Moroccan association calls for friendship and co-existence
2007-09-14
Magharebia interviews Mohammed Amnoun, a co-founder of the Afrati Association for Friendship and Co-existence, a group that seeks to draw attention to Moroccan cultural heritage in its Amazigh, Jewish, African and Arab dimensions.
Interview and photos by Imane Belhaj for Magharebia in Casablanca -- 14/09/2007
 Amnoun (right) seeks to disseminate a culture of co-existence and rejection of violence |
A group of young scholars and researchers in Jewish Moroccan history is establishing an association to shed light on Moroccan cultural heritage in terms of its Amazigh, Jewish, African and Arab dimensions. Based in Ifrane, the association is called the Afrati Association for Friendship and Co-existence. Magharebia spoke with one of the group's co-founders, Mohammed Amnoun, who holds a BA in the history of Jews in southern Morocco.
Magharebia: What is the aim of establishing the Afrati Association for Friendship and Co-existence?
Mohammed Amnoun: I think that the answer doesn't need a lot of effort. The name of the association says it all. Although we don't have room to mention all of [our] goals now, we would like to refer to some of them in order to enlighten the national and international public opinion as follows:
- Contribute to promote the Moroccan cultural heritage in its Berber, Jewish, African and Arab dimensions;
- Disseminate the culture of co-existence and respect of the other; the rejection of violence, domination, and all forms of sectarian, religious, ethnic, intellectual intolerance; as well as the exclusion of others;
- Give the Amazigh and Hebrew languages their real standing inside the country and its institutions in order to make Morocco a homeland for all, a land of co-existence;
- Attempt to enhance relations and build bridges between the Association and the Moroccan Jews both inside the country and overseas.
Magharebia: How was the idea of establishing the Association conceived?
Amnoun: The idea of establishing the association dates back to 2003 when the crew of the TV program "Morocco Between Your Hands" visited Ifrane, in the Atlas Mountains. After that, a group of young men from the area presented the creation charter to the press and media, especially after we had been acquainted with the reality of persecution against the Jews through a set of commercial contracts, and also through verbal accounts in the area. We were encouraged to do that after we read an article published on an international newspaper’s website. It was an opinion poll, which revealed that 60% of Moroccan Jews in Israel would like to go back to Morocco. This made us more determined to proceed towards the creation of a framework through which we can address these and other similar issues.
 The association's symbol is one of co-existence between the three Abrahamic religions |
Magharebia: What does the word 'Afrati' mean?
Amnoun: Afrati is the name of the Jewish kingdom founded by King Ephraim. He was one of the early Jews to arrive with a group of other Jews to the south of the Kingdom through Egypt and the desert. Some of them settled in the area of Ifrane, in the Atlas Mountains in 586 BC after they had reached an agreement with the native Amazigh population. Therefore, we consider the word 'Afrati' to be the mystery that the association wants to decipher and acquaint public opinion with.
Magharebia: From your communiqué, you seem to be Amazigh and Jews. What is the link between these two components in Moroccan history?
Amnoun: We are neither Amazigh nor Jews. Rather, we are Moroccans before anything else. The majority of our founders are university students and researchers in Jewish history in Morocco. This is in addition to a group of cultural and political organizations, unions and associations, as well as known Moroccan journalists, writers and intellectuals. We must not confuse the launch of the idea from the area of Souss and the fact that we are Amazigh because the issue of ethnicity doesn't stand as a barrier between us and our ambitions. It is unfortunate that there are certain entities that whenever the issue of Jews in this country is mentioned, they rush to accuse the Amazigh movement or struggle. But this seems to be our chance to confirm to everyone that all Moroccans, except for a few of them, record in their minds such co-existence and co-operation between Jews and Muslims throughout the history of this country. Yet, we can explain the connection between the Amazigh and Jewish components in Moroccan history. As every scholar of history knows, the presence of Jews in Morocco dates back to the 9th century BC. It is largely accepted that the Jews arrived in 581 BC after the destruction of the Temple of Solomon by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This clearly shows that the presence of the Jews in Morocco along the Amazigh dates back 13 centuries before the arrival of the Arabs. In addition, the local memory of some Moroccan regions still keeps aspects of co-operation and co-existence between them and the Jews at all levels: celebrations, events, trade, traditional industry, farming, etc.
Magharebia: Several weeks ago, a similar association -- the Souss al-Aalema Association for Amazigh-Jewish Friendship -- was established. Why are we seeing such initiatives now?
