The Knesset passed a bill on Wednesday to mark the immigration of Moroccan Jews to the State of Israel and to commemorate those who perished on the way, Hebrew media reported.
The proposal, submitted by Shas Party chairman and lawmaker Yinon Azulai, stipulates that a special national day will be observed annually on the 23rd of Tevet, which usually falls in mid-to-late January.
Knesset Member Aryeh Deri of the Shas Party hailed the parliament’s approval. “This is an important day and the closing of a circle for the proud Moroccan community. The time has come for the State of Israel to remember and honor our dear parents and grandparents, who risked their lives to immigrate to the Land of Israel and to continue there the traditions and heritage of their ancestral home,” he said.
He later on added on X that he was “proud and delighted” that the motion had passed.
The date of commemoration marks the sinking of the ship Egoz on Jan. 11, 1961, whose 44 Jewish passengers from Morocco—half of whom were children—had drowned.
It was illegal at the time for Moroccan Jews to emigrate from the country. The Mossad leased the vessel for the purpose of smuggling Jews out of Morocco and bringing them to Israel. Before it sank in the Mediterranean Sea, the ship had made 11 successful ventures, bringing 40 to 50 immigrants per trip, according to the Center for Israel Education.
The national day will include a special session of the Knesset, a dedicated conference and educational activities within the education system, the legislative body stated on its website.
