Secure Enough for 200K Tourists, But Not for One Actress? Israeli Woman's Morocco Claims Raise Eyebrows
Doha - Noa Cohen, a 22-year Israeli actress portraying Mary in Netflix's $70 million production, has sparked controversy with questionable assertions regarding her filming experience in Morocco – allegations that crumble under scrutiny of the country's documented track record.
According to The Jerusalem Post, in statements to Israel's Keshet 12 program 'Good Evening with Guy Pines' on Tuesday, Cohen allegedly received 'multiple death threats' during the production period spanning January to March 2024.
The actress, previously known only for Israeli teen programming, claimed Moroccan social media profiles threatened her with messages declaring knowledge of where she was staying.
'That didn't make me feel the safest in the world. And you go to film in what is, after all, a Muslim country, Morocco… and you need a special visa to get in, and you have to have heavy security guarding you at all times,' Cohen maintained in her televised remarks.
The actress further attempted to frame social media responses to the film's trailer as evidence of widespread hostility, describing a purported progression from 'Zionist' to 'Israeli' alongside antisemitic slurs.
These assertions emerged despite her acknowledgment of receiving star treatment, including personal trailer facilities and dedicated makeup personnel.
Cohen's narrative took an additional turn as she expressed surprise at retaining her role post-October 7, 2023, stating she 'never thought they would dare to continue... and get themselves into the conflict by keeping an Israeli actress in the lead.'
This declaration appears particularly questionable given the subsequent casting of four additional Israeli performers: Ido Tako, Ori Pfeffer, Hilla Vidor, and Mili Avital.
Cohen's allegations dissolve against Morocco's extensively documented commitment to Jewish protection and interfaith harmony. A closer look reveals a stark disparity between her claims and Morocco's historical and contemporary reality.
Morocco, since 2011, has formally recognized its Jewish population as a fundamental component of national identity.
Jewish leaders characterized this development as establishing Morocco as 'an island of stability' - a designation supported by tangible evidence of institutional protection.
This constitutional recognition materializes in practical governance. Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi, addressing the UN Human Rights Council in November 2023, talked about the integration of Hebrew magistrates within Morocco's judicial framework.
The minister highlighted the presence of Jewish advisors in King Mohammed VI's inner circle, specifically referencing Andre Azoulay's prominent advisory role.
Rabbi Abraham Sabbagh's July 2021 testimony further reinforces this reality. 'Jews feel very safe in Morocco,' the religious leader said, citing centuries of peaceful coexistence between Jewish and Muslim communities.
This heritage traces back to World War II, when King Mohammed V defied Vichy government demands to surrender Moroccan Jews, exemplifying the monarchy's historical commitment to Jewish protection.
A comprehensive May 2023 report titled 'What can Morocco teach Israel about tolerance?' by Israel Hayom journalist Shachar Kleiman documented widespread pride among Moroccan citizens regarding their Jewish connections, noting how displaying Jewish friendships represents a cultural badge of honor.
During his ten-day journey across the country, Kleiman recalled what one Casablanca driver proudly said to him: 'I have a Jewish friend from Portugal whom I helped receive a Moroccan passport.'
This observation echoes findings from an earlier 2018 analysis by Einat Levi for +972 Magazine, which talked about Morocco's successful transformation toward an inclusive national identity.
Levi recalled how Morocco's 2011 constitutional amendment explicitly recognizes the country's Jewish heritage, noting that the North African's unity is 'nourished and enriched by its African, Andalusian, Hebraic and Mediterranean influences.'
The constitution frames this diversity as 'a source of strength' in Moroccan nationalism, demonstrating the country's commitment to multicultural coexistence.
The Jerusalem Post itself had previously published an article titled 'Morocco: A country of contrasts Israelis love to visit' in March 2023, reporting that 200,000 Israeli tourists visited Morocco in 2022 alone, with numbers expected to increase – and notably – no anti-Jewish incidents or hatred cases were recorded during these visits.
Even amid the current Gaza genocide, which has claimed over 45,000 Palestinian lives according to recent data, Morocco maintains this delicate balance.
While the country has witnessed pro-Palestine demonstrations and the government has repeatedly expressed solidarity with Gaza, Morocco simultaneously upholds the protection of its Jewish community, balancing the difference between politics and true religious identity.
In an October 2024 interview with Morocco World News (MWN) marking one year since the start of the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, Andre Levy, a Moroccan-Israeli cultural anthropologist currently stationed in Rabat, dismantled security concerns like what Cohen claims.
'I don't think that the Jews here have something to fear,' Levy asserted, touching upon the deep-rooted community connections between Jewish and Muslim citizens.
His observations from his current tenure in Morocco noted that beyond some pro-Palestinian demonstrations, no personal animosity manifests toward Israeli Jews.
This commitment manifests through concrete royal initiatives. In July 2022, following King Mohammed VI's direct instructions, a new organization was established specifically for the Moroccan Jewish community, aimed at preserving the values of Moroccan Judaism and promoting its cultural heritage.
The country has undertaken extensive restoration projects of Jewish sacred sites, including synagogues and cemeteries nationwide. Morocco's educational system also incorporates Jewish elements into its curriculum.
King Mohammed VI emphasized the freedom to practice all religions in his country during Pope Francis' historic visit to Morocco in 2019. 'I protect Moroccan Jews as well as Christians from other countries, who are living in Morocco,' he said in a speech.
Against the backdrop of Morocco's constitutional protections, institutional support, and practical demonstrations of Jewish-Muslim coexistence, these recent allegations by the Israeli actress appear increasingly disconnected from the country's reality.
In an age where Israelis face increasing levels of backlash on the internet due to Netanyahu's genocidal actions, her accusations against Moroccan netizens – if warranted – still do not represent the general consensus or lack of safety of the North African country as a whole.
Read also: In Shadow of Gaza War, Mimouna Still Unites Jews and Muslims in Morocco
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