During the 19th edition of the Atlantic Andalusias Festival in Essaouira, André Azoulay, Advisor to King Mohammed VI and leading figure of cultural and religious dialoguepaid a vibrant tribute to Laziza Dalil, who died on October 11. Describing the deceased as a “travel companion”, Mr. Azoulay was keen to underline the richness of her personality, her unwavering passion and the numerous achievements which marked her life.
Laziza Dalil, involved with the Mimouna Association and in various initiatives for the preservation of Moroccan memory and cultural heritage, leaves an inspiring legacy. His dedication to promoting understanding between communities and strengthening cultural bridges deeply touched his loved ones and colleagues, particularly within Essaouira Mogador and Bayt Dakira.
Present during the 19th edition of the Festival des Andalousies Atlantiques in Essaouira which he initiated, Mr. Andre Azoulaywanted to pay a vibrant tribute to Laziza Dalil, a young woman who died on October 11, describing with emotion her journey and her impact. “A few weeks ago we lost one of our traveling companions,” he said. For Mr. Azoulay and his colleagues, Laziza Dalil was much more than a simple collaborator: she was a “luminary personality in all respects”.
Mr. Azoulay recalled his first meetings with Laziza at Al Akhawayn University, where she stood out for her dynamism and commitment. Co-founder of the Mimouna movement, she played a crucial role in promoting diversity and interreligious dialogue. “ Mimouna is the only organization in the Arab-Muslim world which was created for an obvious thing, but which no one dared to conceptualize and even less embody: to rediscover, relive and celebrate the Jewish component of our identity, » explained Mr. Azoulay.
Together, they shared memorable moments, witnesses to Laziza’s vision and strength of spirit. Like the association she helped to create, she embodied an ethic, a daring and a Moroccanness which quickly went beyond the local framework to shine internationally. Mimouna has thus become a symbol of tolerance and diversity, recognized well beyond Moroccan borders, particularly in the United States where partnerships have consolidated its presence.
Mr. Azoulay also shared a moving memory: one day, in New York, when he received an award, Laziza and a close friend of the royal advisor, Mostafa Terrab, had traveled to celebrate this honor. She then gave a speech in English which was very touching.
« I once received an award in the United States, in New York. When she arrived to receive this award, she was in the room. She was in the room with another very close friend, who was my collaborator for several years, who is Moustapha Kallab, the president of the OCP. And without me knowing it, the two had come to celebrate the prize that was going to be awarded. Laziza gave a speech with grace, with force, with English that would make Shakespeare’s best children blush, exceptional in any case. She did it as she was herself, without a paper, with her heart, with her smile, with her charisma. There were a lot of people; she didn’t hesitate, she went all the way. And it was magnificent.»
«She was often with us during this festival. She remains with us in our thoughts, in our hearts», Mr. Azoulay was moved.
This vibrant tribute recalled how Laziza Dalil, through her strength, her charisma and her love for Morocco, touched all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Through her, a Morocco of tolerance, memory and dialogue is celebrated, a Morocco that Laziza Dalil helped to embody and make known around the world.
Association Mimouna expresses its gratitude
The Mimouna Association, in recognition of this emotional tribute, expressed its deep gratitude to Mr. Azoulay and all those who, in Essaouira, contributed to honoring the memory of Laziza. This tribute testifies to the central place she occupied in the heart of this community, which continues to uphold the values of sharing, tolerance and intercultural dialogue.
The Festival of Atlantic Andalusias remains a place of memory and celebration, uniting generations and cultures under the sign of coexistence.
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