Rissani

Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, the Patriarch of the Currently Ruling Alaouite Dynasty
From João Leitão, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

Rissani is an oasis town of about 20,000 people in the Tafilelt. After the destruction of the nearby city of Sijilmassa in the 14th century, it assumed the role of main port for the trans-Saharan caravan trade. Moulay Ali Cherif led the battles to overthrow the Saadian dynasty, thereby establishing the Alaouite dynasty, which continues to rule Morocco. Tourists, both Moroccan and foreign, frequently visit both the ruins of Sijilmassa and the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif.

Rissani Walls Decorated with Rugs During a Festival
Rissani Jewish Cemetery Before its Restoration

Jews were important to both the economy and the spiritual life of Rissani. One of the most important was Rabbi David Abouhatzeira, who is buried in the Rissani Jewish cemetery, just outside the walls of the city.

Rissani Saint Yaakov Abuhatzeira
Rissani Saint’s Tomb
Rissani Saint’s Tomb
Rissani Saint’s Tomb

As part of King Mohammed VI’s project to renovate 160 Jewish cemeteries, Michel Sebag led the renovation of the Rissani cemetery, including construction of a shrine for the grave of Rabbi David Abuhatzeira.

Renovation of Rissani Jewish Cemetery
From Meyer Harroch – New York Jewish Travel Guide & New York Jewish Guide.com
Northern Cities and Towns