American Friends of the Hebrew University Western Region Mission to Morocco and Israel
Co-Chairs: Patty Glaser and Allison & Tom Levyn
June 7-12, 2025
From the heights of the Atlas Mountains to the bustling Medina of Marrakech to the beaches of Rabat and Tel Aviv, join us on an adventure of a lifetime as the American Friends of Hebrew University travels to Morocco and Israel.
Over these 11 days, participants will meet royal dignitaries, cultural leaders, diplomats and influencers while witnessing firsthand how Israel’s leading academic and research institution is transforming Israel and positively impacting the world.
From uncovering the ancient heritage of Morocco’s Jewish community, to engaging with Israel’s leading professors and researchers on today’s most critical global challenges (including human health, artificial intelligence, climate change, democracy, and diplomacy), participants are assured to bond with friends (new and old) and return home with a vibrant community and memories they’ll cherish forever.
Private tours and experiences of the gems of Marrakech, Casablanca, the Atlas Mountains, Rabat, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem will enhance your journey as you stay in comfortable, luxurious accommodations.
Itinerary
Day 1: Saturday, June 7
Rabat
Marhaba! This is the traditional greeting used in Morocco to mean a warm “hello and welcome!”
Arrive at either the Casablanca Mohammed International Airport or Rabat-Sale International Airport. On arrival, you will be met by a representative at the airport who will assist you through immigration and customs and connect you with your driver. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the hotel to settle in before the program begins.
Gather as a group for welcome cocktails and a special welcome dinner at the Fairmont Rabat.
Overnight: Fairmont Rabat
Room Category: Deluxe Room
Day 2: Sunday, June 8
Rabat
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for a meeting at the American Embassy.
Afterwards, explore Rabat through its historical cultural sites. Today’s sightseeing may include visits to the Mausoleum, a perfectly preserved example of the Alaouite dynasty’s architectural style.
This afternoon is dedicated to meetings with some of the following Hebrew University Moroccan partners:
- International University of Rabat
- Minister Chakib ben-Moussa
- Kasbah Oudaya
In the late afternoon, return to the hotel to freshen up. In the evening, reconvene as a group for dinner with the Israeli Ambassador.
Overnight: Fairmont Rabat
Room Category: Deluxe Room
Day 3: Monday, June 9
Casablanca
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart for Casablanca. As you start the journey in Marrakech, visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, created and managed by the Foundation of Judeo-Moroccan Cultural Heritage. The museum is considered the first museum of the city of Casablanca, and the only Jewish Museum in the Arab world.
As you continue the drive, you will stop for lunch and visit the magnificent Hassan II Grand Mosque, one of the few mosques that can be visited by non-Muslims in Morocco. Built on reclaimed land, almost half of the surface of the mosque lies over the waters of the Atlantic. The mosque is amongst the largest in the world and can house as many as 25,000 worshipers. Its minaret is one of the tallest religious structures in the world.
Upon arrival, check into the Royal Mansour Casablanca and freshen up before reconvening for this evening’s dinner with Former Minister of Tourism, Serge Berdugo, President of the Council of Jewish Communities of Morocco.
Overnight: Royal Mansour Casablanca
Room Category: Deluxe & Premier Room
Day 4: Tuesday, June 10
Marrakech
After breakfast, check out from the hotel before gathering as a group to depart for Marrakech. Along the journey, you will visit Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and be hosted by the University’s President.
As you reach Marrakech, you will check into the hotel and begin to discover the gems of Marrakech, the most famous city in Morocco. Enjoy lunch in Marrakech and visit some of the city’s most historical landmarks.
Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, an emblem of Marrakech. It is not possible to enter the Mosque, but its beauty can be admired from the gardens and the square. Built in the 12th century, the Koutoubia’s minaret is considered one of the highlights of Islamic religious structures in North Africa and the inspiration for the architects of the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. From the Mosque we will move on to the Synagogue where you will have a private visit with the President of the Jewish Community of Marrakech.
Unwind in the evening with a lively dinner and entertainment.
