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Op-Ed: You must remember this: Sultan Mohammed V protected the Jews of Casablanca

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Summary

This article discusses the 75th anniversary of the release of "Casablanca", a movie that inspired people with its depiction of resistance against fascism. The article also focuses on the overlooked but remarkable example of the protection of the Jews of Morocco by Sultan Mohammed V. The article explains how Mohammed V bravely and publicly refused to enforce the anti-Semitic laws of the Vichy regime, and continued to protect his Jewish subjects. His actions contrast with the grand mufti of Jerusalem who spent the war years in Berlin, plotting the extermination of Jews and recruiting Eastern European Muslims to fight for the Nazi cause. The article also mentions that the Moroccan Jewish community still remembers Mohammed V's heroism to this day.

Q&As

What year marks the 75th anniversary of the release of "Casablanca"?
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the release of "Casablanca".

Who was Sultan Mohammed V?
Sultan Mohammed V was the third son of the reigning sultan's younger brother and was named sultan largely because the French viewed him as more docile than his older brothers.

How did Sultan Mohammed V protect the Jews of Morocco?
Sultan Mohammed V protected the Jews of Morocco by publicly declining to assist in the persecution of his own Jewish citizens and refusing to fully enforce the anti-Semitic laws imposed by the Vichy regime. He also invited senior representatives of the Jewish community to the annual banquet celebrating the anniversary of his sultanate and placing them in the best seats next to the French officials.

How did the French misjudge Mohammed V?
The French misjudged Mohammed V by viewing him as more docile than his older brothers.

What did Mohammed V do to support the Allies during the war?
During the war, Mohammed V was a strong supporter of the Allies and welcomed President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and French President Charles de Gaulle for four days in 1943 at the historic Casablanca conference.

AI Comments

👍 This article highlights the remarkable example of enlightened leadership that is often overlooked - Sultan Mohammed V's protection of the Jews of Morocco. It is inspiring and encouraging to read about such a powerful and compassionate act of heroism.

👎 While this article provides an important reminder of Sultan Mohammed V's heroic act, it fails to adequately address the persecution of Jews in other parts of the world. An article of this nature should also strive to shed light on the ongoing struggles against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about the protection of Jews in Morocco by Sultan Mohammed V during World War II. He defied the French Vichy regime and proclaimed that there were no Jews in Morocco, only Moroccan subjects. He also refused to enforce the anti-Semitic laws imposed by the French.

Friend: Wow, that's really inspiring. It's a reminder that even in the face of great adversity, people can stand up for what they believe in and make a difference.

Me: Absolutely! It's also a reminder that we have a responsibility to stand up for those who are persecuted and to speak out against prejudice. We should all learn from this example and strive to create a more tolerant and inclusive society.

Action items

Research the history of the Treaty of Fez and its impact on Morocco.
Learn more about the life and legacy of Sultan Mohammed V.
Reach out to members of the Moroccan Jewish community to learn more about their experiences during World War II.

Technical terms

Op-Ed: Short for "opposite the editorial page," an op-ed is an article written by someone outside of the publication's staff that expresses an opinion on a current issue.
La Marseillaise: The national anthem of France.
Vichy regime: The government of France during World War II that collaborated with Nazi Germany.
Commander of the Faithful: A title given to the leader of the Islamic faith.
People of the Book: A term used to refer to the Abrahamic faiths, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Ghettos: Areas of a city in which members of a minority group are forced to live.
Round-ups: The act of gathering people together, usually for a specific purpose.
Yellow Star: A badge worn by Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II.
Grand Mufti: The highest official of religious law in the Islamic faith.
Haj Amin Husseini: The grand mufti of Jerusalem during World War II.
Casablanca Conference: A meeting between Allied leaders Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Charles de Gaulle in 1943.