Morocco's Mohammed VI Polytechnic University defies calls from students to cut ties with Israel

In Morocco, despite mounting protests from students and professors, one university remains steadfast in its ties with eight Israeli institutions.

"Our frustration grows as UM6P not only joined the national normalisation trend but also took the lead by forming the most partnerships and hosting numerous high-level delegations," stated a press release from Mohammed VI Polytechnic University's students, published on June 24.

Established in 2013 by the state-owned OCP Group, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), "a private non-profit research university," operates campuses in Ben-Guerir and Rabat, with a new location recently opening in Paris.

It emerged as part of Morocco's "Green City" project, aiming to set an African standard for sustainability.

Since Morocco's 2020 normalisation agreement with Israel, UM6P has inked deals with eight Israeli universities, including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ), known for its collaboration with the Israel Defence Forces in military technology development.

HUJ's board chair, Michael Federmann, heads Elbit Systems, Israel's top private arms company.

"UM6P even appointed a Head of Mission for Israeli Partnerships—a role exclusively tied to Israeli collaborations, unlike any other country," noted UM6P Students & Alumni For Palestine in an email to The New Arab.

The student group, formed in response to Israel's war on Gaza, publicised their stance after internal efforts to sway UM6P’s administration failed.

"The signatories received an invitation for dialogue after writing to the administration in May, and a meeting was organised with a representative from the university's administration," said the students' union.

"Despite over 1,200 signatures, UM6P adamantly rejected severing ties with Israeli counterparts," lamented the student union.

TNA contacted the UM6P administration for clarification, but no one was available to answer by the time of publication. While students have avoided extreme protests like campus occupations or exam boycotts, they now vow to escalate against what they view as administrative rigidity.

"We're determined to pursue every peaceful and lawful avenue to halt agreements supporting the occupation, apartheid, war crimes, and the genocide in Gaza," they wrote.

Calling on UM6P staff, teachers, and fellow Moroccan students to support their cause, the students' union highlighted ongoing agreements between other Moroccan universities and Israeli counterparts, despite growing opposition amid the Gaza war.

In Morocco, universities such as Tetouan's Abdelmalek Saadi, Rabat's International University, and Fez's Euro-Mediterranean University maintain agreements and exchange programs with Israel.

Since October 7, there has been growing opposition to academic normalisation among Moroccan universities. However, this opposition has largely stayed limited to petitions and timid sit-ins. 

"Many faculty staff and students are worried about losing scholarships or facing administrative repercussions. For many of us, the risk is too great," remarked a PhD student at UM6P, who spoke to TNA on condition of anonymity.