Living side by side: Morocco’s Jews and Muslims

Relations between Jews and Muslims in Morocco have historically been strong – a coexistence that is frequently contrasted with tensions elsewhere in North Africa and the Middle East. Although now relatively small, Morocco’s vibrant Jewish community is still regarded as an important part of the country’s history and culture. In Casablanca there are a number of functioning synagogues, kosher butchers and Jewish schools. Around a million Moroccan Jews or Jews of Moroccan descent now live in Israel and travel freely back and forth between the two countries.

So how has the North African country managed to maintain a peaceful harmony while many other nations in the region have failed? And what could unsettle the balance?

Mike Lanchin hears from Moroccans of both faiths who have embraced this coexistence. Issam grew up in a mixed faith family and is now exploring Judaism. He has begun going to synagogue in Rabat. But some members of his own family are unhappy at his decision.

We visit the country’s only Jewish Museum, dedicated to preserving Jewish culture, and meet its Muslim curator who says that “as Moroccans, it is our duty to maintain our Jewish heritage.” And we hear from the prominent Jewish Moroccan singer Maxime Karoutchi, who regularly sings in Arabic and plays at Muslim weddings. “It is my culture, my country, my music,” he says. “When I sing, I represent my country.”

Producer/presenter: Mike Lanchin
Editor: Anna Stewart
A CTVC production for BBC World Service

(Photo: Muslims, Christians and Jews, gather along victims' associations during a ceremony in Casablanca on 16 May, 2023, on the 20th anniversary of the deadly suicide bombings in Casablanca. Credit: Fadel Senna/ AFP)