Morocco: Mediterranean Delight Festival revived the controversy with Israel

The third edition of Mediterranean Delight Festival (the second organized in Morocco), will, from 10 to 14 May in Marrakech, the participation of several belly dancers of different nationalities and faiths, including Jews from the Jewish state. Choice that has not been very well received in Morocco and that adds to a poor appreciation of the previous edition ...
The Marrakchi, in turn, criticize, discuss, refuse or accept the idea. Anyway, this festival leaves no one without notice. The voices hostile to the festival thus amount at Moroccan citizens, but especially in newly elected Islamist government.
"Israel, a fascist state! "
Which is at least indisputable is that from the evidence collected, there are many who categorically refuse to separate art from politics. Of these, it is worth mentioning Assidon Zion. For community activist Moroccan Jewish parents, "There is nothing that can be separated from politics. Invite dancers who represent a fascist state, namely Israel, it is a message cowardly and inhuman at the same time. " And continues: "If some say intellectual tourism, alluding to the opening of Morocco to other civilizations and religions, I speak of intellectual terrorism, pointing to the fact of wanting to wipe out Israel and Apartheid receive specific dancers in this country, on a red carpet at a festival that is not welcome in Morocco. "
However, there are dancers and choreographers Moroccan expatriates who claim the right to dance in their native Morocco, just to express their passion for oriental dance. Hakima Arsi is a dance teacher charki in Spain. In his words: "I am a strong defender of the Palestinian cause. However, art is used among others to break with the political disputes and inter-religious. In other words, I can not boycott a festival in my own country just because it will be attended by one or more dancers from Israel. "
The organizer is explained but does not apologize ...
Contacted by us, Simona Guzman, organizer of the festival in question is due but does not apologize: "I have Moroccan origins and the desire to reconnect with the land of my ancestors has always driven me. On this basis, I feel I offer a service to my country by moving its tourism, transportation, hotels and cultural scene, "she throws at the outset, before moving" belly dance has no religion or boundaries. Similarly, it is shocking to prevent an artist wanting to participate in a festival because of his ethnicity or religion. I hope that one day politics will learn things relayed messages of peace through art. "
To put an end to rumors that presaged the cancellation of the festival, Simona replied, "this festival will take place as planned and will be attended by dancers from both sides. Whether Muslim, Christian or Jewish, they will express their love for belly dance in a country at once exotic, tolerant and promising future. "