Crown Prince of Morocco Welcomes Jerusalem's Youth: A Decade of Cultural Exchange

Saturday 24 August 2024 - 12:15

In a significant diplomatic gesture, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan of Morocco received a group of children from Jerusalem at the Royal Palace in Tetouan on Friday. This event marked the 15th edition of the summer camps organized by the Bayt Mal Al-Qods Acharif Agency (BMAQ), an initiative operating under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, who also serves as President of the Al-Quds Committee.

The reception, directed by King Mohammed VI, underscores Morocco's enduring commitment to supporting Jerusalem and its inhabitants. This year's program, dubbed "Yaqub al-Mansur al-Mowahidi," hosts 50 children aged 11 to 14 from Jerusalem, accompanied by five supervisors from the city. Running from August 9 to 26, the camp offers a blend of educational trips, contests, entertainment, and cultural exchanges with Moroccan children.

During the ceremony, the young guests presented Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan with a commemorative gift, followed by a group photograph. The Prince then presided over a luncheon in honor of the visiting children, hosted by King Mohammed VI.

This summer camp program, initiated by BMAQ in 2008, has thus far benefited 750 children from various neighborhoods of Jerusalem. The initiative aims to foster solidarity between Moroccans and Palestinians, allowing the visiting youth to experience different regions of Morocco and witness the nation's support firsthand.

Concurrent with the Moroccan camp, BMAQ launched its "Summer Schools" program in Jerusalem earlier this month. This local initiative reaches 4,000 children across 17 schools and clubs throughout the governorate's neighborhoods and villages.

The BMAQ's efforts extend beyond seasonal programs, encompassing various projects that significantly impact the lives of Jerusalem residents, with a particular focus on women, children, and those facing challenging circumstances. These initiatives reflect Morocco's ongoing dedication to supporting the historic city and its people through meaningful, long-term engagements.

As this cultural exchange program enters its second decade, it continues to build bridges between nations, fostering understanding and solidarity among the younger generation. The Crown Prince's personal involvement highlights the importance Morocco places on these diplomatic and cultural ties, setting a precedent for international cooperation in youth development and cross-cultural understanding.