I studied at an "Alliance" school – from the first grade until I finished my teaching seminary in Casablanca. I began my educational career, both as a teacher and a principal, at the "Alliance" school in Talsint, Morocco. I am also a graduate of the Hebrew University, where I studied the Hebrew Language as well as Arabic Literature. I developed a unique teaching method for studying the Bible as well as an innovative teaching method for teaching Arabic, which received official recognition from the Ministry of Education. In addition, I built a website that can be used by both teachers and students to help them study in these areas - www.lomedlikro.com

I was born in Rish, Morocco. Our Jewish community was composed mainly of peddlers and workers. Their lifestyle was religious and traditional. I would like to read to you a passage that reminds me of my childhood. Our Torah lessons at the Synagogue always began by saying: "Help us Lord our God, creator of Heaven and Earth," and ended with: "The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth" (Genesis, 48:16).

The children studied aloud for long hours without recess. Everyone was excited to hear the blessing of the Rabbi at the end of the day. Once he began to read, the children put aside their worn out Bibles and left the Synagogue in a hurry. This was how education was in my hometown for generations and generations, until one day in 1944 the community received the exciting news – they were given the chance to build their very own "Alliance" school.

It was a new era for us. The children moved to more spacious classrooms in the new school that was built farther away from the town center. The purpose of the new location was educational: take the children out of their comfort zone and show them that they need not be afraid and that they are free.

The Torah studies were incorporated in the general curricula. Over the years, the French language became the main language of the Jewish children and we even sang in our choir, "O noble France!" Once finishing elementary school, children continued their studies at the "Alliance" schools located at the larger cities of Morocco.

"Kol Israel Haverim", also known as Alliance Israélite Universelle, was established in 1860 in Paris. The founders were a group of Jewish intellectuals and they were able to start acting on behalf of the Jewish people after the Emancipation that the Jews were given in France. That same year Herzl was born. Is that a coincidence? REPEAT: God alone has the answers.

"Kol Israel Haverim" is based upon brotherhood and shared responsibilities. All Jews bear responsibility to one another and share each other’s fate.

KIAH had two main goals: to provide protection for Jews around the world suffering from Anti-Semitism and to rejuvenate their communities through education.

While Morocco was under British rule (1912-1956), it was a good opportunity for the KIAH founders to study up close the state of the Jewish communities and assist them socially, economically and culturally. Many schools were built all over the country, and over the years the network continued to expand with no disturbance. These were the glory days of KIAH.

By the end of the British Mandate in March 1956, it was decided by the new independent Morocco to nationalize the nineteen "Alliance" schools. This was decided in spite of the wishes of the President of "Alliance," because the Moroccan authorities considered KIAH as part of the colonial rule. This is how and why the educational work of "Alliance" started to dwindle in Morocco. Groups of scholarly Jews felt that they could not integrate successfully into the Moroccan society and they left for France, Canada and the US. Both Jewish and Israeli organizations came to the decision that there is a need to start relocating Jewish communities to Israel. Moroccan Jews always had a yearning to be in Zion and they were willing to immediately leave their country and make Alliya.

The contribution of KIAH to the People and the State – summary:

1. KIAH fostered many Jewish communities and provided them with education and helped then integrate into the Israeli society. It is hard to imagine what would have become of the Moroccan Jews and others around the world, if it weren't for the educational work of "Alliance."
2. KIAH was not a Zionist organization, but its achievements in education had a profound influence on Zionism and the State of Israel.
3. KIAH helped disadvantaged Jewish communities in the Diaspora as well as the Israeli society.
4. The educational work of "Alliance" saved many Jewish lives in the Diaspora, not only from ignorance, but also by helping them preserve their lifestyle. Jewish children attended "Alliance" schools so they were not in danger of assimilating with the local community. KIAH cultivated an atmosphere of life and hope amongst the Jewish communities – they felt rejuvenated and uplifted. It is important to note that Morocco has always showed religious tolerance towards her Jewish citizens.

I would like to take this opportunity and call upon Prof. Ady Steg, President of "Alliance", and Mr. Daniel Braunschvig, Chairman of KIAH, to continue their important legacy and help youth at risk in Israel through an official educational framework. We are all grateful to you for stepping up and taking responsibility for this special population of children and youth.

Mr. Nathan Chetrit is a senior teacher and researcher in the field of deductive-pedagogy.
nathanchetrit@bezeqint.net