By COLlive reporter
Photos: Kobi Yifrach
Food packages to 1,500 needy Muslim families in Morroco are being delivered this week in honor of the Ramadan holiday during which Muslims fast during the daytime and eat at night.
The initiative was launched in Marrakech on Monday by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), Jeunesse Chabad Maroc and the Mimouna Association, a Muslim student organization dedicated to preserving Moroccan Jewish heritage.
The Fellowship’s vice president Yael Eckstein and Chabad’s Rabbi Levi Banon personally stood at the Slat al Azama Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) in Marrakech, to hand the packages.
“Now more than ever, it is so important that the great faiths of our forefather Abraham come together to try to make the world a better place,” said Eckstein.
“Since World War II, Morocco has set an example in this part of the world for its treatment of Jewish citizens. And today, it is our honor to stand with the people of Morocco, and show that we can overcome divisions and intolerance everywhere by building bridges of empathy and understanding and truly making a difference.”
Each box The Fellowship, Chabad and Mimouna deliver contains traditional Ramadan foods, including dates, tea, lentils, chickpeas and other staples for the feast of Eid al-Fitr, which culminates Ramadan from June 25 to 28.
The interfaith partnership in Morocco began last year and delivered a similar amount of food parcels, expanding a local effort by Chabad from the previous year.
Even though i’m completely in favor of unifying all people of different backgrounds in the world, and it seems on the surface like a noble endeavor what this rabbi is trying to do in this video, I personally would never give one penny of my money to support what’s going on in this video, nor would I ever participate in something like this in any way by handing out these ‘Ramadan packages’ etc. Just like I would never be caught dead handing out ‘easter packages’ or something like that either, Chas ve Shalom. I have some very close Muslim friends,… Read more »
We are always told stories about great people of long ago helping non-Jews, now there’s something wrong with it?
I heard that in the last 50 or so years the Jewish population in Morocco had dwindled down to half what is was before and a big part of that was that, when Jew became very successful in business, the government would simply walk in and take it over, with absolutely no compensation to the Jewish former owner who had built it up, in the first place.
I do not know if this is true but it’s what I heard.
Your suppose to give tzdaka to the needy in your vicinity. By Rabbi Banon giving food to the Muslims in his neighborhood he’s making it possible for him to continue his good work there and to continue giving to the Jews in his area.
Hold your horses.16 was talking about the arab relationship with the yidden living there, in general. Nothing what to do withrRamadan.
truly acting as a light unto the nations. what a beautiful gesture.
לרעך means someone who is obligated and fulfills mitzvos like you. Not your fellow being. At least that’s what Torah tells us.
“The general principle governing these matters is: Gentiles are not to be allowed to originate a new religion or create mitzvot for themselves based on their own decisions. They may either become righteous converts and accept all the mitzvot or retain their statutes without adding or detracting from them. If a gentile … creates a religious practice, a Jewish court should beat him, punish him, and inform him that he is obligated to die. However, he is not to be executed.” -Mishna Torah, Hilchos Milachim 10:9
Only in Morocco the Arabs have אהבת ישראל
The king of Morocco, חסן,protecting the jews and recpecting them.and he had a זכות מ to get a special
Bracha from the Rabbi the time of Rabbi raskin ע”ה
We wish in every Arab country they will recpect the
Jeiws people ,like in Morocco. Specially in marakesh
(The most beautify city in the world)
Love how these farmers are sitting there deciding what Shluchim should do, and if the rebbe wanted.
The rebbe was very pro that the government of Israel should give money to large family’s, including muslims. The rebbe said they also have the mitzva of having kids and we must help them sustain them selfs
It’s accepted in the Muslim world that religious organizations give food for poor people during Ramadan- it’s will be a big chilul hashem if chabad doesn’t join. 2nd if people are so concerned for the struggling Jews in morroco, I’m sure rabbi Banon would be able to give your donation to a struggling family
I spent a month by rabbi Banon in Casablanca you will never believe how much the Muslim respect the Jewish people there. I was Not afraid of walking in the streets with my hat and jacket……
It’s not a question of right or wrong. if you are on shlichus of the rebbe, so you are representing the Rebbe!! is this the shlichus that the rebbe gave you to do?? Yes or No??
Stop questioning why he isn’t helping jewish families instead. this oppurtunity came up, and he took it. Not every good thing has to be turned into something bad because “why didn’t he do this…and this…and this as well?” Seriously?
I found this incredibly moving and such a kiddush Hashem!
It may seem like a kiddush hashem but really it’s not, because a Jew is supposed to go out of his way to feed Jewish needy families! Not Muslims, I don’t think hashem is happy seeing his Jewish nation giving Muslims food for their Ramadan!! It’s just ridiculous! It’s forbidden to support their religion! And same story if it would be Christians.
making peace with the rest of the world is a Kiddush Hashem
What a Kiddush Hashem!
What about our own Jewish children that dont have food on theur dinner table!? I get that this is good coverage for their center but not sure if this is a Chabad priority.
Why?
Hey! I’m all in for feeding needy families, but why Muslims?!
Why would you support them in any way?!
Do hashem a favor & Find Jewish needy families to feed.
This way Chabad in Morocco makes $$$
חסד לעומים חטאת
Will they appreciate later?
who pays for all of this?
Amazing work
why are jews helping the goyim keep their religion.?