Yet most of the 400 Jews who converged on the Moroccan coastal town of Safi — some from nearby cities, others from as far as France or Israel — at a weekend pilgrimage said they felt welcome here.

While religious tensions flare in Jerusalem and beyond, in Morocco, Jews and Muslims say they nurture a legacy of tolerance and maintain common sanctuaries where adherents of both religions pray. Decades of emigration to Israel by Morocco's Jews and terrorist bombings in Casablanca that targeted Jewish sites haven't diminished the draw of these annual pilgrimages.

French Justice Minister Rachida Dati gave a guest lecture on Saturday (June 21st) at Casablanca's Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. The visit was the first of its kind for the minister, born in France to North African parents, as it provided her an opportunity to meet with the country's youths.

In an address entitled "Access to Rights and Citizenship", Dati expressed immense optimism and confidence in the capacity of Moroccan youths to build their homeland. Speaking of the 16 million young men and women who represent the budding spirit of Morocco, she noted, "You must take pride in Morocco, and show courage to develop your country. You have to work hard."