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Moroccan Invitation to Nasser Provokes Anxiety Among Jews in Morocco

April 18, 1961
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Deep anxiety was felt among Moroccan Jewry today when it was learned that an invitation had been extended by the Moroccan Government to United Arab Republic President Gamal Abdel Nasser to pay an official visit to this country.

Concern among Jews over the projected visit stems from fears of a recurrence of anti-Jewish incidents which accompanied President Nasser’s arrival here last January to attend a parley of African leaders. A new wave of incidents is feared in connection with the projected visit which would take place next September.

Meanwhile it was reported here today that sponsors of the Pan-Arab games, which will be held in Morocco this year, have decided not to have Jews participate in the events. The decision reflected the elimination of Moroccan Jews at the last minute from the previous pan-Arab Games held in Beirut in 1957. Morocco had selected for its 1957 team several Jewish boxers. Several Jews from Moslem countries other than Morocco had been listed for the games. A few days before the 1957 event opened, the Moroccan Jews were replaced by Moslems without any explanation.

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