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Rabat, Morocco — The Moroccan Ministry of Culture has officially listed three Jewish heritage sites in the city of Asillah on the country’s national heritage list, according to an announcement made on February 20.
The newly recognized sites include the Kahal Synagogue, Assilah’s historic Jewish cemetery, and a mikveh and oven connected to the synagogue.
The decision to include these monuments was made following a formal request submitted by the Moroccan Jewish community in January 2024.
This move not only acknowledges the historical significance of these sites but also ensures their protection under Moroccan law, which governs the conservation of monuments, sites, inscriptions, art objects, and antiquities.
The Kahal Synagogue, originally constructed in 1824, had fallen into disrepair and was abandoned for several years. However, in a significant restoration effort, the synagogue was rebuilt and reopened in 2022, along with the adjacent mikveh and hammam.
These renovations were part of a broader initiative to preserve and celebrate Morocco’s diverse cultural and religious history.
The historic Jewish cemetery of Asillah, also included in the heritage list, has long been a symbol of the once-thriving Jewish community in the region.
The cemetery, which contains centuries-old gravestones, reflects the deep-rooted presence of Jewish life in Morocco, a country that was home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the Arab world before the mid-20th century.
The inclusion of these sites is seen as part of Morocco’s ongoing efforts to preserve its Jewish heritage. In recent years, the Moroccan government has undertaken several projects to restore synagogues, cemeteries, and other Jewish landmarks across the country.
These efforts align with King Mohammed VI’s broader vision of promoting cultural diversity and interfaith harmony in Morocco.
The Moroccan Jewish community, which numbers around 2,000 today, has welcomed the Ministry of Culture’s decision.
In a statement, community leaders expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of preserving Jewish historical sites as a testament to Morocco’s pluralistic identity.
“These monuments are not just part of Jewish history but also an integral part of Moroccan history,” said a spokesperson for the Jewish community. “Their recognition and preservation serve as a bridge between communities and a reminder of our shared past.”
Historians and cultural experts have also lauded the move, highlighting the significance of protecting Jewish heritage sites in North Africa.
According to Mohammed Zerouali, a historian specializing in Moroccan-Jewish history, the listing of these sites represents a meaningful step in acknowledging the contributions of the Jewish community to Morocco’s cultural mosaic.
Asillah, a coastal city known for its well-preserved medina and annual cultural festivals, is expected to attract more visitors with the addition of these heritage sites.
The Ministry of Culture has indicated plans to further enhance the preservation of these monuments and integrate them into cultural tourism initiatives.
The recognition of these Jewish landmarks not only underscores Morocco’s commitment to safeguarding its diverse heritage but also sets an example for other countries in the region to follow suit in promoting religious and cultural inclusivity.