The search for a Jewish Moroccan song changed one artist’s life

Arabic music filled the air of Laura Elkeslassy's Moroccan Jewish childhood home in Paris, especially on Fridays before Shabbat. But she didn't grow up speaking Arabic, so she didn't understand the words. In New York as an adult, Laura's search for a wedding song takes her on a rich musical, spiritual, and political journey - leading to a bookstore in Jerusalem where she discovers that this work to preserve her culture continues what her ancestors began.

Elkeslassy's conversation with Meklit Hadero, host of the Movement podcast, first aired Jan. 13, 2026.