Ouezzane

Morocco

May 4, 2013 

The history of Jewish migration and settlement in Morocco goes back to Roman times after the Romans conquered Jerusalem in 70 AD. * 

In the Middle Ages, the Jewish population in Morocco exploded as the result of the their expulsion from Spain (1492) and Portugal (1497). 

By the middle of the 20th Century, 248,000 Jews were citizens of Morocco.  Beginning in 1948 when the State of Israel was born, almost all of Jewish population of Morocco departed.  Now, only a few thousand remain.  Moroccan Jews are one of the largest ethnic groups in Israel. 

During my three week trip to Morocco, I visited just three of the many Jewish sites.

 “Always Leave Them Laughing When You Say Goodbye” *

They are hysterical with laughter.  When I say “Goodbye” they are hysterical with laughter.

Just moments before, they were angry.

The town of Moulay Idriss (pop 12,600) clings to rocky outcrops high above an agricultural plain in the north of Morocco.  After having visited the big cities, I decided, “This is the real Morocco.”  The bright white town and its inhabitants seem so exotic.

The town is perfect for a photo shoot.  Yet somehow, I sense that the local folks would object to being photographed, even if I ask permission.

Tetouan

Morocco

May 5, 2013

Buenos días a todos,

From the congested hillside city of Tetouan in northwest Morocco, I drive north through rolling farmlands to the Mediterranean coast.  My goal for the day:  Lunch in Spain! 

Oued Laou

Morocco

May 6, 2013 

Dear Friends,

The blue and white seaside town of Oued Laou … what a fitting conclusion to my three week trip to Morocco! 

East of Tetouan, I carefully follow the 45km winding that road hugs the mountainside that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.  

How can I resist stopping once or twice to admire the hillside greenery that descends down the mountain to the very shore of the placid sea? 

In town, I stroll through the food market and the town square.  But the sea beckons.