Thursday, November 25, 2021

Defense Minister Gantz: Partnership with Morocco 'vital' in fighting threats

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz (Blue and White) published an opinion piece on the cover of the Moroccan magazine in French, L’Observateur Du Maroc and in the Arabic newspaper, Ahdath Maghrebia.

The editorial was published during the Minister’s two-day, official visit to Morocco.

In the article, Minister Gantz says: “One day, in the not-so-far future, I will sit in my living room with my grandchildren, and I will tell them the story of my visit to Morocco and about the day that we made history by establishing defense relations between our countries. I will tell them that although many associate Israeli-Moroccan ties with the groundbreaking Abraham Accords, our story began long ago - and it is entrenched in the heritage of the Moroccan Jewish community.”

He also tells an extraordinary story about His Majesty, King Mohammed VI: “The legacy of King Mohamed V resonates to this day. Last week, a Jewish man, Rabbi Elhadad and his loved ones visited the Kingdom in search of their Moroccan roots – much like many Israelis who visit the country, reconnecting with generations past.”

“In a tragic incident, Rabbi Elhadad took a fatal fall. Local doctors fought to save his life – so much so that they consulted with His Majesty’s doctor. Despite their massive efforts, Rabbi Elhadad passed – may his memory be a blessing. Upon learning of this horrific accident, His Majesty, King Mohammed VI and his advisors reached out to the family and arranged a private aircraft to fly Rabbi Elhadad to be buried in Israel in a religious ritual.

“There was no press, no fanfare. His Majesty the King recognized that there is no greater 'mitzvah,' or holy act, than to tend for the deceased and to bury them in accordance with Jewish tradition at the earliest possible time.” READ MORE