakech". In this editorial, they recklessly alleged that the authorities had prior knowledge and coordinated with the Haredi individuals to conduct their religious practices at the same time and place, a claim devoid of any substantial evidence. They constructed a narrative claiming that the imitation of the rituals associated with the "Western Wall" at Bab Doukkala is not a benign religious practice but a deliberate attempt to connect a historic Moroccan site to a Zionist Jewish narrative aimed at distorting history and Judaizing locations, akin to what transpires in occupied Jerusalem.
Inciting Division Through Misinformation
It is not surprising that the claims made by the group, along with the delusions of their allies, have fueled widespread rumors propagated by the regime’s supporters regarding alleged state complicity with Jews to facilitate the displacement of Moroccans from their neighborhoods or cities. These rumors have been linked to restoration projects in historic Jewish quarters (mellahs) or property acquisitions, and they gained traction following the displacement of residents in the Kasr Al-Kabir area due to flooding, with similar claims resurfacing amid current discussions about the demolition of certain old neighborhoods in Casablanca.
Those fanning the flames of discord should realize that Moroccans are more mature than they presume, possessing a greater awareness of the group’s objectives and ideological backgrounds, as well as their foreign ties that serve agendas hostile to Morocco and its monarchy. A simple glance at videos featuring the group's leaders reveals their animosity towards the monarchy and their insidious intent to overthrow it, aiming to establish a regime akin to that of Iran, which they endorse in its violent opposition to Morocco and its brutal treatment of the Iranian people.
Today, the group shamelessly cloaks itself in nationalism and Moroccan identity, despite having spent decades undermining and fragmenting its essence. There is no record of the group ever supporting the national cause or condemning Iran’s backing of the Polisario with funds, arms, and training. Likewise, they have not protested, even as a minimal gesture, against the hostile statements made by Iran’s representative concerning Morocco’s territorial integrity at the United Nations.
Blatantly, the group speaks of nationalism as if it is a core component of their political identity and ideological doctrine that directs their political agenda. When did the group adorn their headquarters with national flags? When have their members ever carried those flags during solidarity events or protests they organized? Furthermore, when did they or their allies call for protests against the Polisario’s attacks on the populations in the Saharan regions, or celebrate with Moroccans over the Security Council’s Resolution 2797?
It is evident that the group's strategy aims to replicate the Muslim Brotherhood's approach in Egypt, targeting the tourism sector to dry up state resources, thereby exacerbating economic and social conditions to the point of explosion. The group and its allies, in their attempts to incite unrest, have neglected the imperative of verification mandated by religious principles. Had they done so, they would recognize that the Haredim are a community of Orthodox Jews who strictly adhere to traditional Jewish religious laws (Halacha), to the extent that they pray wherever they find themselves when the time arrives; thus, their prayers at Bab Doukkala are a normal occurrence without ulterior motives or implications.
It would have been more prudent for the group and its allies to remember that the Haredim are staunchly opposed to Zionism and the establishment of the state of Israel. Muslims in Western nations, including the group’s followers, often conduct their prayers in public streets and squares, blocking pathways without any objection from the citizens of those countries. In fact, some Western nations even allocate time for Muslims to break their fast during Ramadan, while others share in the joyous spirit of welcoming the holy month.
There is no doubt that Justice and Spirituality, through their rejection of the sight of Haredi prayers at the walls of Marrakech and their incitement against Jews, are demonstrating to the Moroccan people that they are advocates of hate and racism who oppose the democratic values they claim to uphold. They reaffirm, once again, to those who need confirmation, that they are proponents of one of the most oppressive and barbaric regimes. Their hatred and racism have blinded them to distinguish between Jews as a religious community and Zionism as a colonial movement.
Consequently, they have not only wronged Moroccan Jews but have fundamentally wronged the Moroccan people themselves, having denied its open cultural identity, its lenient religious beliefs, and its patriotism in all its forms as endorsed by the constitution. The message from the people of Marrakech, who passed by the Haredim during their prayers with utmost respect and without anyone disturbing them, is a powerful illustration of the values of openness and coexistence; it simultaneously serves as a response to the self-appointed spokespersons of the people.
Therefore, it is crucial to assert that the true threat to the security and stability of Morocco and its identity does not stem from Jews who have lived in full coexistence with the components of Moroccan society for centuries, even before the advent of Islam, but rather from those who exploit religion and manipulate the Palestinian cause. They have wreaked havoc on nations and torn apart peoples in the name of religion and Palestine. Moroccans will not allow these merchants and brokers to impose their racist culture and extremist doctrines upon them.
In conclusion, the group must understand that the provocative Islamist behavior in Marrakech regarding the "cleaning of the wall" should serve as a wake-up call for all, urging them to unite and firmly confront anyone attempting to jeopardize Morocco's security, stability, and identity. The ongoing war in the Middle East involving the triangle of Israel, the United States, and Iran serves as a harsh and profound historical lesson, reminding Arabs that present conflicts are merely extensions of ancient confrontations.
As reported by assahifa.com.
