The moroccan British Society, co-sponsor of "Sacred"

The presence of the Jewish community in Morocco dates back many centuries. An early presence was later strengthened by the arrival of successive Diasporas, following the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem in 584 BC.

Successive migration, especially from nearby Spain, coupled with local conversions, helped existing communities grow, Thus in the fifth Century, Morocco saw the influx of Jewish migrants fleeing from an Iberian Peninsula dominated by the Visigoths, and later, in the XV Century, the expelled and self-exiled from the Spanish Inquisition.

At the beginning of the XX Century, the Jewish community in Morocco numbered hundreds of thousands, before a large number decided to emigrate in the second half of the century.

Common Cultural Heritage

King Mohammed V, Protector of His Subjects of Jewish Faith
	During the Second World War, Morocco was under French Mandate. The Vichy Government tried to enforce its anti-Jewish laws in Morocco, but was stymied by the Sultan Mohammed V. His position was forcefully stated: “I do not approve of the new anti-Jewish laws and I refuse to be part of a measure of which I disapprove. Let it be known that as in the past, Jewish Moroccans will remain under My protection; and I refuse that any distinction be made among My Subjects.”