This Moroccan says, yes, we are all Israelis

As the most recent chapter of the Israeli-Hamas conflict concludes, it is a critical moment for Arab nations – particularly Morocco, a country with close ties to Israel – to reflect on their relations with Israel. Since October 7th, the reactions from the Moroccan public towards Israel have been deeply concerning. Personally, as a Moroccan, I was shocked by some of the extreme viewpoints voiced by people, including those in high positions of power and influence within Moroccan society.

Ahmed Charai, the publisher of the Jerusalem Strategic Tribune and CEO of a Morocco-based media group, published an article in October 2023 entitled “We Are All Israelis.” The article condemned the violence of October 7th. Its publication created a backlash within Morocco; many interpreted his anger towards Hamas as condoning an act of terrorism.

Former Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane has been one of the voices criticizing Mr. Charai, accusing him of betraying both Arab and Muslim values by criticizing Hamas. Benkirane, meanwhile, has publicly characterized October 7th as a pivotal moment in the Palestinian cause, calling for the Muslim global community to emulate Hamas’ actions. Benkirane has also made numerous antisemitic remarks, including “Jews are our eternal enemies” and “Jews are stupid.” These sentiments seem to be resonating with segments of Moroccan society, as evidenced by Moroccans’ online activism and sentiments expressed at public protests. They have also led to physical violence, including a Moroccan-born US green card holder injuring four Israelis in Tel Aviv last month.

With these perspectives being communicated from the top of Moroccan society and amplified to the masses, Hamas has effectively marketed its cause in Morocco. Ultimately, many in Morocco view the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as a holy war.

I believe that the path forward lies in education. Moroccans need to understand that Israel is not an enemy, but a strategic ally – both in terms of the Middle East and globally. Morocco and Israel should move beyond their currently limited and largely transactional relationship and work toward a deeper, more genuine partnership that more accurately reflects the countries’ deep, historical, and cultural ties.

This begins by educating the public about the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, free from the propaganda that has shaped Arab perspectives over the years. Moroccans must recognize that Israelis are not “stupid” or “our enemies,” as Benkirane states. They are not the monstrous caricatures being circulated on social media, and they are not people who take pleasure in the suffering of women and children. It is time for Moroccans to acknowledge the historical presence of Jews throughout the Middle East and their role in the culture and politics of the region, as well as how Arab regimes have often used Israel as a scapegoat to justify their own failures.

It is critical that Moroccans learn the truth: Palestinian leaders, not the state of Israel, have consistently rejected peace in favor of violence. The October 7th attack was an act of terrorism by any imaginable metric, and it is imperative to stand in solidarity with Israel against this type of violence. It is in this global sense of oneness striving for peace and unity against violence that we echo the sentiment expressed by Charai: “We are all Israelis.”