Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund (JEF), has called for increased support from the Saudi private sector. This support aims to empower the Palestinian people socially and economically amid ongoing challenges. These challenges are especially evident in Jerusalem.
Speaking at an expanded meeting of the JEF with the Saudi business sector, hosted by the Federation of Saudi Chambers on Wednesday, Prince Turki emphasized the urgency of the situation. “Palestine, and Jerusalem in particular, are going through difficult circumstances. This necessitates intensifying efforts to empower the Palestinian people economically and socially through the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund,” he stated.
Prince Turki urged Saudi businesses to contribute to the Fund, citing both a moral obligation and a religious duty. He described the meeting as an important opportunity to strengthen mobilization, form partnerships, and expand initiatives. This is particularly relevant given the international credibility of the Islamic Development Bank, which administers the Fund.
The meeting reaffirmed the Federation of Saudi Chambers’ commitment to bolstering the Saudi private sector’s engagement in causes important to the Islamic world. This is particularly relevant for the Palestinian cause.
Fayez Al-Shuaili, Vice President of the Federation, praised the Kingdom’s leadership in championing Arab and Islamic issues. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s instrumental role in establishing key institutions like the Islamic Development Bank and the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund. He also noted the private sector’s strong track record in supporting humanitarian and development efforts. This is all under the guidance of relevant national agencies.
Adel Al-Sharif, Acting Director of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, and Munib Al-Masri, Vice Chairman of the JEF Board of Trustees, also addressed the gathering. The session featured a visual presentation on the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund (JEF). The Fund was launched in 2021 as a trust and endowment initiative. Its mission is to empower Palestinians—especially in Jerusalem—through focused programs in four key sectors. These sectors are education, housing, community development, and economic empowerment.
The meeting marked a significant step in rallying support for the Fund’s mission. It also encouraged broader cooperation between Islamic financial institutions and the Saudi business community.
