The Immigration, Absorption, and Diaspora Affairs Committee, led by MK Oded Forer from Yisrael Beiteinu, convened for a discussion on the topic of the state's assistance to the Moroccan Jewish community members who were affected by the powerful earthquake that occurred in the country.
The earthquake, which occurred approximately 70 kilometers from Marrakech in southwestern Morocco, caused damage and destruction mainly in villages in the mountainous regions. The old city of Marrakech also suffered significant damage, including two local synagogues and the Jewish cemetery in the Jewish quarter.
Knesset Member Oded Forer stated that "Morocco has a very Zionist Jewish community with a glorious history. We received the news of the earthquake that struck Morocco with sadness. When the State of Israel is in distress, it knows how to turn to the Jewish diaspora for assistance. Now, when the Moroccan Jewish community is in need, Israel should extend a helping hand in every way possible."
Jackie Kadosh, the head of the Jewish community in Marrakech, also participated in the discussion and said, "More than a week has passed since the severe earthquake that struck us. In my lifetime, I have never seen a disaster in Morocco of this magnitude. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the government, which is taking various actions to assist the local Jewish community. Thank God, no one from our community was physically harmed."
During his remarks, he mentioned that the American ambassador to Morocco came to pray together with members of the community during Rosh Hashanah and offered all the necessary assistance. "Unfortunately, there are people in Morocco who are trying to exploit this disaster for their own gain, to make more money for the public treasury, and I strongly oppose this. Our situation after the earthquake is completely under control. There is damage to several buildings, and we will begin their restoration soon."
Jack Ohayon, the leader of one of the synagogues in Marrakech that was damaged in the earthquake, said, "We can see there are large cracks along the outer walls of the synagogue, which are mainly made of sand. We are concerned that there may be deeper damage than what we see on the outside. Our roof is not made of concrete, and we have a big concern that in the coming winter, water may seep in and cause further damage."
Yafit Azar, the representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated during the discussion that Morocco has received assistance from a small number of international countries and has so far declined official assistance from Israel. She said, "Our representation in Morocco is in constant contact with members of the Jewish community. We are aware of damages to two synagogues and several houses of the Jewish community in Marrakech and are working to repair all the damages."