Morocco: Rehabilitation of Ancient Jewish District of Marrakesh

Morocco has embarked on the rehabilitation of the ancient Jewish district of Marrakesh, locally known as “Mellah.” The project to rehabilitate the quarter, built in the 16th century to accommodate the Jews escaping the Spanish Inquisition—includes some thirty priority actions to safeguard houses that are threatened with collapse, refurbish Foundouks, rehabilitate homes and develop public squares […]

Egypt’s biggest investment bank takes over state-run Arab Investment Bank

EFG Hermes, Egypt’s biggest investment bank, has completed its takeover of state-owned Arab Investment Bank for an undisclosed transaction. EFG Hermes, Arab News reports, agreed to purchase a 51% stake in the bank in May, with the Sovereign Fund of Egypt also acquiring a 25% stake and the current owner, Egypt’s state-owned National Investment Bank […]

Moroccan Jewish Community Leaders Play Down Nationality Forfeiture Draft Bill

Leaders of the Moroccan Jewish community downplayed the attempts at submitting a draft bill to the Parliament providing for the withdrawal of Moroccan nationality from Jews of Moroccan origin residing in Israeli Settlements. The draft law was suggested by opposition Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), whose head, Ilyas Omari, promised Hamas leader to forfeit Moroccan […]