Jewish cemetery, Meknes

The Jewish Cemetery, Meknes is a Jewish cemetery in Meknes, Morocco. Founded in 1682 to serve the city's Jewish community living in the mellah , or Jewish quarter, it was rehabilitated in 2022.

History

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 and estimated to be the location of thousands of bodies. Many of the graves are built atop older ones. ^[2]

In 2010, King Mohammed VI of Morocco started a renovation program for Jewish heritage sites in his country. In 2022, Moroccan authorities completed a renovation of the cemetery as part of a broader overhaul of over 160 Jewish heritage sites coinciding with the country reestablishing of diplomatic ties with Israel with the Israel–Morocco normalization agreement in light of the Abraham Accords. ^{[2] [1]}

On May 19, 2022, dozens of Jews, many of whom were Israelis of Moroccan heritage, made a pilgrimage to the cemetery to visit the graves of prominent rabbis. The visit was conducted under heavy security. ^[1] However, Jews have visited Meknes for decades. ^[2]

Notable burials

• Raphael Berdugo, influential 19th century Moroccan rabbi ^[1]

See also

• Jewish cemetery, Marrakech
• Jewish cemeteries, Essaouira

References

1. Oudrhiri, Kaouthar (2022-05-21). "Moroccan Jews return to their roots with pilgrimage to Meknes". Associated Press. Times of Israel. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
2. Liphshiz, Cnaan (2022-05-23). "Moroccan authorities restore ancient Jewish cemetery of Meknes". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved 17 July 2023.