The New York Jewish Travel Guide sat down with Kobi Ifrah, co-founder of “Kulna,” to ask a few questions about this nonprofit organization aimed at preserving and promoting Jewish Moroccan heritage in both Morocco and Israel.
NYJTG: Can you share your background: where you are from, where your motivation and inspiration came from in choosing Marrakesh as your home, and why not any other cities in Morocco?
Kobi Ifrach: My parents are from Morocco. My mother, blessed in her memory, was from Marrakesh. My father, who is still alive, is from the city of Fes.
At the age of 18, I took a trip to Morocco. The first time I arrived in the “Mellah” (Jewish quarter in Marrakesh), I immediately knew that this was going to be my home. This city is where my roots are and maybe my future is.
Twenty years later, at the age of 33, I returned to Marrakesh to learn about a community that was 2,000 years old and on the verge of vanishing. That is the reason I came back.
NYJTG: Can you elaborate on your Moroccan Jewish heritage and your newfound connection to your roots? It seems like a deeply personal mission for you.
Moroccan Jewish heritage boasts a rich and ancient history. Notably, many of the world’s renowned early Jewish Halachic leaders passed through Morocco. From figures like “Basa son of King Solomon” to Rabenu Hushiel and Rabenu Hannael, and then onto Rabbi Elfas, Harabam, Rabbi Yehuda Koriehs, and the Aharonim like Haim Hakadosh, Rabbi Elazar Halevi, Rabbi Refael Elnakka, and more
Unfortunately, in Israel, there are still many who remain unaware of this profound Jewish religious heritage and the Halachic world of Moroccan Jews. My personal mission is to share this knowledge with visitors. Morocco encompasses not only amulets and the tombs of righteous individuals but an entire realm of Judaism replete with Halachic rulings, Kabbalah, and much more.
NYJTG: Could you provide us with further details about your organization, “Kulna”?
Kobi Ifrach: “Kulna” serves as a haven for the culture of Jews hailing from Arab countries. The primary objective of Morocco’s “Kulna” is to preserve the Jewish-Arab history within Morocco, fostering a connection among the Arab population of Morocco and other Arab countries. “Kulna” strives to instill a sense of connection among young Israelis with their Jewish heritage and identity. In Morocco, our aim is to reinforce the bonds and memories between Morocco and the Jewish community in Israel, particularly influencing Israeli society to embrace the essence of Judaism originating from Arab countries.
Morocco’s “Kulna” encompasses a range of programs within the local community, including initiatives like the Marrakesh Jewish Museum. We are also engaged in the preservation of the Jewish cemetery in Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains. Our activities extend to Jewish educational campaigns, local educational programs, and community volunteer projects. Additionally, we organize collaborative events that bring together local and Jewish communities, establish multi-religious centers, and implement various programs designed to bridge connections between Jews and their heritage as well as between Jews and Muslims.
NYJTG: How have the Abrahamic Accords and the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Morocco facilitated the bridging of cultural gaps and attracted Israelis and Jews to Morocco?
Kobi Ifrach: Over the course of my eight years in Marrakesh, my primary objective has always been to construct a bridge between Marrakesh and the city of Yeruham, fostering a connection between the profound spiritual world of Yeruham and the realm of study in Marrakesh.
The Abrahamic Accords have played a crucial role in advancing these endeavors. They have enabled us to continue promoting these activities and to enhance the interfaith bridge that already exists in Morocco, connecting Jews and Muslims. Moreover, the Abrahamic Accords have sustained the historic Jewish connection with the Islamic world, fostering a positive relationship between Jews and Muslims, not only in Arab nations but across the global Jewish community.
NYJTG: Can you share details about your upcoming projects and how you plan to implement them?
Kobi Ifrach: Our primary project is “Beit Kolna Marrakesh,” which will offer a meaningful connection to Judaism for travelers. We’re also focused on preserving historical sites, digitizing archives, and providing emergency services on Saturdays and holidays. Another project involves creating a first-aid team and rescue service for our residents, along with educational initiatives.
In addition, we aim to establish an activity center serving cultural and educational needs. Our House of Worship will serve as a place for learning about Moroccan Jewish heritage and fostering young people’s Jewish identity while continuing Beit Abba’s tradition.
NYJTG: Do you have plans to return to Israel in the future? If so, what insights or experiences from your time in Morocco will you bring back with you and share with Israelis?
Kobi Ifrach: Israel is my homeland, where I was born and raised. When the time comes for Jewish education and engagement, I will return to Israel. However, I intend to maintain a strong connection with what’s happening here in Morocco and continue to promote our organization in Israel.
Our focus will be on developing programs that foster Jewish identity, Jewish learning, and Torah, especially for Jews from Islamic countries who often have a unique and enriching community experience. We want to transmit this message to the next generation.
NYJTG: Thank you, Kobi, for your time and for sharing this valuable information with us. Your insights have been enlightening and will be of great interest to our readers.
For more information:
To plan a trip to Morocco, contact the Moroccan National Tourist Office or log on to http://www.visitmorocco.com/en.
Fly Royal Air Morocco: https://www.royalairmaroc.com/us-en/
Story by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide, and New York Jewish Guide.com
The author took part in a press trip sponsored by the Moroccan National Tourist Office.
