Knesset approves bill designating day to commemorate Moroccan Jewish immigration

The 23rd day of the Hebrew month of Tevet will be marked as a national day to commemorate the immigration of Moroccan Jews to Israel and remember those who perished on the way, according to a bill approved in Knesset today.

The date corresponds with the January 10, 1961, sinking of the “Egoz” ship, which was carrying 44 Moroccan Jews immigrating to Israel in a clandestine voyage organized by the Mossad intelligence agency.

Rough weather had caused the ship’s hull to crack. The bodies of 22 of those on the boat are buried at the Mount Herzl cemetery in Jerusalem, while the other corpses were never found.

According to the bill, sponsored by Shas faction chairman MK Yinon Azoulay, schools will teach about the heritage of Moroccan Jewry on that day, and a special session will be held in Knesset.

Following the vote, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri calls it “the closing of a circle for the glorious Moroccan community.”

“The time has come for the State of Israel to remember and cherish our dear parents and grandparents, who gave their lives to immigrate to the Land of Israel and continue the tradition and legacy of our father’s house,” Deri says.

אני גאה ושמח שאישרנו היום בכנסת את החוק של ש״ס, לציון עליית יהודי מרוקו ולהנצחת אחינו שנספו בדרכם לארץ ישראל.
זהו רגע של סגירת מעגל אישית ולאומית – הוקרה להורים ולסבים שלנו שמסרו נפש כדי להגיע לארץ ולשמור בה על המסורת ומורשת בית אבא. pic.twitter.com/EOaxRRl1yA

— אריה מכלוף דרעי (@ariyederi) December 31, 2025