Morocco honors first-generation immigrants in France for their enduring legacy
Thirty Moroccans who immigrated to France between 1952 and 1962 and now reside in or around Paris were each awarded a personalized medal of merit in tribute to their legacy.
«We are very pleased to welcome our elders and receive them here in their home, so we can once again acknowledge their life paths, honor them, and remind them how important they are to Morocco, their country of originas, well as to France, their host country, and to the relationship between the two», said Samira Sitaïl, Morocco's Ambassador to Paris, in a speech delivered at the event.
As members of the first generation of immigrants who played a decisive role in France's economic growth and Morocco's development, those honored embody the Kingdom's diverse and layered identity, the ambassador emphasized.
«This diversity, part of our identity, our history, and a source of pride, is fully represented here. We are Hassanis, Muslims, Berbers, Jews, Arabs, Andalusians, and Africans, all at once», she said, highlighting the many elements that shape Moroccan national identity.
The ceremony, held in coordination with similar events organized by Morocco's Consulates General throughout France, was attended by Ambassador Sitaïl, Morocco's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Samir Addahre, President of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME) Driss El Yazami, Royal Air Maroc's Director for Europe and the Americas Amine El Farissi, and several figures from civil society, community organizations, and the Moroccan diaspora.
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