Amnoun: On the one hand, we are proud of, and we express our full support for the idea of establishing the Souss al-Aalema Association for Amazigh-Jewish Friendship. This is an unquestionable thing. On the other hand, international transformations have made us respond to the call of human conscience without any possibility of postponement. This, in addition to the dynamic changes that have taken place in Morocco… have enabled Morocco to assimilate our idea, which has become an added value to the humanitarian, cultural and human rights movement in Morocco. Not far away from these changes… we have been greatly keen on confirming that there is no democracy without comprehensive reconciliation, and that a historical review with all its meanings is the only way to engage in, and win, the battle of real development.
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vox Posted 2007-09-14
I would like to remind you that Jews and Muslims are descendants of the same past, that is why Arab and Hebrew are both Semite languages. If you want to know who came to Morocco first, whether it be to Atlas or elsewhere: everyone has origins in both histories. It is this that is the richness of Morocco. What is important to us Moroccans is unity: we do not need to qualify our origins. We do not hide behind such distinctions. Rather, everyone has their own place. We are not forced to be friend with Moroccan Jews; they are at home here in Morocco as our compatriots. -Joyous Ramadan!
رشيد Posted 2007-09-17
Amnoune, I think that you have reached a serious phase of schizophrenia and you are living in your own bridge without caring for the feelings of Muslim and seeking the friendship of Jews “Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with you unless you follow their religion”. Yes we know you as a militant at university, and we’re proud of you as an active association member known for opposing the feudal lobby in the city…But I fear my friend that you lose respect after your move. Therefore, I ask God to show you the very right and guide you to follow it and show you the wrong and guide you to avoid it. Your faithful friend during the studying period at university.
hakim Posted 2007-09-20
Bravoooooooooooooooooooo!
Mr ABRAHAM ZAKARIA Posted 2007-09-21
Bravo Rachid!
BELKHIRI Posted 2007-09-22
Thank you and Bravo to the pioneers of this idea! I hope that this spreads throughout all of the Maghreb. –Happy Ramadan!
Lounes Posted 2007-09-23
To >> Rachid, what does defending the berber identity of Morocco and the Quranic verses that you try to back up with your empty comment. I find that the initiative of amnoune is very flexible since he considers that we are all moroccans after all. An idea that i definitely disagree with because to moroccan , you need to be arabised ( this is how the state understands a moroccan). this is also clear in the preambule of the Moroccan constitution.Thus, I consider myself as amazigh first ..being moroccan is pending till we see it in the contitution and institutions of morocco. I have no allegiance to arabised moroccan symbols who are adament about ignoring the berber origin of Morocco. Rachid, your comment is typically full with arab idelogy that hates the jews and blames anything on the jews. Please try to correct this prejudice. The jews lived side by side with berbers : When arabs came with their version of islam ..the persecuted all jews and berbers too!. Thank you Amnoun for this initiative to correct history.
IFRANERA Posted 2007-09-27
Afrati...the new born which we’ve been waiting for so long…The creation of this association is truly an homage to the old human civilizations and a homage to the outcast cultures…Some of those who are hostile to the culture of the other, might accuse the founders of this association of chauvinism and it could be a topic of discussion of Islamists in their discourses. The Jews are a social and economic component of an entity called Morocco. The interest in the Jewish culture is part of serving the Moroccan culture with all its elements (Amazigh, Hebraic and Arabic). And without doubt, the lack of interest in the Jewish side is accompanied by a lack of interest in the Amazigh culture and other sides of the Moroccan culture for mere political reasons. Arabic and Hebraic belong to the same tree with many branches, it’s the three of Semitic to which belong the Aramic, Achuric and Kaldanism…And on the opposite there is the Hamitic of which Amazigh is one of the most important branch. So why are we irritable when we talk about Jewish and Amazigh despite the wide gap separating them? Why do some people use the hostility against Jews to keep away students and those interested in the Hebraic culture? And why this classic reclusion? Why do we try to bury historical facts? Hasn’t time come for the Ministry of Islamic affairs to add Heavenly Religions Affairs to its name?...
