Polygamy, virginity, and harassment: The man breaking taboos in Morocco
Saad Jalal, the first Moroccan cartoonist to exhibit in Israel, discusses the role of caricature in challenging social taboos, the pressures of artistic freedom in the Woke era, and how the tragic loss of his son reshaped his perspective on conflict.
In 2022, Saad Jalal made history as the first Moroccan cartoonist to present an exhibition in Israel at the 'Animix' festival in Tel Aviv. A particularly moving moment occurred during his visit to Migdal HaEmek, where he attended the 'Maroccade' festival. 'I was surprised to meet Israelis of Moroccan descent who spoke our language and kept our traditions alive. It is a very proud community,' he recalls.
By January 2025, this connection evolved into a landmark initiative: Jalal’s studio in Tangier hosted a delegation of leading Israeli cartoonists, including Michel Kichka, Uri Fink, Nosko, and Omer Almaliach. It marked the first time an independent Arab art center hosted such a group, fostering a 'people-to-people' dialogue that bypasses political intermediaries.
Art as a Mirror of History
Addressing the risks to his career, Jalal remains steadfast: 'I am open to criticism. Working with Israelis is sensitive in Morocco, and many colleagues refuse to meet them. But meeting does not mean agreeing. We must break down walls to promote something serious. If we don't, nothing will change.' He believes that in times of war, artistic collaboration becomes even more vital, providing a space where creators can look past stereotypes.
Jalal laments the lack of institutional support for caricature in Morocco. 'The memory of our cartoonists is fading. Proposals to the Ministry of Culture go unanswered for years. It is a tragedy, as caricature is a mirror of history,' he says.
Advocating for Women's Rights
While he began his career with political satire, Jalal’s focus has shifted to human rights, particularly the status of women in Morocco. Through workshops in schools and universities, he addresses taboo subjects like gender inequality, sexual harassment, and the rights of single mothers.
'Women in Morocco must fight hard to reach a status equivalent to those in Europe. I use caricature as an advocate,' he notes. He explains that using cartoons allows him to spark discussions on sensitive topics, such as premarital sex, in ways that direct lectures cannot.
A Father's Perspective
The tragic loss of his six-year-old son to cancer after a four-year battle has fundamentally altered Jalal’s worldview. 'Since his death, I see the world differently,' he reveals. During his visit to Israel, when he found himself running to a shelter during rocket alarms, he no longer viewed the event as an artist, but as a father.
'I saw families and children running for cover, and it changed my vision. My son was incredibly brave; he played the clown even in the hospital. The birth of my new son, Amir, has helped me cope with some of my grief, but I feel I have lost a part of myself forever.'
