Serge Berdugo, Secretary General of the Council of Moroccan Jewish Communities, attended the official opening of the exhibition “The Jews of the East, a multi-millennial history” in Paris, which was inaugurated by French President Emmanuel Macron and Jack Lang, President of the IMA. Berdugo emphasized the uniqueness of Moroccan Jewish history within the Arab-Muslim world, noting that Moroccan Jews “have always benefited from the protection and high solicitude of the King, Amir Al-Mouminine.”
As part of its trilogy exploring monotheistic religions in the Arab world, the IMA is presenting a special exhibition dedicated to the history of Jewish communities in the East. What is the importance of this exhibition?
Berdugo highlighted the event’s symbolic significance, describing it as a celebration of the diversity of Jews from the East. In a time when tolerance faces challenges globally, this exhibition sends a powerful message. He praised the initiative of IMA President Jack Lang and his team for revitalizing the history of these Jewish communities, many of which have now disappeared. He expressed hope that visitors would discover a “lost paradise” through this experience.
Regarding Moroccan Judaism’s distinctive identity, Berdugo explained, “Moroccan Judaism has been shaped over more than two thousand years. We hold a special place, with a history and a narrative that differ markedly from those of other Arab countries, because we have always enjoyed the protection and care of the King, Amir Al-Mouminine.”
Despite emigration, Moroccan Jews maintain a deep attachment and profound love for Morocco, its King, its values, and its culture of peace and tolerance. As one of the largest Jewish communities in the Arab world, they aspire to foster greater understanding and peace in a world where harmony is increasingly fragile.
Berdugo also spoke about Morocco’s efforts under King Mohammed VI to preserve Jewish heritage. “The Jewish heritage in Morocco is rich and well-preserved thanks to His Majesty,” he said. Synagogues, cemeteries, sanctuaries, and mausoleums have been renovated across the country. An unprecedented project, a Jewish cultural museum in Fez, is set to open soon, marking a significant milestone in the Arab-Muslim world.
He added that Morocco has produced some of the most renowned rabbis in Judaism. For instance, on October 26, Israeli President Isaac Herzog commemorated the 200th anniversary of Rabbi Raphael Berdugo’s death—buried in Meknes—and acknowledged his influence on world Judaism. Herzog’s speech underscored the importance of Moroccan Judaism’s legacy.
To showcase Moroccan Jewish identity, the exhibition will feature videos depicting daily life and cultural heritage, including the film “Ya Hassra Douk Liam,” which portrays the harmonious coexistence of Jews and Muslims in Morocco during the 1950s. This film is exceptional, as it includes rare archival images never before seen.