terara Posted 2007-09-28
The door, the door, go away
תְשָׁכֹּו הֹסַיְן Posted 2007-10-02
It is not important if the Jews be the enemies of Islam… There are among Arabs imams of disbelief and who are more hostile to Islam. And aside from the religious backgrounds and atavist thoughts, we say that human civilizations despite their differences in shape are one.. I wonder, how can the foundation of Afrati association have any prejudice against Islam and Muslims, as our friend Rachid said…? Didn’t you know, Rachid, that the most prominent Muslim scholars used to share meetings with Jews and take advantage of every science, like Ibn Hazm who learned a lot from the Jews. The foundation of Afrati Association will in no way prejudice Islam (Islam is stronger than anything to be affected by any destruction or destroyer). What’s strange in the article of our friend Rachid is that he accused our friend of schizophrenia, this is an inadequate description. Schizophrenia is different from the noble goal of Amon… Our friend might accuse our Muslim historians and writers using the same description or even worse if he reads their books, such as Atabari, Yaacoubi, Ibn Al Atir, Ibn Katir, Ibn Khaldoune and others…What’s irritating in what was written by Rachid is that he prayed for Amon asking forgiveness and guidance to the right path…He accused him of disbelief as if he were a debauchee…Is the foundation of such an association an enormous offense? Is talking about the Jews a disbelief, shouldn’t we rather go back to history to take the example. And what’s the fate of those who go back to history…Hell or a status in between the two positions? Stop this sophistry and ridiculous ideas, Rachid.
BEN Posted 2007-10-04
I am glad to learn that Ifrane has a history and that the Berbers of Moyen-Atlas are, for the most part, Jewish. What a surprise for today’s young people! Simply put, Morocco’s history still needs to be written. It is excellent that Sefrou was a Jewish village and that Jews were not distinguished from Muslims. What a discovery for those who see Jews only through the lens of the Middle East. It is a shame that there is no department offering this subject at our College of Arts and Science for professors who are interested in it. There is one consolation: certain exceptional documentary works written by Jewish Moroccan hands a quite emotive reads and deserve to be better recognized. What a great initiative for the cultural organization, deserving all the support.
خليل Posted 2007-10-08
This is not the initiative of Amnoune alone, it's rather the initiative of a group of young people, sons of the town Inezgane and Ifrane in the Anti-Atlas.
رشيد Posted 2007-10-10
Don’t try to deceive us, Khalil. I have known Amenoune since he was a student in the third secondary class at Abdellah Ben Yassine High School in Inezgane… His only concern, and here I remember his discussions in the class in the course of history of the teacher Bensouda, his vision of the Moroccan history was black. He was always saying that what we studied is the history of the people of Fès, who belong to the fanatic Arab nationalism… As to the real history of Morocco, it would certainly come after some time (If the people want life…). I remember that in one of the courses, he was thrown out by the teacher when he reached the point of insulting the leader of the national resistance, Allal El Fassi. This was the first time in which I heard Amenoune talking about the kingdom of Afrati, he said that it was the Jews who introduced monotheism to Morocco and not Arabs. Even if I don’t agree with his ideas, but just to be honest, I’m sure that the idea is the idea of Amenoune. This doesn’t refute that there are elements who support him in his mad and childish idea. Six years has elapsed now from the incident I talked about. I was expecting that Amenoune will change, but I think that joining university has even compounded his radicalism. Finally I say to Amenoune that we respect your love for your town of Ifrane in the Anti-Atlas, but you aren’t going to serve its interests in this way????
طالب جامعي من افران Posted 2007-10-10
Khalil, I don't agree with you, it is the idea of Amenoune, and he's the only one who supports it. Because no reasonable person can support Amenoune in his dreams. I tell you Khalil that what you wrote in order to undervalue Amenoune in this topic was wrong, on the contrary, you've raised his value when you said that the idea was the intiative of a group of young people sons of the town of Inezgane and Ifrane. But these satanic ideas are only those of Amenoune, who is outcast for some time in Inezgane and even by the students of Ifrane in the Anti-Atlas.
amazigh Posted 2007-10-14
To Rachid: I am a member of the Preparatory Commission for this Organization. I am neither crazy, nor childish, like people think we are. We are ready to accept any sort of differences, but not insults.
ACHAKOUK Posted 2007-10-15
Whether Amnoune speaks for himself or for someone else, the idea of founding Afrati Association is a great acquisition for the history of Ifrane and the history of Morocco; moreover, it is a homage to the ancient historical facts...I wonder how can a university student from Ifrane describe the idea of Amnoune as Satanic...unless he's an Islamist who knows almost nothing about the association's work, and whose knowledge of religion is limited to the ablutions rules. Our student pretended that the idea of Amnoune is a mere dream, forgetting that most universal facts were at their beginning just dreams. As to what Rachid recalled about his memories with Amenoune, he meant certainly that Amenoune was aware of some truths while he was at high school, while this student wasn't aware of them even at university. He's ignorant thinking that the history of Morocco is sacred without any fraud, oppression or lies.
