Israeli President Isaac Herzog presented the Presidential Medal of Honor to André Azoulay, the advisor to King Mohammed VI and president of the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation on Wednesday in Tel Aviv.
The nomination of Azoulay was announced on July 2.
The Presidential Medal is the highest civilian award in Israel and is awarded to individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to the State of Israel, the Jewish people, and humanity.
Azoulay was accompanied during the ceremony by members of his family, as well as the Mayors of Tetouan and Essaouira, Mustapha El Bakkouri and Tarik Ottmani.
Azoulay was praised as a man of peace and dialogue at the ceremony for promoting communication and reconciliation across cultures, civilizations, and religions, and for fostering understanding between peoples, including Israelis and Palestinians.
Speaking about the significance of this medal to the Moroccan News Agency (MAP), Azoulay said: “In Morocco, the land of Islam, I am a proud Jew, and I live my Judaism to the fullest… This award is a source of great hope and immense pride for my country, Morocco, and for Moroccan civilization and the Moroccan exception which is being celebrated today and which continues to strongly embody the values of peace and coexistence.”
He added that this decoration is an honor for all Moroccans. “It is a tribute to my dear country, Morocco, with all its Arab, Amazigh and Jewish tributaries, among others.”