Israel postal authorities announced today that two sacks of Israel mail sent to Morocco last week have been returned by the Moroccan post office with an explanation that postal communications between the two countries have been severed.
Last month, Morocco announced it would have to sever such relations with Israel because it had joined the Arab Postal Union and that, as a member of the Arab League, it would have to carry out all commitments of such membership, including the anti-Israel phase of Arab League policy.
The return of the mail caused great anxiety among Moroccan Jews in Israel who were already alarmed by reports of recent arrests of Jews in Morocco and indications of general anti-Jewish tendencies of Moroccan authorities. There are hardly any Moroccan Jews in Israel who do not have family members still in Morocco many of whom wish to emigrate but cannot because of the attitude of the Moroccan Government.
The mail return was considered an inhuman act. It severs the only link for broken families for whom letters were virtually the only consolation for their separation from one another.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
