After a couple of missions, you seem to learn that every day has a theme. Today was “Political Day.” Pictures here. This was the day that we would interact with political officials and get a sense of the official views of Jewish and Muslim relations in Morocco.
We departed Casablanca for Rabat, the political capital of Morocco. After a few days of casual wear, it was kind of nice to see how well our group cleans up.
First stop was Briefing at Moroccan Foreign Ministry with Youssef Amrani, Secretary General of the Moroccan Foreign Ministry. Secretary Amrani was charming and delighted us with stories of his former Asheknazi-Jewish-New Yorker girlfriend.
Next, we had a private visit to the Mausoleum of King Muhammad V. Kind Muhammad V protected the Jewish Community of Morroc from the Vichy government that occupied Morocco during World War II. Cabinet leadership laid wreaths at his tomb.
The Chicago girls met Mr. Toledano (no, not all the Jews in Morocco are named Toledano), the Jewish leader of Rabat. Mr. Toeldano has a daughter in Chicago who studies at IIT. We are supposed to give her a call. Must do!
Lunch was another Moroccan feast at Tour Hassan the nicest hotel in Rabat. During lunch we were briefed by Ahmed Towfik, the Minister of Islamic affairs. The Moroccan government is extremely welcoming and protective of its Jews and Minister Towfik discussed the government efforts to include Jewish history in the curriculum and to encourage imams to teach tolerance.
We next visited the king’s palace in Rabat.
SD and I got into a little tiff on the grounds, but I’m glad to report that it was a draw and that we are friends again.
The day was capped off by a visit to the home of Cocktail reception at American Ambassador Samuel Kaplan’s residence. Sam Kaplan is not only the U.S. Ambassador, but a proud alumni of National Young Leadership Cabinet.
At the residence of the ambassador we were briefed by Andre Azoulay, a Jewish Senior Advisor to King Mohammed VI. Mr. Azoulay was also advisor to King Mohammed’s father, King Hassan II.
The Ambassador and his wife were extremely generous in their hospitality. Welcoming us with open arms, Mrs. Kaplan even baked us her famous brownies. (Yes, I had more than one).
We changed into our travel clothes at the Ambassador’s house and it was on the bus for the three hour drive to Marrakech where we checked into the Mansour Eddabi.
