Last week, Essaouira hosted a large gathering of Jews from around the world to mark the annual Hiloula of Rabbi Haim Pinto. The event was attended by government officials and the head of Israel’s Liaison Office in Morocco. During the ceremony, prayers were offered for the Israeli Defense Forces, currently leading military operations against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Rabbi Eliyahu HaCohen lived and died in Casablanca, where he was buried. While few people know about his story, many recall the transfer of his grave, which was located in the ancient medina. Today, this saint lays in the Ben M’sik cemetery, where Jewish pilgrims come visit his grave yearly.