Abraham Accords Inspire Joint Israeli-Moroccan Academic Conference on Shared History
Translated & summarized from Channel 9 by baba
The Academic College of Ashkelon is holding an international conference on October 19, focusing on Israeli-Moroccan relations and shared history under the Abraham Accords. Scholars from both countries will discuss history, culture, and heritage, with participation from the Moroccan ambassador and Israeli academics. The event aims to strengthen bilateral ties through education and dialogue, building on historical connections that predate official normalization in December 2020. A joint publication of research is planned.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Academic College of Ashkelon hosts international conference on Israeli-Moroccan relations on October 19.
- Conference focuses on shared history, culture, and heritage under Abraham Accords framework.
- Moroccan Ambassador to Israel Abderrahim Beyyoud will attend the event.
- The conference aims to strengthen ties through education, research, and human communication.
- Israel and Morocco restored official diplomatic relations in December 2020.
- A joint publication of academic articles is planned after the conference.
The Academic College of Ashkelon will host an international conference on October 19 focused on Israel-Morocco relations within the framework of the Abraham Accords. Scholars from both nations will explore their shared history, languages, poetry, religious heritage, and cultural connections. The event will feature the Moroccan Ambassador to Israel, Abderrahim Beyyoud, and is the second such conference organized by the college. It is a joint effort with the Ministry of Regional Cooperation, Bar-Ilan University, and the Dahan Center, aiming to strengthen ties between the countries at both governmental and academic levels.
Participants include Professor Elyakim Rubinstein, president of the Academic College of Ashkelon; Dr. Pinchas Haliva, founder and CEO of the college; Professor Ami Moyal, Chairman of the Council for Higher Education of Israel; Professor Miloud Loukili from Mohammed V University in Rabat; Professor Aaron Maman from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem; and Professor Zamira Mevorach from Bar-Ilan University. A special session will be dedicated to the legacy of Moroccan Jewry, covering its language, music, religious traditions, and cultural contributions.
Following the conference, a joint collection of academic articles by Israeli and Moroccan researchers is planned. Dr. Pinchas Haliva stated, "We believe that true coexistence and strong regional stability are built primarily through education, research, and human communication." Professor Elyakim Rubinstein noted that Israel-Morocco ties predate official normalization, recalling Morocco's role in secret 1977 talks between Israeli Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan and a representative of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, which helped pave the way for Sadat's historic visit to Jerusalem and the subsequent peace treaty with Egypt.
Official diplomatic relations between Israel and Morocco were restored in December 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords process. The two nations share deep historical links, including a significant Jewish community in Morocco before the mid-20th century and hundreds of thousands of Israelis of Moroccan descent today. Rubinstein emphasized that the conference aims to "deepen mutual understanding and contribute to strengthening peaceful relations." Organizers believe that academic and cultural cooperation is particularly vital today for preserving historical memory, discussing challenging past events, and identifying common ground to support dialogue between Israel and the Arab world.
Mentioned