For the first time in Jewish-Moroccan history, two government officials participated in the Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. Casablanca-Anfa’s governor Rachid Afirat and Casablanca-Settat region’s wali Said Ahmidouch joined over 800 members of Morocco’s Jewish community to light candles and sing Jewish songs.
The event took place at the luxurious Barcelo Anfa Casablanca Hotel and included several performances. Among them was France Got Talent’s competition winner Moulla. He gave a mesmerizing illusionist performance. Rabbi Dovid Refoel Banon and Rabbi Mendel Raskin, two Chabad Rabbis from Canada were the notary speakers. Other honorary guests included veteran Shluchim in Morocco, Rebbetzin Raizel Raskin, Rabbi Shalom, Rebbetzin Gittel Eidelman, and Serge Berdugo, the Secretary-General of the Council of Jewish Communities of Morocco.
“This sends a strong message of peace and tolerance…..Morocco, under the leadership and inspiration of King Mohammed VI, has been a true example for the world of what coexistence between all peoples looks like,” said Rabbi Levi Banon, director of the Jeunesse Chabad of Morocco. The event was filmed and shown on 2M Arab TV.