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Moroccan Jews Appeal to Sultan to Permit Emigration of Relatives

November 21, 1957
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The Association of North African Immigrants in Israel cabled King Muhammed V of Morocco today and asked him to permit Moroccan Jews to leave who wish to come to Israel to rejoin members of their family

The cable in Arabic told the King that many Jewish families were separated when Israel-bound emigration was halted in May of 1956, leaving many aged parents, children and other relatives in dire economic straits. In addition, the cable said, the separated portions of the families, whether in Israel or in Morocco, suffered “grave mental anguish” as a result of the separation.

“Your Majesty,” the cable read let your lips utter the edict that will enable our families to be reunited.” The Association estimates that there are some 120,000 Israelis of Moroccan origin and that at least half of the 230,000 Jews remaining in the North African state are members of separated families.

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