It was with tremendous excitement that, on June 16, 1994, Keren Hayesod representatives greeted delegates to the organization’s World Conference at the airport in Casablanca, Morocco. The gathering – the first ever to take place in an Arab country – was preceded by fears, due to its sensitive and controversial nature.
At the same time, from the moment they landed, the Keren Hayesod delegates understood that they were taking part in an event of unparalleled significance. With the blessing of the king of Morocco, but under heavy security, they took part in a moving tour of the Jewish community in Casablanca; they visited the remaining Jewish schools and learned about the contribution of the Moroccan Jewish community to building the State of Israel.
On the third day of their visit, conference participants went to Rabat, where they enjoyed a magnificent feast prepared by local Jewish women. Shimon Farkash, a cantor from Sydney, began to sing Jewish melodies. Everyone was moved to tears and joined in the singing.
At that moment, the Keren Hayesod delegation and the small Jewish community of Rabat were one. Everyone felt extremely proud that a handful of Jews had managed to preserve their people’s traditions under difficult conditions. Following the visit to Morocco, the World Conference sessions were held in Israel. Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin spoke, recognizing Keren Hayesod activities and the unique conference held in Morocco.
Photo: Conference participants at the airport in Morocco, 1994