At the American Jewish Committee’s annual Jewish Diplomacy Reception, Council of Moroccan Jewish Communities President Ambassador Serge Berdugo received the prestigious Akiba Award.
A distinguished emissary for a kingdom celebrated for its pluralistic heritage, he has been a visionary bridge-builder between Muslims and Jews and a diligent steward of Jewish cultural patrimony.
Speaking in New York, Berdugo highlighted Morocco’s unique model of coexistence, anchored in the institution of the Commandeur des Croyants, whose custodian, King Mohammed VI, ensures freedom of worship for adherents of the three monotheistic religions. This commitment to pluralism, enshrined in Morocco’s 2011 Constitution, recognises the Hebrew component as an integral part of the nation’s identity.
He also recalled the enduring ties between Morocco and the United States, formalized in the 1787 Treaty of Peace and Friendship—the oldest uninterrupted treaty in American history—and reaffirmed by Washington’s 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara.
The Akiba Award, named after the renowned Talmudic scholar Rabbi Akiba Ben Joseph, recognises individuals and institutions that have made extraordinary contributions to Jewish life and cultural heritage. In presenting the award, AJC officials lauded Berdugo’s lifelong dedication to his community and country, noting his pivotal role in preserving Morocco’s Jewish heritage—a legacy supported and elevated by King Mohammed VI.
Berdugo’s career spans decades of service, including his tenure as Morocco’s Minister of Tourism and as a roving ambassador, representing Morocco across the globe. Under his leadership, efforts to restore and protect Jewish cemeteries, synagogues, and cultural sites have set a global benchmark for heritage preservation.
In his remarks, Berdugo reflected on the Moroccan experience as a living example of coexistence, emphasizing that the kingdom’s pluralism is not a historical relic but a guiding principle for the future.
“The Moroccan exception is not a myth; it is a tangible reality, a beacon of hope showing that peaceful coexistence between Judaism and Islam is possible,” he declared.
The evening brought together diplomats, AJC leaders, and friends of Morocco in a celebration of a fifty-year partnership marked by mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to peace. Through Ambassador Berdugo, the award honoured not only a lifetime of achievement but also the enduring spirit of Morocco itself—a nation where tradition and coexistence illuminate a path toward a more harmonious future.
