morocco

Israel Foreign Minister Yair Lapid landed in Morocco just a few hours ago. This marks the first such visit by an Israeli foreign minister to the country since Silvan Shalom, traveled there back in 2003.

Lapid held a historic meeting with Moroccan King Mohammed VI. He thanked the King for his “vision and courage,” and spoke about the rich history Jews had in Morocco. Lapid also thanked Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennet, who has asked Lapid to, “tell them, I’m on my way.”

“Jews have been living in Morocco for almost two thousand years,” said Lapid in a speech. “The archaeological evidence shows the presence of a vibrant Jewish community, dating back to as early as the second century CE. Over most of this period, Moroccan Jews lived here in peace and deep friendship. That’s why, for hundreds of thousands of Israelis watching us today, Morocco is part of their identity.”

Yair Lapid went on to explain that this is why thousands of Israelis who have traveled to Morocco and will continue to do so in the future, will not go there as tourists. They will go as descendants of Moroccan emigres. Their visits will be like those made by Italian-Americans or Irish-Americans when they travel to visit Ireland and Italy, even if they are many generations removed from their ancestors who were born in those countries.

“Today, we are restoring peace, restoring friendship,” exclaimed Lapid. “This ancient peace and friendship between nations is being restored by people who rethink and redefine historic disputes.”

Lapid also mentioned Israel’s Minister of Labor and Welfare, Meir Cohen, who was part of the Israeli delegation. Cohen was born in Mogador (Essaouira), and Yair Lapid described Cohen’s trip as a homecoming for him.

The Foreign Minister went on to quote the great Jewish Rabbi who lived in the Middle Ages, the Rambam, Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, also known as Maimonides. Lapid explained that Maimonides lived in Morocco a thousand years ago, and was educated in the city of Fes.

Crediting Morocco for shaping Maimonides’ worldview, Lapid quoted from one of the Rambam’s most famous works, “Eight Chapters.” In it Maimonides wrote “And do not say that he has already reached a state that cannot be changed, as every state can be changed from good to evil, and from evil to good, if he – the person – decides so.”

Lapid cited this passage specifically in order to convey the message that every person in the world, and every nation, is capable of change. He went on to emphasize that, “Reality is not set. Reality is a choice that we make. For too many years, we let others choose the path of war. Today, we take our destiny into our own hands, and choose the way of peace. Today, we choose the path set out by Maimonides.”

This echoed words spoken by Ronald Reagan back in the 1980s in reference to the Soviet Union. President Reagan once cited the fact that while Germany and Japan were once the two most bitter enemies that the American people ever had, within just a few decades after World War II both nations had become two of America’s best friends in the World.

Yair Lapid stated firmly that during the decades of conflict between Israel and Morocco, nothing was achieved “between our two ancient and proud nations,” nor did their citizens gain a thing.

“Today, we are changing this. Today, we are changing this for the benefit of tourism and the economy, for trade and cultural exchange, for friendship and cooperation,” declared Lapid. “This moment will improve our lives because that is what peace does. War ends life, while peace cultivates it.”

Lapid also referred to the peace treaties and new economic ties that Israel has entered into with the four Arab nations who took part in the Abraham Accords, including Morocco. He contrasted this with the current situation vis-a-vis Libya, Syria, and Lebanon.

“People and leaders look at the likes of Libya, Syria, and Lebanon, and say to themselves: ‘This is not what we want for our children. This is not what we want for ourselves,’” he said. “The only wars worth dedicating our lives to, are not against our neighbors, nor against people who pray differently from us. The only wars that have any meaning are those against poverty, against ignorance, against pandemics and sickness.”

Yair Lapid then quoted the Holy Koran (Sura 8, verse 61) saying, “If they lean towards peace, you too should lean towards it.”

“Hostility and hatred are created by human beings. Human beings are also capable of stopping them. The God of Jews and Muslims, the God of our mutual father Abraham, tells us again and again, in both the Torah and the Koran, that we are measured not in terms of what we have taken from the world, but what we have given to the world,” said Lapid.

“The agreements that we will sign will bring our countries innovation and opportunities for the benefit of our children – and their children – for years to come. Today, we are not being good politicians, we are being good parents,” added Lapid.

The Foreign Minister concluded his remarks speaking about the children of both Israelis and Moroccans. “Today, we are making the world a safer place for our children. We are teaching them a lesson about the power of hope,” he said. “This is our job as parents. Not only to protect them but also, to teach them the power they have to bring about change.”