The Argument Against Anti-Semitism Under Vichy Rule Of Morocco

“We have no Jews in Morocco! Only Moroccan citizens!” In defiance of the Nazi government, King Mohammed V of Morocco was a hero who stood up for all members of his kingdom. He heroically shielded his Jews from anti-Semitic legislation under Vichy France, and stood up for Jews at all times, consistently maintaing that Jews were Moroccan citizens, and protected them as any other citizens. He became Sultan of Morocco in 1927. World War II took place during his reign, and Morocco was under Vichy French control. When the Vichy government passed anti-Semitic law, Mohammed refused to enforce anti-Semitic legislation in Morocco, saving Moroccan jewry. This story appeals to me because today, with anti-Semitism rising worldwide, I feel that it

An example of another ruler who did defend his Jews against Nazis was King Christian X of Denmark. King Christian X of Denmark defended his Jews, and would not enforce Nazi legislation. He even helped finance a nationwide Danish effort to smuggle thousands of Jews into neutral Sweden. In the end, less than 1% of Danish Jews died. This shows that through risks and willingness, resisting the anti-Semitism was possible. But, in places like Austria, there was virtually no resistance to Nazi authority. The Nazis were able to march into Austria unopposed and supported by the general public, and incorporate it into Germany in a day. An estimated fifty thousand Austrian Jews were killed. This was just one of many governments that did not defend their Jews as equal citizens like Mohammed did. The Nazis, being a stronger nation, were able to significantly pressure other governments. Between pressure, and potential anti-Semitic feelings already, many government officials did not defend their Jews under Nazi control. The Vichy government, though not technically controlled by the Nazis, also passed anti-Semitic law. The Nazis did not pressurize them into doing so, yet they did so anyway. In fact, sometimes, Jews had more rights in the occupied zone of France, which was under Nazi control, than in the zone libre, Vichy France. Through extreme courage, bravery, and a caring

Had I been in a similar position, I likely would not have done the same thing. As much as I would have wanted the Jews to be saved and treated equally, with the pressure of the occupying Vichy France, I simply do not think I would have the courage to risk so much to defy the government, in such a manner as to invite all rabbis in Morocco to throne celebrations while ignoring Vichy authority. However, I would try not to strictly enforce anti-Semitic law. I believe that in such a position, I would have tried to maintain that Jews were equal citizens, and refuse to enforce legislation to deport Jews, confiscate their property, or anything else that would have caused harm to the Jewish community. But, I do not believe that I would refuse a demand from the Vichy government, which would have put my own security at threat. The fact that Mohammed was able to ignore risks to his personal security to ensure the wellbeing of the Jews of Morocco was a truly amazing feat, that while I hope I would have done, I am not sure I would have had the courage to