Tangier – The 16th edition of the summer camp for Jerusalem children, titled the “Harat al-Maghariba” edition, was inaugurated today. Organized by the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency (BMAQ) under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, the event reaffirms Morocco’s commitment to supporting the children of Jerusalem.
Running until August 26, the camp brings together 50 boys and girls from Jerusalem, aged 11 to 14. It opened with the “Summer School” program, organized by BMAQ for both Moroccan and Palestinian children, under the theme “Let’s Make Video Games a Tool for Education, Learning, and Entertainment”, hosted at the Ahmed Boukmakh Cultural Center in the heart of Tangier.
Launched in the presence of BMAQ’s Managing Director, Mohamed Salem Echarkaoui, the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Morocco, Jamal Al-Shobaki, and several local officials, the school’s activities are led by experts in protection awareness, artificial intelligence, and responsible, regulated video game entertainment. These topics are explored through interactive workshops and hands-on applications.
Fifty boys and girls from Jerusalem and fifty of their Moroccan peers are taking part in this school. They are divided into thematic workshops focusing on “education on protection tools,” “discovering opportunities offered by artificial intelligence to develop knowledge and understanding,” and “exploring the limits of responsible, regulated entertainment through video games.”
In this context, Mr. Echarkaoui stressed that by adopting this theme as the school’s motto, the Agency is contributing to national and international efforts—led by institutions in Morocco, Palestine, and beyond—to raise young people’s awareness of both the obvious and hidden dangers of games, while underscoring the importance of ensuring continuous family and institutional support and guidance for these vulnerable groups.
Mr. Echarkaoui explained that the choice of video games as the topic comes within the framework of the Agency’s digital strategy (2024–2027), which focuses on the “start-up incubator,” the “Bayt Al-Maghrib” platform for documenting and preserving the Palestinian heritage of Jerusalem, the “Dlala” e-commerce and solidarity platform, the distance learning platform, the psychological support clinic, and the “Hayya” app for children and youth to promote the values and virtues of Jerusalem.
Regarding this year’s summer camp for Jerusalem children, he noted that the “Harat al-Maghariba” edition will serve not only as a time for play, entertainment, and recreation, but also as an opportunity for education, cultural enrichment, and knowledge-sharing. It stands as a testament to the Moroccan people’s enduring principles and their deep-rooted commitment to family and community values founded on affection, compassion, and peaceful coexistence, while firmly rejecting division, violence, and extremism.
For his part, the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Morocco highlighted that the efforts made in organizing the summer camp for Jerusalem children are clear proof of the special care and High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, who considers the Palestinian cause a central issue for Morocco.
He added that naming this edition “Harat al-Maghariba” reflects the genuine partnership between Morocco and Palestine, noting that the bonds between Morocco and Jerusalem are deeply rooted in history and form an integral part of Morocco’s enduring national principles.
After highlighting the tangible, on-the-ground efforts of BMAQ to support the steadfastness of Jerusalemites, the Palestinian ambassador commended the urgent humanitarian and medical aid that His Majesty the King, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, ordered to be sent to the Palestinian people, particularly the residents of Gaza.
The “Harat al-Maghariba” summer camp for Jerusalem children, organized in partnership with and supported by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication – Youth Sector, features artistic and sports competitions pitting Jerusalem children against their Moroccan peers, along with guided tours to Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Tetouan, M’diq, and Chefchaouen to discover their historic landmarks and learn about major development projects across the Kingdom.
