Restored synagogue in Fes dedicated
Morocco, Culture, 2/26/1999

A 17th century synagogue, included in the UNESCO's world legacy list, was dedicated Thursday in Fes after restoration in the presence of members of the Moroccan-born Jews settled in France, Canada and Israel.

Refurbishment works lasted for one year and cost around $ 150,000. The initiative was undertaken by the "Danan" ancient Jewish family who set up an association to this end and by other partners, including the World Monuments Fund, the Moroccan ministry of cultural affairs, the council of Morocco's Israelite community and the foundation of the Moroccan Jewish community.

The city, Morocco's spiritual capital, also hosted on the same day an international conference on Jewish-Moroccan legacy. Some 250 Jews born in Fes visited Fes to take part together with researchers and historians from Morocco, France, Israel and Canada. They also seized the opportunity to pay a week-long visit to their home town.

According to the chairman of the Jewish community of Fes, two other synagogues in Morocco, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, will be revamped.

Leaders of the Moroccan Jewry were then received by Moroccan prime minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, who underlined that the restoration of the synagogue bears testimony to tolerance prevailing in Morocco and the perfect integration of Jews in the Moroccan society.

The head of the Danan foundation, Benjamin Danan, asked the prime minister to convey to King Hassan II of Morocco the loyalty and faithfulness of the Moroccan Jewish community.

Previous Stories:
  Moroccan and Jewish researchers to ponder on Moroccan-Jewish legacy   (2/8/1999)
  Islamic era archeologic site unearthed in Morocco   (9/30/1998)
  Interview: A Morrocan businessman who decided to take the initiative to help the education system   (9/16/1998)

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