Said Benjebli: Introduction

Said Benjebli, is a Political and Human Rights Activist, blogger, opinion writer and digital activist. He created “February 20 Movement ” fighting for change in Morocco, He is the founder and president of the Association of Moroccan Bloggers, and the co-founder of the Union of Arab Bloggers. He received a baccalaureate degree in Chemical Engineering, a baccalaureate degree in Chariaa , à Degree of “senior technician in software development», and a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies from the Chouaib Doukkali University in El Jadida. Through various means he supports the dialogue between religions and civilizations and the culture of peace and coexistence and common values between religions and nations. 

With almost 20 years of experience as a blogger, writer, and journalist, SB developed a passion for editorial work, new media, and journalism. He founded and chaired the Association des blogueurs marocains, a network of Moroccan bloggers and activists who promote freedom of expression, human rights, and social justice. He also worked as a teacher at a private school, where he shared his knowledge and skills with students and colleagues. He has a diverse educational background, with degrees in Islamic studies, software development, history and civilization, and Sharia and law. He speaks Arabic, some French, and English fluently, and he has been listed as one of the 100 people who MOVE Morocco. He is driven by a mission to inform, educate, and inspire people through his writing and blogging, and he seeks to collaborate with organizations that share his values and goals.

Said Benjebli: General interests

Writer | Thinker | Spiritual | actor | Humorist | Super Crypto | S79 | Inventor | Investor | Trader | Entrepreneur | Activist Humanist | Ideological influencer | Spiritual influencer | Magical realist actor | Humorist | Writer ,Editorial, Journalist, Blogger | IT graduate

Said Benjebli: The Student

Said Ben Jaafar Ben Jebli, an American citizen born in El Jadida, Morocco, officially records his date of birth as January 1, 1980, though he was actually born in May 1979. Known for his remarkable academic achievements, Said garnered numerous state-level awards, particularly excelling in visual and dramatic arts.

Self-Taught Artist

Said Benjebli’s journey is a testament to his self-taught prowess. During his high school years, he developed a passion for photography and Arabic calligraphy, mastering both through dedicated self-study. These skills later enabled him to teach and inspire his college students. Said’s love for knowledge began early, and he voraciously read books on a wide range of subjects, including Islamic religious texts, engineering, and martial arts.

Starting with children’s books like many young readers, Said quickly transitioned to martial arts literature. This shift was driven by his need for self-defense. Despite being highly intelligent and admired by his teachers, Said faced bullying from classmates who couldn’t retaliate against abusive teachers. Realizing he had to protect himself, Said immersed himself in martial arts books and practice. While he managed to fend off many of his peers, he found it challenging to defend against much older and bigger students, often accepting his role as a victim of bullying.

Said also endured violence from his mother and older sister, experiences that, while traumatic, helped forge his strong personality. During vacations, he often found himself in physical confrontations with three deaf brothers, neighbors, and relatives. These daily fights, where communication was impossible, became rigorous practice sessions in self-defense, teaching him resilience without inflicting harm.

Throughout his high school years, Said joined Karate and Taekwondo clubs, further honing his martial arts skills. Despite his dedication, he never pursued a career in martial arts and now humorously acknowledges his round belly as a sign of his changing interests.

From Engineering Aspirations to Islamism

Said’s early fascination with engineering saw him dreaming of building planes and self-sufficient electric machines. However, financial constraints and the lack of a private workshop hindered these ambitions. He continues to innovate, though progress remains limited without sufficient resources and mentorship.

Said’s dedication to uniqueness and his philosophical outlook were reflected in his belief that while many could become engineers, few could wholly dedicate themselves to Islam. As a young Islamism, he believed in self-sacrifice for Islam but never condoned violence against others. His journey from an engineering enthusiast to a self-defense practitioner and religious devotee paints a vivid picture of a man driven by his ideals and the pursuit of knowledge.

The Local Islamist Extremist Engineer Student

In 1993, during his 8th-grade year, Said Ben Jaafar Ben Jebli encountered extremists who introduced him to fundamentalist Islamic texts. Convinced that his visual art was Haram, Said abandoned his creative pursuits, tearing up all his sketches and paintings. This marked a dramatic shift in his life as he joined the Salafist extremist movement, replacing his interest in engineering books with an intense focus on Islamic studies.

While living at a boarding school, Said spent his vacations participating in the annual Tolba tour, where Quran teachers would travel through villages reciting the Quran. Though not yet a part of this group, his extensive knowledge allowed him to preach and teach, gradually gaining recognition. His influence grew, transforming the religious landscape of many villages, where people began to pray and observe religious events more devoutly.

After middle school, Said moved to El Jadida to study chemical engineering at Errazi Technical High School, following his father’s advice despite having no real interest in the subject. In El Jadida, Said joined the extremist Islamic group Al Adl wa Al Ihsan, which combined political activism with Sufi practices. He dedicated himself to expanding this group, memorizing the entire Quran and becoming the key figure in the high school mosque community. Every dawn, Said would wake up over 100 students for prayer, managing the mosque and leading religious activities, though not as an Imam due to his lack of musical talent for the prayer calls.

