Mimouna Association Explained
See also: Moroccan Jews, Al Akhawayn University and Mohammed V of Morocco. The Mimouna Association is a Moroccan non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Moroccan Jewish heritage and culture.
History
The Mimouna Association started in 2007 as a Muslim[1] student-run club at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane seeking to promote Jewish heritage and interfaith dialogue around the country.[2] "One of the founding principles of the Association is to reclaim the cultural diversity of Morocco through its history. In a context where intolerance and extremism are rampant, Mimouna, as a Citizen Patriot Association, would like to contribute to the preserving and strengthening of the plural Moroccan identity."
It was originally known as the Mimouna Club.[3]
In August 2012, the student club became an officially incorporated nonprofit organization with the name "Association Mimouna".
Mission
The Mimouna Association is often cited as the leading entity in Morocco fighting antisemitism[4] and strengthening ties between Muslims and Jews.[5] Mimouna "has worked to educate young Moroccans about the Kingdom's rich Jewish history".[6]
"a coalition of Muslim students who have taken on the task of highlighting the deep Jewish roots woven into Moroccan culture."[7]
Activities
- 2011: Conference Mohammed V: Righteous Among Nations[8] [9]
- 2014: The Caravan of Moroccan Jewish Heritage[10] [11]
- 2016: Ramadan Food Distribution[12]
- 2019: Jewish Africa Conference[13] [14] [15]
Recognition
Thanks to his work with the Mimouna Association, founder and president, ElMehdi Boudra was listed among the "top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life" on Algemeiner ‘J100’ 2018 listing.[16]
References
- News: Moroccan Schools Teach Jewish History in Groundbreaking First. 2020-12-11. Haaretz. 2020-12-11. en.
- Web site: Mimouna Association - Mimouna.org. Mimouna Association.
- News: The Moroccan Model. 2010-05-06. Haaretz. 2018-10-19. en.
- News: How an Act of anti-Semitism in Paris Led This Young Moroccan Muslim to Fight It at Home. The Forward. 2018-10-19.
- News: Conference of Presidents honors Muslims who protected Jews during Holocaust. 2018-10-19. en-US.
- News: Morocco's Muslim monarch is trying to preserve the country's Jewish history—before it's too late. 2017-09-06. Newsweek. 2018-10-19. en.
- News: Why these Muslims are fighting anti-Semitism. 2018-04-30. Christian Science Monitor. 2018-10-31. 0882-7729.
- News: Distinctive Mission for Muslims' Conference: Remembering the Holocaust. Freedman. Samuel G.. 2018-10-19. en.
- News: Morocco University Holds First Holocaust Conference in Arab World. 2011-09-23. Haaretz. 2018-10-19. en.
- Web site: Muslim Moroccan Students Celebrate the Spirit of Mimouna, Too – Tablet Magazine. www.tabletmag.com. en. 2018-10-19.
- Web site: Moroccan Jews celebrate heritage in traveling roadshow Jewish Telegraphic Agency. www.jta.org. 7 March 2014. en-US. 2018-10-19.
- News: Christians, Jews, Muslims Partner to Provide Food to Needy Moroccan Families During Ramadan. Algemeiner.com. 2018-10-19. en-US.
- Web site: African Jewish communities get more recognition after years on the margins. Dolsten. Josefin. www.timesofisrael.com. en-US. 2019-02-03.
- Web site: Yes, There Is A Jewish Africa – And American Jews Are Finally Beginning To Notice. DolstenJanuary 30. Josefin. Images. 2019Getty. The Forward. en-US. 2019-02-03.
- Web site: African Jewish communities get some mainstream recognition after years on the margins – Diaspora – Jerusalem Post. www.jpost.com. 2019-02-03.
- News: The Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life, 2018. Algemeiner.com. 2018-10-19. en-US.