امازيغ Posted 2007-10-15
Rachid, I'm a member of the preparatory committee, I supported the idea, I'm neither a child nor crazy, but realistic.
badr Posted 2007-10-21
Yes, we the young people of Inezgane and the young people of Ifrane know that Amenoune is a social climber of the first class, and his relationship with the feudal lobby in the town of Inezgane as a correspondent is known by all.
حسن Posted 2007-10-23
Where are you Amenoune, why don't you reply? We know you're the man of confrontations and strong attitudes. What's the truth about what's said that Jewish André Azoulay was behind the idea and you're just a puppet which was played for the wills of some sides. Amenoune reply to this and what was said before because in the end we wait for the outcome of your adventures.
Jamal Posted 2007-11-01
I support this initiative! Who was behind the idea is of less importance the goals are more important. Everything that can build a bridge between religions and cultures is to be supportive. You know what Islam says about people who judge the Islam of another? The same moment this person is jugding the other Islam leaves this judging person imidiatly I`m Riffian by origin and damned proud of it! My grandparants told me about Jews living amoung our tribes as far anyone can remenber. They spoke our language, we respected their customs and they our culture. et me make it clear that, in principle, the Amazigh, throughout the history of the Maghreb, fought off all the colonialist attacks. They stood up to the Vandals, the Romans, and the French and Spanjards. They were the epitome of steadfastness, resistance, and confrontation. Moreover, they did a great service to Islamic civilization, and contributed to it to the greatest degree. The fact that Arabo-Islamist nationalist are against this idea is simple to understand. They are the ones that pushing groups and people away! They are the ones that think their religion and culture is superior to another, so much that they discriminate Amazigh people and hate all Jews. We the Imazighen are Moroccans as Moroccans with Arab culture are, as Moroccan Jews are. Everybody is equal and has rights to express their culture within the boundaries of the judicial system. This groups is not chosing a side in the Middle East conflict, you cannot force a group with frendly intentions to choose a side in an conflict that is far away! The strenght of these kind of organisations is that they are not policially motivated and are not obliged by a political stramine and rules. Jamal Fondation Metalsa
امنون محمد Posted 2007-11-04
Firstly, I want to thank everyone whatever their criticism. Anyway, I daily read all your opinions and accept them good-heartedly knowing that in most cases they're lies and slander against me. But I won't reply to anyone to avoid hurting anyone. In the end I repeat the call to everyone to assist us.
Jamal Posted 2007-11-06
Dear Mohammed Amnoun, It`s very normal that people are opposed to new initiative. This is a psychological bariar that`s caused by not fully understanding the socio-historic concept of the Maghreb as the psychological need for your organisation. If everybody was like those people who opppose this good initiative, we would be in a constant anarchy. Frendships are made by intelligent people. Warm regards, Jamal Fondation Metalsa
salim Posted 2007-11-07
Bravo Amnoun!!! I love you!!!
amazigh Posted 2007-11-16
from mddle atlas to start this interesting association, gives to the rest of the mroccan population a clear picture of this country. as he is reach with all his social compenents, as jewish , imazighen, arabs africans. we like to see reconciliation with our past, but the respect is the 1 condition.historicly culturaly religiously more psycho social..................because mrocco is the big answer in whats happened in differents parts of the new world.....more seriouse discusion with my about the meaning of why we can defended a kind of jewish research in morocco?
محمد Posted 2007-11-17
Amnoune, notwithstanding our differences, my respect for you is great. Because you, as we’ve known you since your childhood present the ideas of everyone and carry them out whatever the obstacles or the objectors. And here you are presenting this idea and defending it despite all the critics of the public. And for this perseverance I greet you even if I don’t agree with your vision of the Palestinian Arab people issue.
RAHMOUNI Posted 2007-11-30
The "Franco-Moroccan Friendship and Aid Organisation" supports the idea of co-existence and of rejecting violence. We think that this alone is important to world peace.
amnoun2006@h.fr Posted 2007-12-04
Amnoun: Thank you The Franco-Moroccan Friendship and Aid Organisation
abu3a9l Posted 2007-12-04
Islam cannot be tolerant. The Jews, on the other hand, did manage to build the only democracy in the Middle East. As a Muslim, I respect the Jewish people.
