Rabat – December 13, 2024
The Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency (BMAQ), an affiliate of the Al-Quds Committee, is to participate in the second edition of the International Children’s and Youth Book Fair, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him. The event will take place from December 14 to 22, 2024, at the « Anfa Park » Exhibition Center in Casablanca.
On this occasion, the Agency will launch the « HAYYA » applications on Sunday, December 15, 2024, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM in the main conference hall at the exhibition. These applications, aimed at children and youth, provide entertainment and education about the virtues of Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem).
The « HAYYA » applications include ten 3D animated episodes titled « The Five Keys to Jerusalem ». The series narrates the story of five children from diverse nationalities and religions competing in a contest about their observations in Jerusalem, which they visit for the first time with Grandfather Moussa Al-Rida, a descendant of Moroccan mujahiddeens (warriors) who supported Salah ad-Din Al-Ayyubi in liberating Jerusalem.
In addition to the animated episodes, augmented reality (AR) posters have been developed to enhance children’s interaction with the story’s characters during their journey between Rabat, Tetouan, and Jerusalem. This artistic project, produced in Cairo, Egypt, combines written and animated storytelling, digital applications, and real-life models symbolizing the « Key of Return » and the « Olive Tree of Peace. »
Moreover, on Monday, December 16, 2024, from 5:15 PM to 7:00 PM, the Agency will host a seminar titled « Palestinian Children’s and Youth Literature » at the exhibition venue. The seminar will feature Palestinian authors Ziad Khaddash and Fares Sebaaneh, both specialists in children’s literature, alongside Jerusalem-based artist Shihab Qawasmi, a creator of illustrated storybooks. They will be joined by Moroccan writer Mohammed Redouane, author of the « Jerusalem Notebooks » series for children, which explores the historic connection between Moroccans and Bayt Al-Maqdis.
The Agency will set up a booth featuring its publications for children and youth, as well as postcards that schoolchildren can purchase and personalize with messages of solidarity and support for their Palestinian peers. These heartfelt postcards will be delivered to their recipients at an appropriate time. Additionally, the booth will offer a variety of Palestinian-made products for sale, with all proceeds directed toward funding the Agency’s projects in Jerusalem.
