Ramallah, Palestine – August 20, 2026 – The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) honored Mr. Munib R. Masri on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, in recognition of his longstanding national service, contributions to the Palestinian cause and people, support for Jerusalem, role in building the Palestinian economy and national institutions, and philanthropic and development efforts.
The ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Palestine Liberation Organization in the presence of members of the Masri family, members of the PLO Executive Committee and Fatah Central Committee, political and national figures, academics, business leaders, representatives of national institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector, and members of the wider community. The broad national attendance reflected the recognition of Mr. Masri’s longstanding contributions and standing across Palestinian society.
The ceremony opened with the Palestinian national anthem, followed by a recitation of Al-Fatiha in memory of the martyrs and a minute of silence in their honor, reflecting the national significance of the occasion and commemorating the sacrifices of the Palestinian people throughout their long struggle to defend their national rights.
In his welcoming remarks, Ahmad Al-Tamimi, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Head of its Human Rights and Civil Society Department, said that honoring Mr. Masri was a recognition of a lifetime of service and commitment to Palestine. Reflecting on two decades of accompanying him, Al-Tamimi spoke of witnessing Masri’s contributions to charitable causes, institution building and the development of universities, as well as his political efforts to end Palestinian division and advance national unity.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Dr. Mohammad Shtayyeh, member of Fatah’s Central Committee, described Mr. Masri as an exceptional and steadfast Palestinian who was among those who returned to their homeland with their children. He praised Masri’s role in establishing important economic institutions in Palestine, his contributions to Palestinian universities and his efforts around the world in support of Palestinian reconciliation.
Dr. Abdullah Siam, Deputy Governor of Jerusalem, speaking on behalf of the Governorate of Jerusalem, its institutions and its people, highlighted Masri’s significant role in supporting Jerusalem and strengthening the resilience of its residents. He noted Masri’s ongoing support for the city and its people through the Jerusalem Fund and Endowment and the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund, as well as his broader efforts to support Jerusalem and its institutions.
Speaking on behalf of High Priest Abdullah Wasif of the Samaritan community, Priest Hosni Wassef Tawfiq expressed appreciation for Munib R. Masri’s honorable national positions and steadfast support for his people.
Prof. Imad Abu Kishek, President of Al-Quds University (AQU), recalled experiences he had shared with Mr. Masri and praised his determination in pursuing his goals and dedicating his efforts to serving Palestine.
Jamal Al-Shobaki, Secretary of Fatah’s Revolutionary Council, said the recognition represented an expression of appreciation from the Palestinian people and their leadership for Masri’s continued contributions. He noted that Mr. Masri had dedicated his success and personal resources to serving his homeland, with Jerusalem remaining central to his priorities throughout his professional and philanthropic journey.
Speaking on behalf of Munib R. Masri’s children and grandchildren, Mr. Omar M. Masri expressed the family’s pride and gratitude for the recognition. He emphasized that their father’s journey represented more than a family legacy. It embodied the values and responsibilities with which they were raised, foremost among them a commitment to Palestine, investment in people, belief in education and hard work, and service to the community. Omar added that honoring his father placed a responsibility on future generations to preserve this legacy and continue the path of service and giving. He emphasized that the family’s role in society must remain rooted in responsibility and service to Palestine.
In his closing remarks, Munib R. Masri expressed his deep gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a renewal of his commitment to Palestine and its people rather than the conclusion of a lifetime of service. He emphasized that his contributions throughout his life were never intended as charity or favor, but as a national and moral responsibility toward the homeland that gave him his identity and sense of belonging. Masri thanked President Mahmoud Abbas and the PLO leadership for the honor, saying it was a tribute he shared with his family and all those who had been part of his journey, including colleagues, partners, employees and volunteers. On this occasion, he paid tribute to the late President Yasser Arafat, to all those who departed while carrying Palestine in their hearts, and to all Palestinians who continue to serve their people and uphold their responsibilities in their respective fields.
Following the ceremony, President Mahmoud Abbas received Masri, accompanied by his family, including his children and grandchildren, as well as friends, at the Palestinian Presidential Headquarters. President Abbas awarded Masri the Grand Star of the Order of Jerusalem in recognition of his national service and longstanding contributions to Palestine, its cause and its people, his support for Jerusalem and its residents, and his contributions to economic development, institution building, philanthropy and development.
