In the backdrop of increasing tensions following the establishment of Israel, two Moroccan cities, Oujda and Jerada, experienced violent anti-Jewish riots that left a deep mark on their Jewish communities. The riots began on June 7, 1948, fueled by a mix of Arab nationalist sentiment and local grievances. While the motivations were complex, they were exacerbated by the war in Palestine and the mass migration of Jews from Arab lands that commenced thereafter. Reports suggest that approximately 40 Jews were killed, and numerous others were injured, leading to a significant damaging of Jewish properties and businesses.

During those violent days, communities and their members were caught off-guard as mobs attacked synagogues and homes. The violence led many members of the Jewish community to reconsider their future in Morocco, resulting in a surge in emigration to Israel and other countries. The Moroccan Jewish population had long been an integral part of the country, contributing to its cultural and economic landscape, but events such as these would mark the beginning of drastic changes in their status in the region.

International and local Jewish organizations mobilized quickly in the aftermath of the riots, seeking to provide aid and assistance to the victims and their families. Moreover, the events drew attention to the plight of Jews in Arab lands, fostering a greater commitment towards ensuring their safety and encouraging their potential immigration to Israel. Within a few years, the political climate in Morocco, as well as broader regional dynamics, would lead to significant changes for its Jewish population, marking a transitional period in Moroccan history.