COMMUNITY

Serge Berdugo

Secretary general, Council of Moroccan Jewish Communities

The veteran secretary general of Morocco's remaining Jewish community of 5,000, Serge Berdugo continues to serve as bridge between the worlds of Judaism and Islam, as well as the State of Israel and the Arab world. A long-established advocate of Arab-Jewish dialogue, Berdugo became the first Jew to receive a knighthood from the King of Morocco in 1995. He continues to believe that "Jewish life in Morocco is a window into what peace between us can look like.” He is proud that the community today can boast 15 synagogues, as well as social and athletic clubs for young Moroccan Jews. "More than 50,000 Jews of Moroccan origin visit Morocco every year," Berdugo noted in an interview in early 2018. "It is up to us to ensure that our fellow believers can come to their country of origin...while enjoying conditions of welcome necessary for a Jewish life." (Photo: Screenshot.)