Session 9: The Nationalist Struggle and the Early Years of Independence

Wed. Dec. 16th - Morocco Presentations!!!


Thurs. Dec 17th (16:00-17:30) – Dr. Daniel Zisenwine

This lecture will analyze the nature of the Moroccan struggle for independence, and the role of political movements and the monarchy in this struggle. We will discuss the monarchy's position in independent Morocco, and its impact on Moroccan society throughout the early years of independence. The post independence period was overshadowed by a host of political, social, and economic challenges which continue to underpin developments in Morocco.


Also, here is the link to the website that Prof. Tsur developed for the preservation of Jewish culture from the lands of Islam. Check it out!



http://jic.tau.ac.il/

Session 7: Colonial Morocco

Thurs. Dec. 10th (16:00-17:30) – Dr. Daniel Zisenwine


This lecture focuses on the French and Spanish protectorates established in Morocco in 1912. Although Morocco's colonial experience was relatively short (1912-1956) it left a lasting imprint on modern Moroccan life. New urban centers such as Casablanca emerged, and new forms of political and social identity were embraced by diverse social segments. These developments paved the way for the nationalist struggle for independence.

C.R. Pennell, Morocco since 1830: A History, New York: New York University Press, 200, pp. 40-67; 68-110, 154-188 (for lecture 2)

Session 6: The Jews of Morocco and Israel

Wed. Dec. 9th (14:30-15:30)-(15:45-16:45): Prof. Yaron Tsur
Immigration as solution for Moroccan Jewry – the three immigration waves (1948-1951, 1954-1956, 1961-1964) - The problematic status of Moroccan Olim in young Israel – Symbol of the Ethnic Problem – In the periphery – Power in politics – Influence on Israeli culture

Please find the readings here:

1. Ami Bouganim, "Cradle of the Wind", in op. cit., pp. 55-64.

2. Oumama Aouad Lahrech, "Esther and I", in op. cit., pp. 65-84.

3. Y. Tsur, "Carnival Fears – Moroccans Immigrants and the Ethnic Problem in the Young State of Israel", The Journal of Israeli History, Vol. 18 (1997), no. 1, pp. 73-103.
Questions and points to think about:

• Explain the complexity of the "ethnic problem" referred to in the article's intro?
• Two texts:"Integrative" and "Reserved"
• "Integrative" Report by Ephraim Friedman - What were the factors for encouraging mass North African aliyah to Israel?
• Is this a cry for help?
  

• "Reserved" text:  "Yemenite Immigration and the African Problem"
• What was the perception of the North African immigrants according to this report?
• What was the feeling towards the Ashkenazi sector (as described on p.82)?
• In what way was the Yishuv responsible for the welfare of the new immigrants (p. 85)
• Despite Gelblum's overwhelming negativity towards the Moroccan immigrants, what was the one positive attribute that he afforded them?
• Describe the discrimination felt among the immigrants as part of the 'ethnic problem'?

The New Demographic Anxiety

• What was the fear of the post-1949 imbalance posed by the new demographic phenomenon?
• What was problematic with Gelblum's comparison of Israel to France (p.96)

The Political Carnival

• Why did the Mizrahi Jews support Revisionist Zionism?
   
• What was the problem referred to on p.99?
• How did Moroccan Jews react to a rejection of sorts in their national home?

What caused the Moroccan Jews to become an Edah of bad repute?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Movie:  "Turn Left at the End of the World - סוף העולם שמאלה"
We will find time to watch this movie.

Hi,
I am re-uploading these readings with new links that will hopefully work:


Readings:
The (Re)Fashioning of Moroccan National Identity



Some Major points to consider for this article:
I. 3 Pillars of Moroccan National Identity:

1. Monarchy as the primary religious and national symbol of Morocco.

2. Morocco is a Muslim and arab country

3. territory of Western Sahara is an inalienable part of Morocco

II. Fukuyama's outlook as it pertains to Morocco:

• Capitalism would spread and Democracy would prevail in a post-USSR world

• In response to S. Huntigton – Morocco called for discourse among the nations to avoid such a clash.

• Moroccan Islam: King as “commander of the faithful”

III. Please explain The Makhzen system?

What wasThe Agadir charter?

IV.“Amazhig” identity – what is its role and its relationship with the monarchy?

V. Judeo-Christian west is for Islamist the rival “Other”

• Gulf war ('91) as “Civilization War”

• For Islamist Morocco has achieved political independence without cultural independence.

• Imparting of a foreign model to a Muslim country

• results in cultural alienation and return to Shari’a / fundamentalism

VI. State Fundamentalism

• Islamizing modernity vs. modernizing Islam - WHat does this mean? Examples?

• Is the monarchy responsible for fundamentalism?

• Why did it encouraged Wahabism? Examples? (ie; Educational curriculum (anti-West, and anti-Zionist)

• Moroccan identity based on rejection of the West and Judaism while promoting a peaceful discourse.

VII. Conclusion

• Amazhig vs. Istiqlal - how does this reshape national identity?

• Will this become a unifying factor for Morocco?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reading for next week (10.12.09)

From Hasan II to Muhammad Vi- Plus Ça Change

Click here for a Timeline of Moroccan History.


Click here for a video of the song about Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai.

In Class Presentations

On Wednesday Dec. 16th we will begin our in class presentations.
Assignment:
In a small group (2-3 students) you are asked to give a presentation of 7-10 minutes on any aspect of Moroccan-Jewish culture.
This can be an in depth look at poetry, music, art, Jewish learning and textual contribution...

You are expected to do research based on in class lectures and readings, as well as outside independent research.
The sky is the limit and your creativity is important.
What you need to turn in:

• A 1-paragraph introduction and explanation of your presentation.
• A detailed outline of your presentation.
  

Grades will be given based on research, participation of the entire group, as well as the level of your presentation.
I encourage you to consult with me or one of the professors, and look forward to learning from you!

Welcome to the Kivunim Blog.

You are welcome to find readings, discussion questions here. This can also be a forum for reaction, comments and your comments on any given topic!

Readings:
The (Re)Fashioning of Moroccan National Identity

From Hasan II to Muhammad Vi- Plus Ça Change

More to come soon,

josh