Noures Posted 2007-12-05
To whoever goes by the pseudonym “Abu3a9I”: Hey everybody, What do you know about Islam, that you can make such claims about that which you have no knowledge and about which you cannot know, save by the just practice of the religion? Study and learn. Above all, don't be content with leftovers. -Noures.
amnoun062547352 Posted 2007-12-30
Happy New Year, everyone.
amnoun062547352 Posted 2007-12-30
The cofounders of the Association of Afrati for Friendship and Coexistence wish you a good and happy 2008.
منطقي08 Posted 2008-01-08
Behind this association are hidden hands and a suspicious deal which has destructive profitable and political dimensions...Why don't you honour Romans, haven't you cohabited with them as well?
علاء Posted 2008-01-19
Hi...I don't see any difference between the three religions. They're all human beings whether Muslims, Christians or Jews. There's no objection to a dialog and communication between religions, leave differences aside and look forward to the future.
مولود السري Posted 2008-01-31
Mohamed Amenoun Ifrani and Amenoun the Jewish. I will tell you the story of a young man who was driven by his arrogance to join the ranks of the Jewish army… For no other reason but for the similarity between Amenoun the Moroccan and the Jewish in arrogance, and weak personality. The story of the young man Ayman Aboussobh began when he was 13, he used to accompany his father to work at a building site in the town of Richon Letesione near Gaza. When he was in that Jewish town, Ayman admired life in Israel. So he decided to live with his father there. In an interview with the newspaper Yediout Ahernour, Ayman who changed his name to Aemnoun Ytsak Chather, said "I loved life in Israel so much and I decided to stay there. I wanted to become a Jew.” He added “I got acquainted with a family who helped me convert to Judaism.” At the age of nineteen, police arrested Ayman as a Palestinian residing in Israel without papers and brought him back to Rafah, the town where he was born and raised. In Khan Youes, and after the Palestinian police knew that he wanted to become Jewish, they arrested him, put his wife in prison, and tortured him, according to his declaration. After a year and a half in prison, he was released and returned to his family in Khan Younes. His family didn’t appreciate the change their son was undergoing so they expelled him from home. Amenoune succeeded in entering Israel again and returned to the family which had adopted him. The Israeli police arrested him again, but he convinced them to let him stay in Israel because he wanted to become a Jew. There, with the assistance of the family, he accomplished the conversion into Judaism. He received an Israeli identity and became Jewish. Amenoune recently received an order to join the army. He didn’t hesitate to join the army and express his will to serve with the parachutists. Amenoune said ‘I’m happy to work in the Israeli army, I will carry out orders and won't hesitate to work anywhere even in Gaza strip." One day you will read in a national or international newspaper and all media that a Moroccan young man from Ifrane of the Anti-Atlas converted to Judaism and joined the Zionist army and then all his village will join him.
grk Posted 2008-02-09
I have no respect for these dirty Jews. They kill our brothers in Palestine and you respect these dogs? You are really idiots.
Berry D. Posted 2008-02-09
For the media. With all our due respect - we invite all of you to visit: http://www.econ-pol.unisi.it/~afriat/Memory.pdf & http://www.sharifian-history.info (new) Part I is about the Maroccan merchant tactics used and Part II is about our history. There is absolutely nothing Anti-Semitic - only the truth.
جولي Posted 2008-02-10
Salam alaikoum. Honestly, I read everything which was written but brother Amnoune can you reply to my question? Why do you evade reality? The Jews were in Mellah some time ago, this means that they don’t exist now. If we really want to do something to Ifrane, we should think and aspire to the future of the region because many people don’t know where this region is. A student from the region.
voir profil Posted 2008-02-12
Everyone wants to live in freedom, but it is not easy when we are always restrained.
voir profil Posted 2008-02-12
Living in freedom is easy when we are unable to respond to the demands of live.
Berry D. Posted 2008-02-13
Dear Sir, Thank you for publishing my note in your forum. However, my intention was to have our story published in your newspaper called Magharebia.com so everybody can read, learn and access to it - which you have not done. I request an answer. PS. Further, please explain to me the difference between Maghreb and Magharebia. Thank you.
Berry D. Posted 2008-02-18
First of all, we do not let our thinking to stop our freedom because of restrain. Do not let it become a weakness! The cause of being unable to respond to the demands of life, is the same response as above.
aziz Posted 2008-02-23
Well done Sir Mohamed Amenoune, you have honoured Tamazight.
mohamed Posted 2008-02-26
Ifrane is the ugliest village on earth.
iguermuss Posted 2008-03-13
Good luck! Stay strong! I am with you!
