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Relations between Jews and Muslims in Morocco have historically been strong unlike elsewhere in North Africa and the Middle East. Although now relatively small, Morocco鈥檚 vibrant Jewish community is still regarded as an important part of the country鈥檚 history and culture. In Casablanca there are a number of functioning synagogues, kosher butchers and Jewish schools. More than a million Moroccan Jews 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 some of the Moroccans from both faiths who have embraced this coexistence. Alice, a Jewish hairdresser who鈥檚 married to a Muslim, tells Mike that the couple has never felt any hostility from neighbours or relatives. 鈥淚 celebrate my festivals, and he celebrates his, there is no problem for us,鈥� Alice says. 鈥淢y family loves my husband more than I do!鈥� she adds.
Mike visits the country鈥檚 only Jewish Museum dedicated to preserving Jewish culture, and meet its Muslim curator; and we meet the prominent Jewish Moroccan singer, Maxime Karoutchi, who regularly sings in Arabic and plays at Muslim weddings. 鈥淚t is my culture, my country, my music,鈥� he says. 鈥淲hen I sing, I represent my country.鈥�

A CTVC production for 麻豆社 World Service