André Azoulay is one of the most powerful and important men in the Kingdom of Morocco. Because, in addition to his international relations, he is respected and appreciated by Moroccan Jews, both those who still reside in Morocco and those who have emigrated. This is due in particular to his position at the Palace, where he has been one of the most important economic and political advisors to HM King Hassan II since 1990; a position he continued to hold under the reign of his son, HM King Mohammed VI. Azoulay is also endowed with a great culture and an unparalleled political and economic intelligence.
Azulai enjoys great respect from both Jews and Muslims. Man is known for his struggle for peace and coexistence between religions, just as he has always stressed the need and importance of building a Palestinian State living in peace and security alongside Israel. Thus, it is only natural that he should chair the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue between Cultures as well as the Foundation of the Three Cultures and Three Religions. He is also a member of the Committee of Wise Men of the Alliance of Civilizations.
Azoulay was born in 1941 in Essaouira, the largest gathering of the Jewish community in Morocco, whose love has never left him until today, although he has travelled the world and lived in many capitals and cities. And it is thanks to his efforts that the city has developed and acquired a worldwide reputation, particularly because of the fact that he presides the Essaouira Mogador association and its many festivals, first and foremost the Gnaoua festival, thanks to which the city is experiencing significant economic growth, or the Festival des Alizés, to which Jews from all over the world are invited to attend concerts where Jewish and Muslim artists perform the masterpieces of Moroccan musical heritage in all its colors.
It is also thanks to his efforts that many Jewish monuments in this wonderful city have been restored, thus preserving the Jewish memory and heritage that is an integral part of the culture of Essaouira and Morocco in general.
Despite his prestigious duties and high-level connections, Azoulay is characterized by a modest personality. He lets himself be photographed with the citizens of Essaouira and elsewhere, during his travels; he talks to journalists in a simple language, devoid of any arrogance; he expresses himself in French with Francophones, in Darija with Arabic speakers and does not hesitate to use the tachelhit with Amazighes.
Azoulay attended Moroccan universities before going to France at the age of 20 to complete his studies. He first worked in the banking sector (BNP Paribas) before being seduced by journalism. He was editor-in-chief of Maroc Informations and formed an important international network that enabled him to take up the position of Advisor to His Majesty King Hassan II in the early 1990s.
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