The King of Morocco, Muhammad VI, personally intervened last week in the burial of an Israeli rabbi who visited the country, Defense Minister Bnei Gantz revealed today (Thursday) during his stay in the country.
Rabbi Avraham Elhadad visited the country in search of his Moroccan roots. During his trip Elhadad apparently suffered a heart attack, fell, and was fatally injured. Local doctors fought to save his life - while consulting with the king's own doctor. Despite efforts to save his life, Rabbi Elhadad passed away.
Upon learning of the accident, the king and his advisers arrived at the family, and arranged for a private plane to fly Rabbi Elhadad to be buried in Israel, in a religious ceremony. Muhammad was personally involved in the transfer of the body, having emphasized that there is no greater "mitzvah" or sacred act than caring for the dead, and helping to bury them according to Jewish tradition, at the earliest time.
Recently, Israel and Morocco have been working to promote relations between them. Yesterday, Gantz went on a visit to the country and signed a historic security agreement for cooperation between Israel and Morocco, together with his counterpart in the country, 'Abd al-Latif Lodi. A statement from the Defense Minister's Office said that the agreement would include the regulation of intelligence cooperation, and would allow for links between industries, defense procurement and joint training.