Chefchaouen, August 13, 2024
The children of Jerusalem, participating in the 15th edition of the summer camp, were warmly welcomed today by the breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant colors of the highlands in the mountainous city of Chefchaouen. They are eager to explore the many wonders of Morocco’s rich natural landscapes in the days ahead.
The children stood before the blue hues that define the alleyways of the city, and began asking their tour guide questions about the era of the Kasbah, the “Outa Hammam” square, and the secrets of “Sayyida al-Hurra.”
Despite their curiosity, they remained captivated by the walls, tiles, and stairways, as if they were observing paintings crafted by an artist’s brush.
The image of Chefchaouen is etched in the minds of its young visitors, reflecting the generosity of the city and its people. With each passing day in Morocco, this exceptional feeling, filled with empathy and solidarity, that the Moroccan people hold for their Palestinian brothers, grows stronger within them..
In this context, with the same warmth of solidarity and love that the Moroccan people hold for their Palestinian brothers—a sentiment felt by the children from Moroccans of all walks of life, wherever they go—Governor of Chefchaouen Province, Mohamed Alami Waddan, welcomed the guests of the Kingdom of Morocco, embodying the noble feelings of Moroccans towards the Palestinian people.
At the end of the warm reception, the children of Jerusalem expressed their appreciation and gratitude for this generous gift, which His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, has made a tradition every year. This annual initiative allows the children of the holy city to visit Morocco, enjoy the diversity of its land, the beauty of its nature, and the kindness of its people.
Amira Al-Khatib, a camp counselor, said, “The city of Chefchaouen reminded us of the streets of the Old City in Jerusalem and its markets, adding to our experience with its stunning colors and beautiful decorations. There’s a sense of freedom here—no restrictions, no closed doors. The children are happy with the breathtaking scenery, which has boosted their positive energy. This is an opportunity to thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God preserve him, for this wonderful experience.”
Youssef Sadaoui, a student from Ru’a School, shared his experience during his visit to the city: “Chefchaouen is a beautiful city. I didn’t expect it to be this stunning—it’s naturally, wonderfully beautiful. Now I understand why they call it the Blue City because everything here is white and blue. It’s the most amazing experience of my life, and I hope to return to it.”
Nada Al-Salaymeh, a student from Al-Fattah Comprehensive School, shared her sentiments about Chefchaouen, saying, “We’ve heard that the people of Chefchaouen view us as their own brothers and sisters, just like all Moroccans do. Today, we genuinely felt that connection as well.”
It is worth noting that the activities of the summer camp for the children of Jerusalem continue in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region with a program of entertainment and relaxation, including artistic competitions and the “Yacoub Al-Mansour Al-Mouahidi” sports tournament. The tournament features women’s basketball and men’s indoor soccer and will conclude tomorrow, Wednesday, with the final matches and an awards ceremony at the “Ziyaten” sports hall in Tangier.
Alongside the summer camp program in Morocco, which benefits 50 children from Jerusalem along with 5 counselors, the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency (BMAQ) launched the Summer Schools Program in early August. This initiative aims to support 4,000 children from Jerusalem, distributed across 17 schools and clubs in various neighborhoods and villages within the district.
