“It is safer and more comfortable wearing a yarmulke (kippa) in Morooco than in the streets of Paris,” said French journalist, actor and entrepreneur born in Morocco Ariel Wizman to the outlet Maroc-Hebdo in an interview about his last book, Morocco: Terre de Lumiere (Morocco: Land of Light).
The choice of title is the fruit of a trip to Morocco in 2023, in which he visited no fewer than 13 cities. “I was dazzled by the beauty of its nature, its multiculturalism, its diverse landscapes and this magnificent civilization that continues to cultivate a singularity and resilience that is the envy of many countries,” said the author.
Wizman explained his love of Morocco by distancing himself from the fact that he is 100% Moroccan, his family having left the Kingdom when he was five. His parents made him realize just how much this country has done to preserve the Jewish memory.
The gentle way of life and the kindness of Moroccans are a testament to the magic that takes hold of Ariel every time he has the opportunity to visit his native country.
“The Jewish component is enshrined in the Moroccan Constitution. How can you not love a country that offers you so much, in human, symbolic and historical terms? Not only do I love my country, but I remain particularly grateful to this great empire,” he said.
I must confess that whenever I have the opportunity to promote Morocco in France, I don’t hesitate for a second. I’ve always felt different in France,” he confided to the newspaper.
The idea behind the book is also to raise awareness of the dynamic progress Morocco is making. “Not everything is perfect, of course. But we want to do justice to a country that is teaching the rest of the African continent a valuable lesson. In any case, I didn’t write this book with that in mind.”
In responding to the question about Morocco’s role in the war between Israel and Hamas, the journalist said that Morocco is in a good position to ensure a political resolution to the conflict, as the Kingdom, through its privileged relations with the Hebrew state and Palestine, is an influential player on the international scene, and has the means to make the belligerents listen to reason.
Wizman believes that France still has a colonialist discourse, both positive and negative, hoping things will go back to the way they used to be. “It’s a great pity for me, for thousands of bi-nationals and for the French to see our two countries drifting apart,” he concluded.