AJC-Mimouna Michael Sachs Fellowship Deepens Muslim-Jewish Ties in Morocco

A six-month fellowship bringing together Muslim and Jewish scholars from the U.S., Israel, and the Arab World culminates in Morocco, advancing academic exchange, regional cooperation, and the enduring promise of the Abraham Accords.

For decades, American Jewish Committee (AJC) has deeply invested in building trusted partnerships with leaders across the Middle East and North Africa, helping strengthen Israel’s ties with its neighbors and advancing a more interconnected region.

A new chapter was written in Morocco this month through the AJC-Mimouna Michael Sachs Fellowship — an innovative, six-month initiative that brought together Muslim and Jewish scholars and university professors from the U.S., Israel, and across the Arab World to foster greater understanding, strengthen regional relationships, and explore opportunities for cooperation across sectors.

Building On-The-Ground Strategic Partnerships

The fellowship continues to generate opportunities for campus programs, academic exchanges, and joint initiatives while promoting dialogue among diverse voices during a time of heightened polarization. In Morocco, the delegation met with senior leaders at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and Hassan II University, officials from multiple Moroccan government ministries, and with U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission in Rabat Ben Ziff.

Why This Work Matters Now

Named in memory of the late Michael Sachs, an AJC leader who dedicated his life to advancing Muslim-Jewish dialogue, the fellowship demonstrates the enduring promise of the Abraham Accords. At a time when the region faces both challenges and opportunities, investing in these connections helps build trust, deepen mutual understanding, and create pathways for collaboration that extend beyond formal diplomacy.

How AJC Is Making an Impact

AJC began laying the foundation for the possibility of the Accords — which normalized relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco — more than 70 years ago. Its work advocating for these agreements continues to this day through AJC’s Center for a New Middle East, which is building transformative relationships to foster security partnerships, pluralism, and diplomatic breakthroughs that expand the circle of peace in the Middle East.

The AJC-Mimouna Michael Sachs Fellowship is part of that broader effort, exemplifying AJC’s unique ability to convene influential voices and cultivate people-to-people connections that help catalyze partnerships to advance a more understanding, peaceful, and prosperous Middle East. AJC’s Center for Education Advocacy (CEA) also played a pivotal role in the success of this program, showcasing AJC’s expertise in engaging university leadership and expanding CEA’s impact beyond U.S.-based institutions.

As the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, AJC remains committed to strengthening these vital partnerships with world leaders to ensure a safe and thriving Jewish future.