His focus on religious activities derailed his engineering aspirations, and by the end of his high school years, he had become a prominent local leader in the extremist group. His commitment to Islamic studies and activism led to frequent conflicts with authorities, resulting in several months in jail for disrupting the educational system.

The Syndicate Leader Student

Enrolling in Islamic studies at Chouaib Doukkali University, Said quickly assumed a leadership role in the unofficial student syndicate, advocating for students’ rights against the administration. He managed media and press for the syndicate and taught photography and Arabic calligraphy to students. His dedication to serving his fellow students earned him the position of student president and leader of the secret organization within the syndicate.

However, Said’s tenure as president was short-lived due to a disagreement with the group’s leaders, who he discovered were using the syndicate as a front for extremist activities. Disillusioned, Said moved to Fes to study Islamic law. There, he was asked by other extremist students to lead an independent movement against the university administration. His effective leadership led to a significant disruption of the educational system at Chariaa University in 2003-2004, resulting in a large-scale intervention by authorities and Said’s imprisonment for five months.

SB: The Graduate

Said Benjebli’s academic pursuits are vast and varied. He studied Islamic studies in El Jadida, Islamic Sharia and Law in Fes, history and civilization in Casablanca, and psychology in Boston. Alongside these, he studied IT, informatic systems in Eljadida from 2001 to 2003, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification in 2006 in Casablanca and a software development degree from Rabat in 2010. During this period, Said also owned and runned a small IT services business in Had Soualem near Casablanca.

Said’s journey from a gifted student and self-taught artist to a controversial religious figure and academic leader reflects his multifaceted personality and relentless pursuit of knowledge and justice. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, his story is one of resilience, transformation, and unwavering commitment to his ideals.

Said Benjebli: The bloggers president

After his graduation, and from his new office, Said renounced extremism and began blogging, rapidly becoming the most influential blogger in Morocco. His transformation into a moderate Muslim and human rights advocate coincided with his rise to digital leadership before the Arab Spring. He was instrumental in founding and branding the 20 February Movement, a key player in bringing about constitutional changes in Morocco with minimal casualties.

Said Benjebli, an influential figure in Moroccan blogging, has played a significant role in shaping the digital and political landscape of the region. He is the founder and president of the Association of Moroccan Bloggers, an organization dedicated to fostering free expression and dialogue within the Moroccan blogosphere. This association has been pivotal in promoting the voices of young Moroccan bloggers and activists, especially during the politically tumultuous times of the Arab Spring.

Benjebli’s activism extends beyond blogging. He co-founded the Union of Arab Bloggers, which seeks to unify bloggers across the Arab world to promote democracy, human rights, and social justice. His efforts have been instrumental in creating a network of digital activists who leverage social media and blogging to bring attention to critical issues and mobilize for change.

Educated in Chemical Engineering and Islamic Studies, Benjebli uses his diverse academic background to inform his activism. He has a unique ability to bridge the gap between traditional and modern viewpoints, advocating for progressive change while respecting cultural and religious contexts. His work supports the dialogue between religions and civilizations, emphasizing peace, coexistence, and shared values.

Benjebli’s impact is not limited to Morocco. His leadership in the blogging community and his advocacy for human rights have garnered international recognition. He continues to work as a teacher in the private sector, where he influences the next generation with his values of tolerance, critical thinking, and activism.

Said gained widespread fame and was listed among the 100 people who Move Morocco. He owned a small IT business and collaborated with various media and press companies. He also founded and served as president of the world’s largest bloggers’ organization. However, due to his inclusive stance towards Islamists, the authorities prevented the organization from operating legally.

Said Benjebli: The national digital humanist mover

Said Benjebli and the February 20 Movement

In 2011, Said Benjebli emerged as one of Morocco’s most influential public figures. Known as the voice of bloggers and a remarkable digital activist, he played a pivotal role in the country’s call for political reform during the Arab Spring. Said’s close friend, Mounir Bensalah, an influential francophone blogger and human rights activist, was instrumental in the early stages of the Moroccan reform movement. Together with Mounir and other activists, Said helped shape the beginnings of what would become the February 20 Movement.

Mounir and his friends initiated the reform movement by advocating for political change, and Said was among the first to sign and promote their manifesto. This was the early spark that ignited the Arab Spring in Morocco. As various youth groups on Facebook called for protests in Rabat initially scheduled for February 27, but later moved to February 20, Said saw an opportunity to organize and strengthen the movement. He created the official Facebook page that became the primary voice of the movement, uniting and branding it into the February 20 Movement as it is known today.

Said’s contributions were unique in that he worked behind the scenes, focusing on building the movement’s brand rather than seeking personal recognition. This selfless approach distinguished him from other leaders. However, as the movement grew, it attracted the attention of various socialist organizations and unqualified youth leaders who sought to steer the movement for their own agendas, often in conflict with the monarchy.

Despite his significant role, Said’s power stemmed from his control of the official movement page. This made him a target for those who wished to hijack the movement’s direction. Supported by socialist organizations, some leaders managed to hack the page, using it against Said, the movement’s creator and rightful owner. This loss of control and influence led to Said’s diminished interest in the movement, especially after King Mohammed VI responded positively to the demands, thus stabilizing the country.

