The history of Jews in Morocco dates back to ancient times, with the oldest evidence of Jewish presence in the region dating to the Roman period. Over the centuries, Moroccan Jews became an integral part of the country\'s cultural and social fabric. They lived in both urban and rural areas, often in distinct communities known as mellahs, or Jewish quarters. The Jewish population in Morocco was diverse, with different communities speaking various languages, including Darija, Tamazight, Haketia, and French. Despite facing periods of persecution and hardship, Moroccan Jews maintained their traditions and contributed significantly to the country\'s economy and culture.
During World War II, Sultan Mohammed V of Morocco played a crucial role in protecting the Jewish population from the horrors of the Holocaust. When the Vichy regime, which controlled Morocco at the time, ordered the deportation of Moroccan Jews to Nazi concentration camps, Sultan Mohammed V famously declared, \"There are no Jews in Morocco. There are only Moroccan subjects\". His steadfast refusal to comply with the Vichy authorities\' demands ensured that not a single Moroccan Jew was deported or killed during the war. This act of defiance and protection solidified the bond between the Jewish community and the Moroccan monarchy, and it remains a significant chapter in the history of Moroccan Jews.