Sérge Berdugo, Ambassador-at-Large of the King, speaking in New York on Thursday, emphasized that the Emirate of the Faithful, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, stands as a fundamental component of the 'Moroccan Exception.' He asserted that the King, through this role, guarantees the freedom to practice religious rites for followers of the three Abrahamic religions in the Kingdom.
Berdugo explained during a tribute ceremony organized in his honor by the American Jewish Committee, in his capacity as President of the Council of Moroccan Jewish Communities, that this established Moroccan exception is enshrined in the 2011 constitution, which recognizes the Hebrew heritage as a component of the multifaceted national identity. This exception is particularly evident in the preservation of Jewish cultural and religious heritage, considered an integral part of the Kingdom's legacy. Berdugo seized this opportunity to highlight the historical relationship between Morocco and the United States, cemented by the 1787 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, described as 'the oldest continuously ratified treaty in American history.' In this context, he recalled the United States' recognition in December 2020 of Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara, a stance reiterated on several occasions. During the ceremony, Serge Berdugo was presented with the 'Akiba' award by the American Jewish Committee. The President of the American Jewish Committee, Ted Deutch, stated that the award to Berdugo recognizes 'his diligent efforts for his community and his country, the Kingdom of Morocco, whose monarch, following an ancient tradition, is keen to honor and protect his Jewish subjects and ensures the protection of pluralism and mutual respect as established national values.'
The recognition of the 'Moroccan Exception' and the role of the Emirate of the Faithful underscore Morocco's unique commitment to religious freedom and cultural diversity, a principle that continues to define its national identity and strengthen its international relations.