Jewish Cemetery, Meknes
The Jewish Cemetery in Meknes, Morocco,
Many of the graves are built atop older ones.
History edit
The cemetery was founded in 1682 to serve the Jewish community living in the mellah, or Jewish quarter, of Meknes.[1]
The cemetery is 10-acres in sized and estimated to be the location of thousands of bodies.[2]
In 2010, King Mohammed VI of Morocco started a renovation program for Jewish heritage sites in his country
Authorities in Morocco completed a renovation of the historic Jewish cemetery in the city of Meknes, part of a broader overhaul of Jewish heritage sites that coincides with the country’s reestablishment of diplomatic ties with Israel. JTA^^
It was one of 160 across Morocco to benefit from a renovation program since 2010. ^^TOI
On May 19, 2022, dozens of Jews, many of whom Israelis of Moroccan heritage, made a pilgrimage to the cemetery to visit the graves of prominent rabbis buried there. The visit was conducted under heavy security.[1] However, Jews from Israel and other countries have visited Meknes for decades.[2]
Notable burials edit
- Raphael Berdugo[1], influential 19th century Moroccan rabbi
References edit
- ^ a b c Oudrhiri, Kaouthar (2022-05-21). "Moroccan Jews return to their roots with pilgrimage to Meknes". Associated Press. Times of Israel. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
- ^ a b Liphshiz, Cnaan (2022-05-23). "Moroccan authorities restore ancient Jewish cemetery of Meknes". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved 17 July 2023.