The Presidential Medal of Honor granted by the President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog, to the King’s Counselor, André Azoulay, is a recognition of the historical role of the Moroccan Sovereigns in favor of the protection of the Jewish community and the preservation of Judeo-Moroccan culture, history and heritage, former US Ambassador to Morocco Dwight Bush said.
“I will never forget that the late King Mohammed V refused to hand over Moroccan Jews to the Vichy regime during World War II, declaring that Jews are Moroccan citizens who enjoy the same equal and irrefutable rights as their Muslim brothers. said Dwight Bush.
The late King Hassan II pursued and consolidated this commitment through bold leadership on the international scene in favor of the promotion of peace and inter-religious dialogue and also through his key role in the peace process in the Middle East. , continued the former US diplomat, adding that since his enthronement, King Mohammed VI has worked tirelessly to give new impetus to the commitment of his father and grandfather.
“King Mohammed VI plays a vital and important role in helping both in the MENA region and around the world to understand the value and power of working together to achieve results and move towards peace,” said Bush. .
And to add that Azoulay, “a tireless and persevering man” in the service of dialogue and tolerance, accomplishes his mission “under the leadership and with the support” of King Mohammed VI.
“André Azoulay leads his action inspired by the extraordinary history of Morocco, a country where all faiths are welcome,” he noted.
While indicating that this distinction is “amply deserved” by Azoulay, “a man who recognizes the importance of bringing people together to achieve positive results”, the former United States ambassador to Rabat also wanted to “congratulate the Israelis for having recognized this important Jewish personality of Moroccan origin”.
Past recipients of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor include US Presidents Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, as well as other eminent personalities such as Nobel Peace Prize winner Henry Kissinger and Elie Wiesel.