Ettedgui Synagogue, Casablanca

The Ettedgui Synagogue in Casablanca serves as a testament to the Jewish history of the region. Constructed in 1920 by the affluent Ettedgui family, it originally served a vibrant Jewish community. However, the synagogue faced a significant setback when it was accidentally bombed during the Allied invasion of Northern Africa in World War II. The rebuilding efforts, initiated in the 1980s, culminated in 2010, aligning with King Mohamed VI's broader initiative to rehabilitate the Old Medina of Casablanca under the Jewish Heritage program. This program aimed to preserve and restore Jewish synagogues and cemeteries, safeguarding the rich Jewish heritage of Morocco.

Today, the synagogue not only continues to host religious services but also features a museum. This museum houses a collection of photographs, paintings, and cultural objects that chronicle the Jewish community’s historical presence in Casablanca.

The political backdrop to the synagogue's history involves the reigns of King Hassan II and his son, King Mohamed VI. King Hassan II, often seen as an authoritarian, facilitated Operation Yachin, which significantly reduced the Jewish population in Casablanca by aiding their migration to Israel. Following his death in 1999, his son assumed the throne and implemented significant social reforms. These included a new constitution that reinforced the freedom of religion and acknowledged Judaism as an integral part of Morocco's heritage.

King Mohamed VI's efforts culminated in the synagogue's rededication in 2016, which he attended, underscoring his dedication to preserving Jewish history and ensuring the protection of Jews in Morocco. The Ettedgui Synagogue thus symbolizes not only a rich historical legacy but also the contemporary commitment to religious and cultural tolerance in Morocco.