On the occasion of the New Year celebrations, Christians, Jews, and Muslims gathered yesterday evening, Saturday, at the Anfa Church in Casablanca, to celebrate together the "Bûche de la Fraternité".
This event, organised by the association "Moroccans in the Plural", was an opportunity to highlight the Moroccan model in the field of promoting values of interfaith tolerance, peace, and coexistence.
This meeting was attended, in particular, by the Governor of the Casablanca-Anfa Prefecture, Aziz Dades, the Consul General of the United States of America in Casablanca, Marissa Scott-Torres, Father André Comailo from the Notre-Dame de Lourdes Church in Casablanca, representatives of the "Salam L'Kouloum" association, and other figures from various fields.
In a speech on the occasion, Dades highlighted "the uniqueness of the Moroccan model, which is based on strong principles concerning coexistence and living together among different religions", and confirmed that "this model derives its strength from the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, and makes Morocco an example to be followed in promoting universal values of peace and fraternity".
For her part, Scott-Torres said: "The harmony between Muslims, Jews, and Christians is constantly flourishing in Morocco. This coexistence represents a glimmer of hope that proves that it is possible to live together in peace, even in a world that is often full of conflicts", and added: "Our beliefs teach us values of love, compassion, and unity. Thanks to these teachings, we find the strength to move forward and create a future in which every individual can thrive".
For her part, Guadalupe Josefina Zuniga Orozco, from the Franciscan Sisters' House in Anfa, said: "It is a special occasion to celebrate Christmas alongside people of different religions - Christians, Jews, and Muslims - in an atmosphere of fraternity", and continued: "This shows that despite our differences, we can live together in joy, friendship, and mutual respect. Interfaith harmony is not only possible, but it is a beacon of hope".
In turn, Ahmed Ghayet, President of the "Moroccans in the Plural" association, said that "in a world living under the weight of hatred, rejection of the other, and wars, this type of initiative represents a true oasis of peace. Under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco, this blessed land, maintains its fundamental values of coexistence and fraternity", and added: "Every year we repeat this experience with a new generation. By sharing their traditional cake for this occasion with young Christians, we seek to remain faithful to our ancient values and preserve our long-standing traditions".
This celebration was marked by testimonies from representatives of the three religions, in addition to the singing of hymns by the parish youth choir, accompanied by an Issawa music group.
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