FIGHTING DARKNESS WITH LIGHT: MUSLIM, JEWISH, AND CHRISTIAN LEADERS

HOLD MEMORIAL SERVICE IN MOROCCO
For the first-time ever since the death of late King Hassan II in 1999, Morocco’s ruling and opposition parties (including the Islamic Party PJD), Parliamentary leaders, and top military brass attended a memorial service for the victims of the U.S. attacks that included Morocco’s Muslim and Jewish leaders and the representative of the Holy See. The service, broadcast live on Moroccan TV and French TV-5 with excerpts on CNN, was held at St. Pierre Cathedral in Rabat on September 16.

In another first, Abbas Jirari, the religious counselor to King Mohamed VI, read a special message from the King in an unexpected venue: a Catholic Cathedral, in the heart of Rabat. The message opened with a personal note from the King "I received with great sadness news of the attacks, which I condemn in the strongest terms." His Majesty then stressed his "solidarity with the great American people, not only because of historical ties and close cooperation but also as fellow monotheists who follow the teachings of the Almighty."

He reminded the world of Morocco’s continuing tradition of tolerance towards Jews and Christians adding that "Islam calls for peace, justice, equality, and dialogue. It calls for moderation in matters of life and religion." The King quoted a verse from the Koran that the killing of one person is equal to the killing of all humanity in the eyes of God, and should be condemned.

Similar sentiments were voiced by the leader of the Council of Muslim Ulema, Ben Youssef, who underscored that "Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance, and civilization, not violence and aggression." Stressing the need for dialogue and negotiation to resolve conflict, he referred the 500 plus attendees to a Koranic verse "Don’t debate with the followers of the Book (Jews and Christians), except in a kind and calm manner."

Morocco’s Rabbi Monsegor, joined by leading Jewish Moroccan leaders including Palace counselor Andre Azoulay and the leader of the Jewish community Serge Berdugo, said that the attacks were a tragedy for all humanity, not just the American people. He ended his remarks with a prayer for Mohammed VI "in recognition of his exemplary tolerance."

The representative of Pope John Paul II delivered an equally strong message of sorrow and hope for America and the world.

Following the lead of U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Margaret Tutwiler in lighting a candle before the U.S. flag were Morocco’s ruling elite led by the Prime Minister and key members of his cabinet; the presidents of both chambers of Parliament; the leaders of the major political parties (including the Islamic party PJD); labor union leaders; and Morocco’s top military brass.

Ambassador Tutwiler noted following the ceremony "I wish to thank His Majesty, the Government, and the people of Morocco for this outpouring of support today. As we grieve together the loss of innocent life, we stand united in our condemnation of these attacks, and in our resolve to strive for the cause of peace in the world."

 

Rabat, September 17, 2001