Anonymous Posted 2008-03-30
Amnoun is like a wolf that catches locusts… He reached them all but doesn’t know which one to catch. There just one thing I want to ask Amnoun about and I want him to reply to me sincerely. How come Lkhachmar are Chorafa (honourable) when he said that they are like Aladarissa? May be he would tell us tomorrow that his grandfather is Sharon.
freesia Posted 2008-04-21
Hi Everybody, I discovered this website while doing a search for Moroccan artists. Thus, I got here a little late. I myself am a volunteer in some organisations in France. I am happy to see that Moroccans are attached to Morocco’s history with all of its figures. I am a Moroccan that lives in France and I was shocked to read the anti-Semitic speeches here. Magharebia should not publish them. We can have diverging opinions on politics while maintaining our dignity. We all come from the same people and one day we all indeed need to live together in respect for one another. Morocco is not comprised of Arabs alone; they were the last to arrive. I am Arab, Berber and Jewish and I respect all religions. I live well with them and in peace. There will always be those who have nothing better to do than to destroy. This is their profession. If only they could simply enjoy life--something so precious that God has accorded to everyone on this planet. But, some men are stupid and lead innocent people along with them in their folly. Morocco is rich in its history and its figures. I respect the organisations that shed light on all the cultural and religious aspects of our country. Do not bother about the obscurantists, who have understood nothing about life nor about God; construction comes about with people of good will and in light of general interests. (But, perhaps this sounds “Jewish” to some.) All my encouragement goes out to the Afrati Association for Friendship and Co-existence and to all those who are working for the good of humanity.
droit de rep. Posted 2008-04-22
What we don’t like is the Zionists who are monopolising Palestine.
بيداح baidah Posted 2008-06-07
Agadir, Inezgan, Souss, the nice country. Welcome to Agadir, Inezgan. Let's celebrate the arrival of Summer 2008 together.
بيداح سوسي Posted 2008-07-05
Tolerance, friendship, honesty, obligations of belonging…The human being is the decisive element in building his tolerant nation and defending it. If the military leaders decide that the human being is the decisive element in building the fighting competency of the army and achieving victory in war as it is commonly said that it is not the canon which makes the difference but rather the men behind it. We should be very careful about preparing the sons of humanity morally and materially as they are the decisive element to bear this legacy and offer all their powers to build their country and the world, besides guaranteeing safety for all of them without exception. This requires that the priority should be given for the praying people, scholars and educators to inserting the spirit of belonging, respect of world peace, love for the nation and land and pride of it. Every person on earth should know the great reason behind the honour of humans by God and the accompanying obligations to preserve this high status granted by God among nations and peoples of the world. He must exert all his moral and material powers to achieve this. He should believe that God will reward him for preserving the legacy assigned to him. Sons of the world as well as the associations working for the creation of an environment of tolerance and social dialog must understand that their work for the peace, social peace, respect of human rights, respect of all heavenly religions, and the fulfilment of their duties honestly and positively on different sites and functions, is the practical expression and at the same time the right path approved by God to build a dignified life on Earth, ensure stability and security for them. Belief is not just with hopes. It is rather what is established in the heart, its sincerity and friendship in work, tolerance and brotherhood between the nations of the world.
بيداح انزكان Posted 2008-07-08
About the organization of the second regional meeting for the exchange of experiences and ideas in the province of Inezgane Ait Melloul, Wilaya of Agadir, in the dear kingdom. In the outreach and participatory meetings to exchange experiences, on the occasion of the third anniversary of the launch of the national initiative for human development, the province of Inezgane Ait Melloul organized the second meeting of the national human development initiative about the exchange of experiences and data. Activists in the associative work have participated in this meeting. They represent four regions: region of Souss Massa Draa, province of Agadir Idaoutanane, province of Ouarzazate, province of Inezgane Ait Melloul, province of Zagoura, province of Taroudant, province of Tiznit, province of Chtouka Ait Baha, region of Guelmim Es-Smara, province of Guelmim, province of Es-Smara, province of Tata, province of Tan Tan, province of Assa Zag, region of Laayoune Boujdour Sakia El Hamra, province of Laayoune, province of Boujdour, province of Oued Eddahab Lagouira, province of Oued Eddahab and the province of Ousserd. Many participants from the province of Inezgane Ait melloul attended the meeting. On the sidelines of the meeting, an exposition was organized displaying the products of the associations who benefited from the support of the national initiative for human development within the category of income generating activities. This informative day was launched at the headquarters of the province of Inezgane Ait Melloul which loves peace, social justice, cohabitation and friendship. We generally consider that all the suggested projects are important and show the shortcomings of the region of Souss Massa Draa. The national initiative for the human development came as a new method with clear and deep philosophical dimensions. It has also come to complement the work of the state and local districts and to enrich its projects in the framework of positive integration by breathing a new life and boost activists in the field of development and solidarity.
