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Morocco's Controversial Citizenship Proposal Ignites Debate on Jewish Heritage and Palestinian Solidarity
A legislative petition proposing to grant Moroccan citizenship to descendants of Moroccan Jews has sparked intense debate in the North African kingdom. The proposal, submitted through the national citizen participation portal "Eparticipation.ma," aims to extend citizenship rights to children and grandchildren of Moroccan Jews living abroad.
The petition, authored by Moroccan citizen El Houssain Ben Messaoud, cites the historical presence and contributions of the Jewish community in Morocco. It argues that Moroccan Jews living outside the country have been unfairly deprived of citizenship rights due to circumstances beyond their control, such as geographical distance and political or economic challenges in their countries of residence.
However, the proposal has met with strong opposition from anti-normalization activists and pro-Palestinian groups. Critics warn that the initiative could inadvertently benefit individuals who have served in the Israeli military or supported actions against Palestinians.
Aziz Hanaoui, secretary general of the Moroccan Observatory Against Normalization, described the petition as "a Zionist petition aimed at Zionizing and Israelizing the Moroccan state." He expressed concerns about what he perceives as widespread Israeli influence across various sectors of Moroccan society.
The Moroccan Front for Supporting Palestine and Opposing Normalization also condemned the petition, labeling it a "treasonous act against the Moroccan people." The organization warned that granting citizenship to descendants of Moroccan Jews could potentially include individuals involved in actions against Palestinians.
This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of Morocco's complex history with its Jewish community. Once home to the largest Jewish population in the Arab world, Morocco has seen a significant decline in its Jewish residents due to large-scale emigration. Despite this, the country has made efforts to preserve its Jewish heritage, including the restoration of synagogues and the establishment of the Arab world's only Jewish museum.
The debate surrounding this petition reflects broader tensions between preserving cultural heritage and navigating complex geopolitical relationships. It also highlights the challenges faced by countries with diaspora communities as they attempt to balance historical ties with current political realities.
As the petition continues to circulate, it remains to be seen how the Moroccan government and society will address these competing concerns and what impact this debate may have on Morocco's relationships with its Jewish diaspora and its stance on regional issues.