Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Prince Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund, underlined the need to intensify efforts for economic and social empowerment of Palestinians. ''Palestine, and Jerusalem in particular, are going through difficult circumstances, which necessitates intensifying efforts to empower the Palestinian people economically and socially through the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund (JEF)," he said while addressing the expanded meeting of the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund with the Saudi business sector, organized by the Federation of Saudi Chambers in Riyadh on Wednesday.

Prince Turki Al-Faisal called on the Saudi business sector to support the JEF, based on its societal role and religious duty. He considered the meeting as a good opportunity to double mobilization, build partnerships, and expand work, given the Islamic Development Bank's strong reputation and global presence.

The meeting affirms the federation's active role in enhancing the Saudi private sector's contribution to the causes of the Islamic nation, most notably supporting the Palestinian people in particular. He said the meeting comes in support of Palestine and the steadfastness of its people.

In his speech, Vice President of the Federation of Saudi Chambers Fayez Al-Shuaili highlighted the Kingdom's efforts in supporting Arab and Islamic causes and its pioneering role in establishing Islamic organizations, including the Islamic Development Bank and the JEF. He also emphasized the role of the Saudi private sector in supporting development programs and economic projects of Islamic organizations, its achievements in charitable and humanitarian work, and its positive engagement with humanitarian campaigns under the umbrella of relevant government agencies in the Kingdom.

Acting Director of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development Adel Al-Sharif, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of JEF Munib Al-Masri also spoke on the occasion. The meeting featured a visual presentation about the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund, which was established in 2021 as a trust and endowment fund administered by the Islamic Development Bank, pursuant to a decision by the Board of Directors of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development. It aims to empower the Palestinian people economically and socially in Palestine in general and the city of Jerusalem in particular. The Fund's activities focus on four main sectors: education, housing, community development, and economic empowerment.