Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has awarded the Presidential Medal for the Promotion of Peace to André Azoulay, advisor to King Mohammed VI of Morocco, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to promoting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Azoulay’s tireless efforts have focused on fostering dialogue and understanding between Jewish and Muslim communities around the world.
Throughout his career, Azoulay has played a key role in promoting reconciliation and has advocated for a two-state solution that respects the principles of sovereignty, dignity and justice for both peoples. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the groundbreaking Identity and Dialogue Movement in Paris in 1973. The fundamental mission of this organisation emphasised the urgent need to provide a fair chance for peace between Israel and Palestine.
As reported by the official Moroccan news agency MAP, Azoulay and his colleagues were among the first to establish contact with the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), forging clandestine but regular relations that laid the groundwork for the first dialogues between the Israeli peace movement and Palestinian leaders.
In 1974, Azoulay showed unprecedented courage in meeting Abu Mazen, Yasser Arafat’s closest associate, in Toledo, Spain, which provoked criticism from the Jewish community.
In addition to his peace-building efforts, Azoulay has dedicated himself to empowering Moroccan Jews around the world to reclaim their heritage and civilisation, breaking with the cultural alienation that arose during the post-colonial era. His work has contributed to restoring a sense of pride in Moroccan Jewish identity, leading to peaceful reconciliation within the community.
Moreover, André Azoulay’s commitments have been reinforced by the support and guidance of the late King Hassan II and King Mohammed VI, especially in his role as chairman of the Al-Quds Committee. Their collaboration and respect have been guiding principles throughout Azoulay’s life, allowing him to embody the rich diversity, modernity and exemplary ethics of Moroccan citizenship in a world often plagued by doubt, retrenchment and regressive ideologies.
The decision to award Azoulay the Presidential Medal for the Promotion of Peace reflects the profound impact he has had as an advisor to King Mohammed VI in promoting dialogue between the Jewish and Muslim communities around the world. Past recipients of this prestigious award include former US Presidents Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, as well as prominent figures such as Henry Kissinger and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel.
Azoulay’s tireless commitment to peace, dialogue and interfaith understanding continues to be recognised and celebrated, highlighting the importance of his commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 
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