Two days after the announcement of the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel, as recently done by three other Arab countries under the aegis of the United States, Israelis of Moroccan origin are delighted at such a rapprochement .
In the streets of Jerusalem, the announcement surprised Moroccan Jews, who represent some 800,000 people, or nearly a tenth of the Israeli population.
A community that has kept unwavering links with the Cherifian kingdom.
"It's time for me to go to Morocco"
"My mother and my father come from Morocco, they were born there just like my grandfather", explains Meir Va'nunu, Israeli of Moroccan origin, at the microphone of France 24. "Now it's time for me to go to Morocco to visit my grandfather's grave. I hope that peace will return. "
For his part, Ami Navon says he is "happy to be able to welcome Moroccans to Israel".
Rabat and Tel Aviv broke off diplomatic relations in 2002. Since then, exchanges have been mostly informal, but tens of thousands of Jewish citizens have continued to move between the two countries.
Long awaited, the normalization of relations between the two States will first involve the re-establishment of liaison offices, a prelude to the establishment of direct diplomatic relations, and flights between capitals.
The summary of the week
France 24 invites you to come back to the news that marked the week
I subscribe
Take international news everywhere with you!
Download the France 24 application
google-play-badge_FR