Overnight: Selman Marrakech
Room Category: Junior Suite
Day 5: Wednesday, June 11
Atlas Mountains
After breakfast at the hotel, set out for a full day in the Atlas Mountains. You will drive to the small village of Imlil, which is a picturesque, 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Marrakech.
Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and set out together to begin your walk through orchards to the village of Armed (at an elevation of 2000m). Here you will meet with a local family who will welcome you into their home. Savor freshly made bread accompanied by a refreshing mint tea as your host enlightens you on the daily lifestyle of the locals with tales of their family, history and culture.
Eat lunch in the mountains. Afterwards, drive back to Marrakech and in the evening, enjoy a group dinner in a local Moroccan restaurant with Andre Azoeley.
Overnight: Selman Marrakech
Room Category: Junior Suite
Day 6: Thursday, June 12
Marrakech
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before setting out to explore more of Marrakech. Today’s sightseeing may start with a visit Dar El Bacha Museum, formally the private residence of Thami El Glaoui (who ruled over Marrakech from 1912 to 1956), Dar El Bacha Palace has historically hosted magnificent celebrations and receptions in the presence of the well-known historical figures, including Winston Churchill and Jacques Majorelle.
Afterwards, have lunch at a local Moroccan restaurant before visiting the Majorelle Gardens & Yves Saint Laurent Museum, where you will experience one of the most enchanting and colorful gardens in Morocco.
You will have a day room booked at Selman Marrakech, so that you can freshen up at the and enjoy a quick meal before going to the airport for your overnight flight to Israel (Limited business class seat upgrades available). Flight details below:
- Flight #:
- Departure Time:
- Arrival Time:
Day Rooms: Selman Marrakech
Room Category: Junior Suite
Day 7: Friday, June 13
Tel Aviv
Early this morning, arrive in Israel and transfer to your hotel for an early check-in. You will have this morning at your leisure.
Enjoy lunch as a group before departing for the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment in Rehovot. Tour the university’s sesame fields, greenhouses and apiary and witness firsthand how Israel’s leading research institute for advanced agricultural technology is positively impacting agriculture worldwide.
In the evening, experience Israel’s renowned home hospitality at a festive reception hosted at a private residence in Kfar Shmaryahu with University faculty and special guests.
Overnight: The Jaffa
(Deluxe Balcony Sea View rooms. Upgrades available.)
Day 8: Saturday, June 14
Jerusalem and Surrounds
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for a full day in the South of Israel. Travel to Sderot, an Israeli town which has been greatly affected by missile attacks from Gaza. Meet with the mayor of Sderot and together visit an observation point with sweeping views of Gaza.
You will visit an IDF Airforce Base in the south and meet with several officers. To round out today’s experiences, visit Beersheva with a briefing from Mayor Ruby Danilovich.
At the end of the day, drive to Jerusalem to check into your hotel and have dinner as a group.
Overnight: The Orient
(Templer Executive Rooms. Upgrades available.)
Day 9: Sunday, June 15
Jerusalem
After breakfast briefing with a prominent Israeli diplomat, visit the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Edmond J. Safra campus. Meet with researchers and students while touring The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences and The Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering. Conclude the morning tour with a special presentation on artificial intelligence.
Accompanied by a Hebrew University student ambassador, travel to the thriving community of Kiryat Arba, Hebrew for “Town of the Four”, founded by Hebron pioneers in 1971.
Return to Jerusalem for this evening’s group dinner with faculty members from The Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace.
Overnight: The Orient
(Templer Executive Rooms. Upgrades available.)
Day 10: Monday, June 16
Jerusalem
After a breakfast briefing with a prominent Israeli politician, depart the hotel to tour the Old City with Ambassador Yossi Gal and witness the Friday activity between the three major religions.
Conclude the evening at a private residence for an intimate Shabbat dinner with some of the University’s most prominent professors.
Overnight: The Orient
(Templer Executive Rooms. Upgrades available.)
Day 11: Tuesday, June 17
Departures
After breakfast at the hotel, you will participate in high-profile meetings before a special farewell lunch to reflect on all that you have learned, experienced and connected with, before you part ways.
Depending on your flight time, you will check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport in Tel Aviv for your international flight or onward connection.