Watch: Moroccan royal family sends paytanim to Dubai

"A delegation of rabbis and paytanim (singers) will travel to the emirate of Dubai, for a round of performances commissioned by the Moroccan royal family – as revealed by the paytan Rabbi Chaim Luk during a symposium 'Hopes of the Maghreb', held by the 'Tikun' Association sponsored by the International Matanel Fund, in the congress center Mishkenot Sha'ananim in Jerusalem. The symposium was an evening of glorification of Jewish Heritage of Maghreb countries and instilling values of gratitude, Shabbat and mutual assistance and was attended by hundreds who came especially from Morocco, Luxemburg, the United States and Europe.

Matanel Prizes were awarded during the evening for a unique contribution to society to three individuals representing a model for inculcating values of gratitude, Shabbat and mutual assistance - Mr. Gabriel Malka - born in Morocco, Board Member in a number of social organizations. Mrs. Yubi Tesuma - Born in Ethiopia, a council member in Gedera and a social activist. Mr. Kobi Bremer, chairman of the grocery store owners for his struggle to close supermarkets in Tel Aviv on Shabbos. The awards and certificates of appreciation were given by the heads of Matanel, Mrs. Joel Afflalo and Mr. Gadi Bocovzah and Dr. Yaakov Maoz, a member of 'Tikun' board and a representative of the jury.

Rabbi Luk said that the Moroccan government and the royal family go out of their way to give honor and glory to the Jews of Morocco and their heritage; "I perform by their invitation and under their auspices throughout Morocco and other countries, with the Jewish authentic look – hat, beard and fringes, and everywhere the reception is with utmost cordiality even among Muslims. It is most encouraging that many young people come to embrace a Jews who looks like me and to think that young people their age are going about equipped with knives, G-d forbid".

Initiator of the symposium, founder and chairman of Tikun, Dr. Meir Buzaglo, said: "We have to learn from our forefather Yaakov, who prays to G-d – "if G-d will be with me and protect me ... all that You give me I will tithe to you" - the trait of gratitude. Evil winds are blowing in the Middle East, by us there are those who do not light bonfires but add fuel to the fire. We ask G-d that we can serve as a tool that will make the difference. Our holy Torah commands us to be grateful to Egypt despite the slavery and throwing children into the Nile. All the more so should we be grateful to the Moroccan royal family and certainly to our people who sacrifice themselves bravely and represent the best and unique in our nation, although they do not do so for reward."

Matanel Foundation representative, Mrs. Afflalo, said that the Fund is proud to participate in financing and prizes designed to increase Torah activities and nurturing young leaders who will work to instill the universal values of Judaism. "We Jews are doing much to be internationally recognized but we should first support and assist our own people, to be a light to ourselves and then to light to other nations." Mrs. Afflalo said that the Matanel Fund supports many organizations and Jewish institutions in Israel, the CIS and the Jewish world, including 'Chulia' which conducts seminars for young rabbis, the establishment of nursery schools, schools, community centers, holiday gifts and more.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!