brel Posted 2008-07-14
I am late, but I am still cheering you on.
telphone:0021262547352 Posted 2008-07-17
Thank you for everything!
aziz Posted 2008-07-19
hello iam aziz from morocco i live in casablanca i love to join you . i hope i could have answers from you too soon
Dziri58 Posted 2008-07-20
I really can not believe the comments i have just read in here. Why are our Moraccan brothers so fascinated by the Jews? Why do they belittle themselves to this extent? The Jews have lived all over the Arab world, not just in Morocco, in fact everywhere where an easy life was possible. However they love nobody but themselves as historical facts tell us, and they certainly don't love the Arabs, Amazigh or anyone Muslim. For them Arabs are the lowest of Mankind. All Zionists agree with each other that a jewish life is worth 70 Arab lives. You only have to look at how many Lebanese lives they took for just two missing soldiers in the latest Hisbollah-Israeli conflict and it did not make the slightest difference if they were Christians or Muslims they massacred, as far as they were concerned the Lebanese were all Arabs. Furthermore, at the end of the French Algerian war in 1962, the majority of the Jews who lived in Algeria for centuries chose to live their country of origin, Algeria as the French were kicked out. Where was their sense of loyalty, then? Between Arabs and Jews, there is no love lost, only self interest. Deep down the Jews are certainly not the least impressed by the one sided Moroccan love for them. I rest my case.
tazrouti Posted 2008-07-30
My Dear Moroccan-Jew Cousin, Allow me to first of all thank you for creating this website, which permits us to reinforce our Moroccan-ness and to live together under a sky of peace and prosperity. Let us ask God to preserve and protect our glorious king, Mohamed VI, who is leading us together into the promised land. -Mohamed Tazrouti, a retired gendarme from the Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie
D. Berry Posted 2008-09-29
To Dziri58 and to everybody else The Arab-Moroccan descendant are not fascinated by the Jewish people – in the contrary, they are just worried and scared! Why, because the true Sharifian bloodline was exchanged during 1873 and replaced at first by Hassan I, - (a distant cousin)-, all the way to Sidi Mohammed V, but they were never of Sharifian descent. But because this exchange took place, the Jewish influence could filter into the Moroccan government. All of this was helped and created by the European countries, the Kingdom of Great Britain, the USA, Zionists & Moroccan Zionists along with the support of the Glaoui-, Ba Ahmed ben Moussa- and Tazi clans, which are all said to be of Moroccan-Jewish descent. Through this they succeeded in gaining the total control over the Moroccan economy. Imagine what will happen to Morocco today if the Moroccans dear to just overstep the line by a little bit while claiming their rights??? That is why the Moroccan-Arabs are not fascinated by the Jewish people but rather try to avoid to have their country end like Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan and etc. This is avoiding problems! PS. I am very happy that the Moroccan people, Arab and Berber and Jewish and etc. are all living together and work together for the benefit of their own peace.
mohamed Posted 2008-10-29
I have the honour of making a shout out on your forum. With regards to the Abdellah Ben Yassine high school, I do not have words enough to describe how I feel about it. I had some unforgettable times there with the former students of this high school. I went there from 2003 to 2007.
hadjilemeteque Posted 2008-11-03
What happened to the two Jewish singers, Sheikh Mouizo and Maxime Michaali?
