Is Morocco dangerous, in particular for a Jewish American?

Question

I may be travelling to Morocco later this year. I am an American student (not Moroccan by birth, only by inherited citizenship) and my last name is Jewish.

With Morocco: predicting a "serious terror threat" in the coming months; the growing number of anti-semitic attacks in recent years; the fact that Morocco is a Muslim country, and the fact that I am American and Moroccans will easily detect that I am ethnically Jewish, is there any danger in travelling to Morocco? I am afraid of being involved in some terrorist plot, very afraid actually.

I would also like to know if Morocco is dangerous in general, for tourists.

By the way, I would be going there four 4 days in April to take part in a math training camp for high school math contests. I don't know yet which city I would be going to, but I assume this camp will be held at a university.

Answer 1

It is safe for all jews.

Jews have been part of the history of Morocco. Maybe they lived there before Islam but a big jew community came to Morocco when they were expelled after Spain took back "Al Andalous" from Muslims, who returned to Morocco as well.

Nowadays, there are aren't as many because of migration to Israel (because of their beliefs they must go to what they call "home", as well as to enhance their quality of life). However, there is an important Jewish community still today in Morocco, and they don't encounter issues.

I can give you some examples of famous Jews in Morocco: Gad El Maleh, a comedian originally from Casablanca, popular with many Moroccans like him. Another of prominance is André Azolay, a consultant to the King.

To conclude, Moroccans do not have any problems with Jews; Jews are part of Morocco. The problems they have can be Israel as a country. But in Morocco, we don't confuse the two, Jews and Israel.

Answer 2

It's not exactly the same, but...

My son's teacher recently visited Morocco. He's very visibly Jewish, and so is his name - and he hasn't had any trouble.

(The big difference, admittedly, is that he was actually born and raised in Morocco, and his family still lives there. Also, he was in Casablanca, whereas you mentioned in your comments that you're going to Rabat.)

You might do well to contact Chabad there for tips and suggestions.

Answer 3

Serously, Moroccan Jews make 1/3 of Israel and you still think that we are Anti-Semite? We are originally a Jewish country before the coming of Islam. Lots of Jews still live here and lots of them come from Israel to spend their holidays in here each year. So no, you should pass by anytime you want.

Answer 4

As of today the US State Department has Morocco at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.

Check their website for future updates and alerts:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/morocco-travel-advisory.html

Answer 5

Morocco is one of the best and safest country in the world, they live arabs 30% , berbers 50%, jews 10% , haratines, sahraouians, christians and other religions and ethnics ...

As Iam a french jewish landy, I lived in marrakech medina near to jewish mellah,since 10years now and I have so many real friendly moroccan friends and i grow up my business in tourism by managing a riad and a small touristic company for jewish tours and student trips...

I enjoy myself all time, I recommend for you morocco to visit or live .