Said Benjebli’s legacy in the February 20 Movement remains significant. His efforts in uniting and branding the movement played a crucial role in its early success, despite the internal conflicts and challenges that followed.

Said Benjebli: The International Enlightener Influencer

In 2014, Said’s destiny shifted dramatically when he won the Visa lottery, granting him a new beginning in the USA. The year 2015 marked another pivotal moment as Said made the profound decision to leave Islam, a choice that ignited his journey as a vocal critic of extremism and rigid ideologies. This transformation led him to launch a YouTube channel dedicated to scrutinizing Islam and extremist beliefs. His content struck a chord with a diverse audience, prompting hundreds of thousands to reconsider or renounce extremist ideologies or Islam altogether.

Said’s channel became renowned for its blend of intellectual rigor and provocative humor. He crafted nearly 100 hours of meticulously researched and creatively presented content, employing a shock humor style that both entertained and challenged his viewers. His ability to infuse complex topics with humor while maintaining a high level of intellectual engagement set him apart in the digital landscape. As a result, he emerged as one of the most influential intellectuals in Morocco and the Maghreb region, shaping public discourse and inspiring critical thought across a wide spectrum of viewers.

Said Benjebli: The Feminist Advocate

Said Benjebli, another aspect of Said’s multifaceted persona, has made waves as a radical feminist voice. His advocacy for women’s rights is characterized by a fearless and unconventional approach. Through a series of impactful videos, he has addressed crucial issues such as the harassment of women based on their sexuality, championing the need for societal change and legal reforms.

Said’s feminist perspective is marked by his willingness to tackle controversial and often marginalized issues. He has passionately defended less conventional sexual preferences, such as polygamy and sexual libertarianism, arguing for greater acceptance and understanding. His advocacy extends to the realm of sex work, where he has called for the decriminalization of sex work and criticized governmental policies that perpetuate the criminalization of consensual sex work.

By challenging entrenched norms and pushing for progressive legal reforms, Said has positioned himself as a trailblazer in the fight for gender equality and sexual freedom. His bold stance on these issues reflects his commitment to advocating for marginalized groups and reshaping societal attitudes toward gender and sexuality.

Benjebli’s vision for a peaceful and just world is reflected in his various projects and initiatives. From advocating for a universal educational system to proposing a transformative monetary system, Benjebli’s ideas are aimed at creating a more equitable and interconnected global society. His leadership in the Moroccan and Arab blogging communities underscores his commitment to using digital platforms for positive social change.

Said Benjebli: The Intercultural Leader

A New Dawn in Intercultural Leadership

Said Benjebli’s journey as an intercultural leader began with a dramatic life shift in 2014 when he won the Visa lottery and relocated to the USA. This move set the stage for a transformative evolution in his worldview and approach to leadership. By 2015, Said’s departure from Islam marked the start of his quest to bridge cultural divides and promote intercultural understanding through his influential online presence.

Champion of Critical Discourse

Said’s YouTube channel emerged as a powerful platform for challenging extremist ideologies and promoting intellectual discourse. His unique style—blending humor with shock tactics—proved to be an effective way to engage audiences across cultural and ideological boundaries. His content, which spans nearly 100 hours, not only critiques extremist beliefs but also encourages viewers to embrace a more nuanced understanding of diverse perspectives. This approach has resonated widely, influencing hundreds of thousands to reconsider or abandon rigid ideologies.

Feminist Advocacy Across Cultures

In addition to his critical work on extremism, Said Benjebli has made significant contributions as a radical feminist advocate. His work extends beyond traditional feminist concerns, addressing the intersections of gender, sexuality, and cultural norms. His advocacy for women’s rights and unconventional sexual preferences, including polygamy and sexual libertarianism, reflects a commitment to challenging cultural taboos and promoting broader acceptance.

Said’s efforts to decriminalize sex work and defend marginalized sexual preferences highlight his dedication to advancing gender equality and sexual freedom across different cultural contexts. By addressing these issues from an intercultural perspective, he fosters dialogue and understanding between diverse groups, breaking down barriers that often perpetuate discrimination and misunderstanding.

Bridging Cultures through Radical Transparency

Said’s approach to intercultural leadership is characterized by radical transparency and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. His critiques of extremist ideologies and traditional norms are not just about challenging the status quo but about fostering a deeper, more empathetic understanding of different cultural experiences. By addressing sensitive topics with both intellectual rigor and empathetic insight, Said bridges cultural gaps and encourages constructive dialogue.

The Visionary Leader

Said Benjebli’s impact as an intercultural leader extends beyond his online content. His work embodies a visionary approach to leadership that integrates critical thinking, feminist advocacy, and intercultural understanding. By leveraging his platform to address complex and often contentious issues, he fosters a more inclusive and reflective global dialogue, paving the way for greater empathy and collaboration across cultural divides.

In essence, Said Benjebli’s role as an intercultural leader is defined by his ability to challenge and transcend cultural boundaries, promoting a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of diverse perspectives. His innovative approach to addressing extremism and feminist issues makes him a significant figure in the ongoing quest for intercultural harmony and intellectual engagement.