Role of Jews in Moroccan Society

A high-ranking Moroccan Delegation on an official visit to Paris, 1909. Eli Cohen (second from left), personal advisor to Grand Vizir who took part in the negotiations on the international status of Tangier in 1923. From ANU Museum of the Jewish People Photo Archive, Tel Aviv.

The role of the Jews in Moroccan society has been vital since the first Jews arrived about 2,500 years ago. Each time a new people extended their power over Morocco, Jews were called upon to carry out important commercial, financial and diplomatic functions. For this reason, Moroccan Jews generally felt “at home” in their country and welcomed Jewish refugees from other countries into their communities, except during periods of insecurity.