NewKerala.com

Israel Honors Moroccan Jewish Heritage with National Day of Remembrance

Israel's parliament has passed a law establishing an annual national day to honor the heritage of Moroccan Jews and remember those who died immigrating to Israel. The date marks the anniversary of the 1961 sinking of the "Egoz," a Mossad-organized vessel where 44 Moroccan Jews perished. The legislation mandates educational programs in schools and a special Knesset session each year. This move occurs amid warming relations following the 2020 normalization of ties between Israel and Morocco.

Key Points: Israel Establishes Day for Moroccan Jewish Heritage & Egoz Tragedy

  • Honors Moroccan Jewish immigrants
  • Commemorates 1961 Egoz shipwreck
  • Mandates school curriculum on heritage
  • Part of deepening Israel-Morocco ties
2 min read

Knesset approves law commemorating Israel's Moroccan Jewish Heritage

Israel's Knesset approves a law creating a national day to honor Moroccan Jewish immigrants and commemorate the 1961 Egoz ship disaster.

"The time has come for the State of Israel to remember and cherish our dear parents and grandparents... - MK Rabbi Aryeh Deri"

Tel Aviv, December 31

Israel's parliament on Wednesday approved a bill establishing a national day to honour Moroccan Jews who immigrated to the country and to remember those who died en route.

Following the vote, Shas party chairman MK Rabbi Aryeh Deri described the law as "the closing of a circle for the glorious Moroccan community." He added, "The time has come for the State of Israel to remember and cherish our dear parents and grandparents, who gave their lives to immigrate to the Land of Israel and continue the tradition and legacy of our father's house." Deri was born in the northern Moroccan city of Meknes and his family moved to Israel in 1968.

The day, set for the 23rd of the Hebrew month of Tevet, coincides with the anniversary of the "Egoz", which was carrying 44 Moroccan Jews on a clandestine voyage organized by Israel's intelligence service, the Mossad. At the time, Morocco would not allow Jews to emigrate to Israel.

Rough seas in the Atlantic Ocean near Morocco caused the vessel's hull to crack on Jan. 10, 1961. All 44 aboard perished. Only 22 of the bodies were recovered, and they were buried in Jerusalem's Mount Herzl cemetery.

The legislation calls for schools across Israel to teach about the heritage of Moroccan Jewry and for a special session to be held in the Knesset each year.

An estimated one million Israelis are either from Morocco or of Moroccan descent. Approximately 3,000 Jews currently live in the North African country.

Israel and Morocco normalized relations in December 2020 as part of the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords.

In 2024, Israelis accounted for more than 55% of Morocco's e-visa applications, making Israel the country with the highest number of requests that year, the Moroccan Foreign Ministry reported.

Between 1948-1972, approximately 586,000 Jewish refugees from Arab countries in North Africa and Asia were resettled in Israel, while 200,000 more moved to North America and Europe. The vast majority were destitute, their property confiscated by the Arab governments they left behind.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian, I can appreciate the importance of preserving heritage and honoring the journeys of ancestors. The normalization of relations between Israel and Morocco seems to be fostering positive cultural and economic ties, which is good for regional stability.
R
Rohit P
A solemn history. The article mentions property confiscation—this is a painful reality for many refugees globally. While this is a specific commemoration, it makes one think of all displaced communities, including in our own subcontinent's history.
S
Sarah B
Teaching this heritage in schools is crucial. The younger generation must know the sacrifices made for their homeland. The high number of Israeli e-visa applications to Morocco shows how bridges are being rebuilt. A hopeful sign.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while honoring a community's past is important, one hopes the focus on heritage doesn't overshadow the need for peaceful coexistence with all neighbors in the present. The Abraham Accords are a step, but the path is long.
K
Kavya N
The human story here is powerful—44 lives lost just for the chance to reach their ancestral home. It's a reminder of the deep connections people have to land and identity. The statistic of one million Israelis of Moroccan descent is astounding!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50