Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication has announced a plan to restore and convert the historic site of Dar Moulay Hachem in Demnat into a center dedicated to promoting Hebrew cultural heritage. The move is part of a broader national effort to preserve Moroccan Jewish history.
Demnat, once home to a significant Jewish community, no longer has a Jewish population. However, its Alliance Israélite Universelle school remains standing, and the nearby Jewish cemetery was recently renovated with the help of Moroccan authorities. The new center will be situated adjacent to the cemetery.
A Moroccan official familiar with the project described it as part of “a comprehensive strategy led by King Mohammed VI to preserve Jewish memory in Morocco.” The official noted that the initiative follows years of restoration work on Jewish cemeteries and synagogues across the country. Morocco’s constitution recognizes the Hebrew component as a key part of the nation’s identity.
He added that this effort, along with the role of Jewish royal advisor André Azoulay, the work of the royal commission for the restoration of Jewish cemeteries, and the establishment of museums, synagogues and Jewish cultural events, shows that Morocco’s model is grounded in consistent policy—not isolated gestures.
The official contrasted Morocco’s approach with that of Algeria, where local media reported that authorities recently demolished the historic “Shalom Labhar” synagogue in the Bab El Oued neighborhood of Algiers. The synagogue, built in 1894, had long ceased operations after Algeria’s independence in 1962, when its Jewish population largely departed.
Algerian officials claimed the structure posed a safety risk due to its deteriorating condition and proximity to nearby schools. Residents reportedly gathered to watch the demolition as part of a broader campaign to remove unsafe buildings. However, the Moroccan official said the demolition was “part of a long-standing policy aimed at erasing Algeria’s Jewish heritage,” once among the largest in North Africa.
Lea Ben Shitrit, a leading figure in Jewish heritage projects in Morocco and in promoting normalization between Morocco and Israel, welcomed the decision to build the new center in Demnat.
“For thousands of years, Morocco has been a model of coexistence between civilizations, cultures and religions,” she said. “Through its unique model, Morocco has made religion a force for peace and ensured that Muslim and Jewish communities live in harmony and mutual respect.”
Ben Shitrit, who participated in the renovation of the adjacent Jewish cemetery, provided photos showing graves freshly restored and painted white. She emphasized that Morocco’s actions should be reciprocated by Israel:
“Just as Morocco honors its history and identity by including Jewish heritage in school curricula, Israel should highlight the shared historical elements it has with Morocco,” she said. “We must not forget the bravery of King Mohammed V, who courageously protected Moroccan Jews during the Holocaust.”
In a separate comment, Ben Shitrit called on Israel to reinstate direct flights to Morocco, which were suspended following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023.
“The Moroccan Jewish community remains deeply connected to the country,” she said. “For many, returning to Morocco is in their DNA. They are waiting to kiss the land of their ancestors—and for the flights to resume.”