The World Conference of Jewish Organizations today appealed to the Moroccan Government urging the removal of the “restraints on the liberties” of the Jews in Morocco and “the restoration to them of the freedoms enshrined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
A statement issued by the Conference on behalf of all Jewish organizations affiliated with it reads:
“The World Conference of Jewish Organizations, meeting in New York, voices the anxious concern of Jews throughout the world, at the serious attacks by the police of Casablanca against Moroccan Jews in violation of their human rights and liberties as free and equal citizens.
“Coincident with the recent Casablanca conference of certain African states, hundreds of Jews, men and women, of all ages and even young children, were indiscriminately molested by the police in the streets of Casablanca and were subjected to offensive interrogation, personal indignities and physical maltreatment. Though subsequently liberated, large numbers of Jews were arbitrarily arrested and imprisoned without charge, warrant, cause or explanation.
“These police assaults against peaceful and guiltless Jewish citizens are indefensible and cannot in any respect find justification as a measure of national security. They have caused widespread dismay among the Jewish population of Morocco and unhappily must tend to incite ill feeling between Moslems and Jews, a development which would be deeply deplored.
“The World Conference of Jewish Organizations is most reluctant to believe that the Moroccan Government would tolerate, far less authorize or condone such violations of the basic rights and freedoms of a section of its citizens. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the Government may take the necessary and appropriate public measures to allay the anxieties of Moroccan Jewry and to assure all elements of the Moroccan population that their personal security and human dignity will be fully respected and safeguarded.
“The police acts referred to preceded the tragic sinking of the ship Pisces, resulting in the loss of 43 Moroccan Jewish men, women and children. Together, these lamentable incidents demonstrate that the Jews of Morocco are subjected to restrictions of their elementary freedoms including the inalienable human right to be granted legal facilities to be reunited with their families with whom they may desire to live in other countries.
“The denial of these rights and freedoms creates human suffering and apprehension for the future peace and welfare of Moroccan Jews. Relying on the humanity, understanding and sense of justice of the King and Government of Morocco, the World Conference of Jewish Organizations earnestly urges the removal of the restraints on the liberties of their Jewish citizens and the restoration to them of the freedoms enshrined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
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