Academic Partnership between Euromed University of Fez and Israeli universities
Miscellaneous announcements
A delegation from the Euromed University of Fez (UEMF), composed of its President Pr. Mostapha Bousmina, the Director of the School of Digital Engineering and Artificial Intelligence, Pr. Maha Gmira and the Director of Partnerships and Innovation, Ms. Ghada Bouhlal, visited Israel to strengthen the academic partnership with Tel Aviv University, Shenkar University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The delegation was also received by high-ranking Israeli personalities and in particular by the son of the former President of Israel Shimon Perez and also the former minister of Moroccan origin Raphy Edery in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Abderrahim Beyyoudh, head of the liaison office of the Kingdom of Morocco in Tel Aviv.
The partnership focuses on artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, precision agriculture and the issue of water.
Around ten UEMF students will travel to Israel next February before welcoming Israeli students to UEMF during the year. Other teacher-researchers and doctoral students in co-supervision will also travel in both directions with stays between UEMF and partner Israeli universities.
Welcome to the Shimon Perez Foundation for Peace and Innovation in the presence of the son of Shimon Perez (former President and Prime Minister of Israel)
During the various official ceremonies reserved for the Moroccan delegation, Pr. Bousmina recalled the history of Morocco by referring to its thousand-year-old Hebrew component. He also spoke of Morocco's reception of Jews in the 15th century following the persecution they suffered in Spain and Portugal during the Reconquista period.
He also recalled the role played by the Alaouite dynasty for the protection of Jews and in particular during the Second World War where His Late Majesty King Mohammed V personally opposed handing over Moroccan citizens of Jewish faith to the Vichy regime and to the Nazis.
Pr. Bousmina reviewed the Royal concern of HM the Late King Hassan II and also of HM King Mohammed VI towards Moroccan Jews. He highlighted the various actions of the Sovereign towards the Moroccan Jewish identity which is an integral component of the national identity and this is forcefully cited in the preamble to the constitution of Morocco.
He also explained the exceptional and salutary approach of His Majesty the King, Mohammed VI, for the restoration and rehabilitation of Jewish cemeteries, mausoleums, synagogues and places of worship in Morocco and the Royal will to restore the original Jewish names of certain neighborhoods, streets and places. The history and contribution of the Jewish component of Morocco are also included in school textbooks. He also explained the Moroccan exception in terms of the family code of citizens of the Jewish faith which is governed by the provisions of Hebrew law.
Finally, Pr. Bousmina spoke of the Abraham Accords and expressed his conviction that they will be a driving force for peace and prosperity shared between Israel and the Arab world.
Israeli personalities present at these ceremonies expressed their thanks and gratitude to His Majesty the King, Mohammed VI and their unwavering attachment to the Royal Family and to Morocco and many expressed their willingness to travel to Morocco and explore the possibilities investment in promising sectors for development.
Reception in the presence of Minister Raphy Edery, HE Mr. Abderrahim Beyyoudh, Head of Morocco's liaison office in Tel Aviv, the President of Shenkar University, Pr. Sheizaf Rafaeli, Ms. Orit Efrati, the President of the Council of Administration of Shekar and several Israeli personalities of Moroccan origin.
Prof. Mostapha Bousmina has been appointed member of the Board of Directors of Shenkar University.
