Academic Partnership between Euromed University of Fes and Israeli Universities

A delegation from Euromed University of Fes (UEMF), composed of its President Prof. Mostapha Bousmina, the Director of the School of Digital Engineering and Artificial Intelligence, Prof. Maha Gmira, and the Director of Partnerships and Innovation, Ms. Ghada Bouhlal, traveled to 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 figures, notably the son of former Israeli President Shimon Peres and also the former minister of Moroccan origin Raphy Edery, in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Abderrahim Beyyoudh, head of the Kingdom of Morocco's liaison office in Tel Aviv.

The partnership focuses on artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, precision agriculture and water issues.

About ten UEMF students will travel to Israel next February before receiving Israeli students at UEMF during the year. Other faculty members and doctoral students under co-supervision will also travel in both directions with stays between UEMF and the partner Israeli universities.      

Reception at the Shimon Peres Foundation for Peace and Innovation in the presence notably of Shimon Peres's son (former President and Prime Minister of Israel) 

During the various official ceremonies reserved for the Moroccan delegation, Prof. Bousmina recalled Morocco's history by referring to its millennia-old Hebrew component. He also mentioned Morocco's reception of Jews in the 15th century following the persecutions they suffered in Spain and Portugal during the Reconquista period. 

He also recalled the role played by the Alaouite dynasty in protecting Jews, notably during World War II when the late His Majesty King Mohammed V personally opposed handing over Moroccan Jewish citizens to the Vichy regime and the Nazis. 

Prof. Bousmina reviewed the Royal solicitude of the late His Majesty King Hassan II and also of His Majesty King Mohammed VI towards Moroccan Jews. He highlighted the Sovereign's various actions toward Moroccan Jewish identity, which is an integral component of the national identity and is strongly cited in the preamble of the Moroccan constitution. 

He also explained His Majesty King Mohammed VI's exceptional and salutary initiative to restore and rehabilitate cemeteries, mausoleums, synagogues and Jewish places of worship in Morocco and the Royal will to restore original Jewish names of certain neighborhoods, streets and places. The history and contribution of Morocco's Jewish component are also included in school textbooks. He also explained the Moroccan exception regarding the family code for citizens of Jewish faith, which is governed by the provisions of Hebrew law.

Finally, Prof. Bousmina mentioned the Abraham Accords and expressed his conviction that they will be a driving force for peace and shared prosperity between Israel and the Arab world.  

The Israeli personalities present at these ceremonies expressed their thanks and gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and their unwavering attachment to the Royal Family and Morocco, and many expressed their desire to visit Morocco and explore investment opportunities in sectors conducive to development. 

Reception in the presence of Minister Raphy Edery, H.E. Mr. Abderrahim Beyyoudh, Head of Morocco's liaison office in Tel Aviv, the President of Shenkar University, Prof. Sheizaf Rafaeli, Ms. Orit Efrati, Chair of Shenkar's Board of Directors, and several Israeli personalities of Moroccan origin.

Prof. Mostapha Bousmina was appointed a member of the Board of Directors of Shenkar University.