The Saudi Chambers of Commerce organized a comprehensive meeting today between the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund and the Saudi business sector, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Turki Bin Faisal Bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Fund. This meeting underscores the active role of the Union in enhancing the contribution of the Saudi private sector to the issues of the Islamic nation, especially in supporting the Palestinian people.
At the beginning of the meeting, Prince Turki Bin Faisal expressed appreciation for the role played by the Union and the Chambers of Commerce in charitable work, noting that the meeting is in support of Palestine and the resilience of its people, reflecting the Kingdom’s steadfast positions since the time of King Abdulaziz – may God bless his soul – to the era of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman.
He stated: “Palestine and Jerusalem, in particular, are going through difficult circumstances that require intensifying efforts to economically and socially empower the Palestinian people through the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund.” The meeting was seen as an opportunity to mobilize support, build partnerships, and expand operations under the reputable status and global presence of the Islamic Development Bank.
He urged the Saudi business sector to support the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund based on its social role and religious duty. On his part, Vice President of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce, Fayez Bin Du’ar Al-Sha’ili, highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts in supporting the causes of the Arab and Islamic nation, emphasizing its leading role in establishing Islamic organizations such as the Islamic Development Bank and the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund. He mentioned the Saudi private sector’s support for development programs and economic projects for Islamic organizations, as well as its charitable and humanitarian initiatives under the auspices of the relevant government bodies in the Kingdom.
The Union expressed readiness to provide support for the programs of the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund and coordinate with various relevant local and international authorities to achieve the Fund’s objectives. Adel Al-Sharif, the Acting Director of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, clarified that Saudi Arabia, including the Saudi private sector, has set inspiring examples in generosity and humanitarian contributions, becoming a global model in the values of solidarity and sustainable development. The Fund’s foundation is based on an integrated developmental approach to enhance cooperation and partnerships between the private sector, development institutions, and donor organizations under the supervision of the Islamic Development Bank.
Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund, Manib Al-Masri, stated: “The Kingdom is the biggest sister and supporter of Palestine, a land of generosity and goodness through its leadership and people.” He praised its honorable stances in defending Palestine and its sanctities since the era of King Abdulaziz. He emphasized that the developmental efforts of the Fund are part of the religious and Arab duty to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian people and provide the essentials for a dignified life to stay on their land.
The meeting included a visual presentation about the Jerusalem Empowerment Support Fund established in 2021 as a concessional and endowment fund under the management of the Islamic Development Bank based on a decision by the Board of Directors of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development. The Fund aims to economically and socially empower the Palestinian people in Palestine in general, and the city of Jerusalem in particular, focusing on four main sectors: education, housing, social development, and economic empowerment.
