Foundation of Jewish-Moroccan Cultural Heritage
The Council of Moroccan Jewish Communities created the Foundation of Jewish-Moroccan Cultural Heritage to preserve the wide range of Jewish buildings, ritual items and cultural achievements that were at risk of disappearing with the declining Jewish population. These include rabbinic, philosophical and poetic literature; writings in Arabic, Tamazight and Spanish; traditions, clothes, music, and handicrafts; and monuments, synagogues and cemeteries.
The Foundation viewed Jewish-Moroccan cultural heritage as an important part of Moroccan cultural heritage. King Hassan II and particularly King Mohammed VI embraced this perspective, providing financial support to historic preservation activities by the Foundation and publicizing its achievements.
Governors and local officials also viewed the preservation of Jewish-Moroccan culture as essential parts of their efforts to highlight Moroccan cultural achievements and to help citizens and tourists understand the full range of Moroccan culture.
The Foundation also viewed the preservation of Jewish-Moroccan culture as a contribution to building a better understanding of Judaism and the Jewish people by Jews and non-Jews throughout the world.
In addition to creating the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, the Foundation has supported many historical preservation projects, particularly of synagogues. Here are some of its achievements: