A rich Jewish past, and present: Why Israel’s deal with Morocco is so resonant
Unlike other longtime and fresh peace partners of Israel, Morocco has an ongoing connection to the Jewish people, and many Israelis will be rushing for a direct flight ‘home’
10 December 2020, 11:05 pm 1
Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu celebrating the Mimouna, a traditional Jewish-Moroccan holiday that follows the end of passover (Amos Ben Gershom/Flash90)
Thursday’s surprise announcement about Morocco agreeing to establish diplomatic relations with Israel was not a Hannukah miracle, as many Israeli politicians gushed when they lit their holiday candles, though the timing was indeed brightly appropriate. Rather, it had been a long time coming, as the North African kingdom has deep cultural and religious ties with the Jewish state, and had long been expected to join the current wave of Arab countries normalizing ties with Israel.