D. Berry Posted 2008-12-31
Hi, Just posted Part IV "Orient-Malerei", Alawi portraits and etc. on our website: www.sharifian-history.info For suggestions and opinions please do not hesitate to contact us. For 2009 I wish to everybody PEACE, HEALTH AND HAPPYNESS
البيان التأسيسي لمنتدى أفراتي للتنمية وحوار الثقا Posted 2009-03-05
A statement of foundation: the Forum of Afrati for development, dialog of cultures and religions. The Moroccan culture is considered a structure with many aspects, sides and components wherein varied cultures of diversified origins melt into the matrix of original culture, the culture of the people owner of this land full of tolerance and respect for the other. The Moroccan culture in its current image is therefore a mixture of the authentic Amazigh culture and cultures of other peoples who were in relationship in the past with the Amazigh people. This relationship is governed by the values of friendship, cooperation and neighbourhood. Historical events, geographical borders, people movement and trade played an important rile in the cultural fusion witnessed in North Africa (Tamzgha) in general and Morocco in particular. So there is no way for astonishment about the fact that the Moroccan culture of many origins is founded on a solid and authentic base. We find the Jewish, African, Euro-Mediterranean, Arab and Islamic culture as channels enriching the Amazigh culture to become the Moroccan culture in its human depth. If some components of the Moroccan culture attracted the interest of official institutes with the material and moral support, on the other hand some other components were subject to marginalization, official and social negligence. We mean here the depth of the Moroccan culture which is the Amazigh culture in addition to the Jewish cultural component which have become threatened by corrosion and extinction as a result of cultural policies and public policies in general adopted by successive authorities since November 18, 1956. In view of the historical responsibility imposed on us as civil society, we must struggle in order to protect and maintain our cultural heritage in all its aspects. In this context comes our initiative to found and build this framework “Afrati Forum for development, dialog of cultures and religions” as one of the qualitative actors who work for the protection of the dignity of the Moroccan citizen in general, the Jewish and Amazigh in particular and thus preserve and upgrade the rich and deep culture in the Moroccan human history.
D. Berry Posted 2009-03-11
Just received the following information on the so-called Alawi king portraits. According to Prof. Pierre Rousseau all these portraits were made by Mr. V. Zveg ca. 40 years ago and are at the Royal Palace, Rabat. The only thing we learned on Mr. V. Zveg is that he worked for the U.S. Navy Art Collection, Washington D.C. from 1968 - 1976. 1st. Does anybody know the whereabouts of Mr. V. Zveg? Any info is appreciated. 2nd. As you know at the time it was forbidden by the Quran to draw a portrait of a Sharif. Does anybody know who ordered Mr. V. Zveg to make all these so-called portraits and who his models were? Any help is appreciated. Many thanks in advance.
zveguintzoff jf Posted 2009-04-04
In Response to Mr D. Berry: V. Zveg (1913-2006) was born in Russia into a very old family and became French after emigrating. He did a series of portraits of the Alaouite sovereigns and their chief ministers at the request of Hassan II for his father’s Mohamed V’s Mausoleum museum, then supervised by a Mr Mansour. These portraits are part of the recovery of independent Morocco’s history. They were made, among other things, from to the notes, sketches and portraits taken by Western navigators and diplomats during their missions or while at the embassies. These are documents without which, in fact, this work being done as faithfully as possible in the respect of historic, sociologic, psychological truthfulness to the actors, could not to have been conducted. Mr V Zveg was naturally quite aware of the prohibitions in the Qur’an, but he was attached to penetrating the truth and Moroccan culture in the two long trips he made in the country, which is reflected in the accuracy he took with the details of the clothing, the ceramic decor and the countryside. The series has been reproduces for Moroccan academic textbooks and it is in the embassies of the Kingdom of Morocco in capitals the world over. V. Zveg also did a dozen works for the US Navy, one of which was an important reconstruction of the original “Chesapeake Naval battle” for the US Navy’s Department of History. This battle opened the path for independence for this country. The Musée National de la Marine in Paris has 22 of his works in its collections. As a fashion artist and schoolbook artist in his beginnings, V. Zveg went on to become a portraitist and made a reputation as a naval-battle and historical painter. –Authored by his nephew, JFZ
D. Berry Posted 2009-04-10
For Mr. J.F. Zveguintzoff Thank you for communicating all these most valuable informations to us. At the same occassion I would like to inform you of other sources of information we received & published on our website see: www.sharifian-history.info within Part IV, section 3. With regards to Mr. Mansour, do you have his full name and perhaps his exact position?
D. Berry Posted 2009-04-12
For Mr. J.F. Zveguintzoff Thank you for communicating all these most valuble informations to us. At the same occassion I would like to inform you of other sources of information we received & published on our website, incl. letters of Mr. V. Zveg, see: www.sharifian-history.info within Part IV, section 3. With regards to Mr. Mansour, do you have his full name and perhaps his exact position?
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