Masri Foundation Continues Support for the Jerusalem Arab Film Festival for Fifth Consecutive Year

Jerusalem, June 2025 – Cinema tells Jerusalem's story like no other medium. The Munib & Angela Masri Foundation sponsors the fifth Jerusalem Arab Film Festival, "Our Story Lives On," running June 24-29, 2025, as part of its commitment to cultural expression and creative youth empowerment.  This year's program showcases 30 Arab films making their Palestinian debut, spanning feature narratives, documentaries, and short films across diverse themes, origins, and languages. Narrative features and shorts compete for Best Film and Jury Prize awards, while documentaries will compete for the Jury Prize and the Shireen Abu Akleh Award, honoring the late journalist. Select entries receive special mentions, with monetary recognition for top films. The festival's fifth edition demonstrates Arab cinema's artistic evolution, featuring films that showcase creative diversity and sophisticated storytelling maturity. In addition to the film screenings, the festival will host a workshop on “Short Narrative Script Development” led by filmmaker and content creator Salam Hasri, as well as a discussion-based workshop titled “German Photography and Early Cinema in Jerusalem,” moderated by architect and international consultant on culture and sustainable tourism, Ghadeer Najjar. The Foundation's partnership reflects its belief that arts and culture drive community development while preserving identity and fostering creative engagement. This investment has helped establish the festival as Palestine's premier cultural platform since its 2020 launch. Through partnerships with local institutions, the Jerusalem Arab Film Festival connects audiences with regional filmmakers and narratives, strengthening Jerusalem's position as a vibrant cultural center despite ongoing challenges. ...

June 15, 2025

Taawon Concludes Its Annual Meetings with the Participation of Founders and Key Leaders 

Amman, Jordan – May 6, 2025 — Taawon concluded its annual institutional meetings in Amman with the participation of members of the General Assembly, Board of Trustees, executive leadership, and partners, both in person and virtually. The meetings marked the close of the 2022–2025 cycle and the launch of a new institutional phase for 2025–2028, set against the backdrop of growing challenges facing the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza.  The sessions were attended by Munib R. Masri, Taawon’s Honorary President and one of its founding members, and Omar M. Masri, member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee, along with a distinguished group of individuals engaged in Palestinian development. Discussions highlighted key achievements from 2024 across the sectors of education, health, relief, youth, heritage, and community development, while also outlining strategic priorities for the years ahead.  In the opening remarks, Dr. Nabil Qaddumi, outgoing Chair of the Board of Trustees and newly elected Chair of the Board of Directors, described 2024 as a year of extraordinary hardship that called for intensified humanitarian and development efforts. He outlined several key accomplishments achieved during this period, including the launch of strategic projects focused on quality education and up-skilling, the refinement of programmatic directions, and a restructuring of the executive team. Additional highlights included the expansion of the organization’s membership base, the strengthening of Jerusalem-based programs, notable progress in digital transformation, institutional policy reviews, and continued growth of the endowment fund.  Taawon's committees presented their closing reports for the previous term, with recommendations from the investment, audit, and governance committees focused on strengthening institutional performance and operational efficiency. The General Assembly approved the financial statements and granted discharge to the outgoing Board of Trustees and executive leadership.  As part of ongoing governance reforms, a new Board of Directors was elected for the 2025 –2028 term, with its membership reduced to 11 to improve decision-making and agility. Dr. Nabil Qaddumi was elected Chairman of the Board, accompanied by newly appointed committee heads and a restructured General Assembly leadership.  The meetings also featured a presentation by Engineer Luay Khoury on the “Life After Amputation” initiative, which utilizes 3D printing to produce custom prosthetics for individuals in Gaza and Lebanon. In addition, the launch of the “Friends of Taawon USA” initiative was announced, aiming to strengthen international engagement and expand Taawon's support network across Palestinian and Arab diaspora communities.  The event concluded with a tribute to Taawon's lifetime members, honoring their long-standing contributions. The organization reaffirmed its humanitarian and national mission, emphasizing the urgency of collective action to meet the escalating challenges facing Palestinians at home and abroad.  ...

May 6, 2025

Munib R. Masri Honored for His Contributions to Higher Education 

Amman, Jordan – May 6, 2025 — Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, the American University of Beirut (AUB) Alumni Jordan Chapter held a distinguished gala in Amman, celebrating the enduring support of key figures who have contributed to advancing the university’s mission. The evening brought together members of the AUB community, alumni, and regional dignitaries for a night dedicated to excellence in education, philanthropy, and community engagement.  The evening opened with welcoming remarks from Haya Imam, President of the AUB Alumni Club of Jordan, who described the event as both a tribute to AUB’s legacy and a reaffirmation of its ongoing role in shaping a stronger future for the region. AUB President Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri then delivered the keynote address, underscoring the university’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and its enduring connection to the Arab world. He emphasized the essential contributions of alumni and supporters in sustaining AUB’s mission.  Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan followed with a message of appreciation, recognizing the alumni’s efforts in expanding access to education and honoring the achievements of the evening’s distinguished guests. She highlighted the ongoing suffering in Palestine, and particularly the children of Gaza. Following her remarks, she took part in the presentation of recognition awards alongside President Khuri, highlighting the spirit of gratitude and shared commitment that defined the event.  Among the honorees was long-time AUB supporter and Honorary Doctorate recipient Mr. Munib R. Masri, recognized for his exceptional contributions to higher education in the region. AUB awarded Masri an Honorary Doctorate in 2012 in acknowledgment of his far-reaching impact. His support has helped shape major milestones at the university, including the reconstruction of College Hall, which was destroyed in 1991, as well as the establishment of several cornerstone initiatives such as the Munib R. Masri Fund for the Center for Advanced Mathematical Sciences in 2001, the Munib and Angela Masri Institute of Energy and Natural Resources in 2007, the Munib and Angela Masri Building in 2018, and most recently, the Munib and Angela Masri Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Award at the AUB Medical Center in 2023.   Masri’s contributions to AUB are part of a broader, lifelong dedication to education, sustainability, and regional development. Through the Munib & Angela Masri Foundation, he has supported a wide range of initiatives, reinforcing his belief that education is the foundation of progress and empowerment. His legacy continues to inspire students, faculty, and institutions committed to building a more equitable and enlightened future.  ...

May 6, 2025

Masri Foundation Joins Al-Quds Empowerment Fund and Saudi Business Leaders in Riyadh to Advance Resilience in Jerusalem

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – April 16, 2025 – The Munib & Angela Masri Foundation participated in a high-level expanded meeting organized by the Federation of Saudi Chambers, which brought together representatives of the Al-Quds Empowerment Fund and the Saudi business sector. It was held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Al-Quds Empowerment Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Foundation was represented by its Founder, Mr. Munib R. Masri, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The goal of meeting is to reinforce the Federation’s role in advancing the Saudi private sector’s engagement with key issues affecting the Islamic world, particularly support for the Palestinians, especially in Al-Quds (Jerusalem).  As the meeting commenced, His Royal Highness Turki Al-Faisal praised the Federation of Saudi Chambers for its charitable efforts, affirming that the event reflects the Kingdom’s enduring commitment to the Palestinian cause, a position anchored in the legacy of King Abdulaziz and upheld by today’s leadership. “Palestine, and Al-Quds in particular, is going through difficult circumstances,” he stated, emphasizing the need for the Saudi private business sector to intensify its support through the Al-Quds Empowerment Fund.  He noted that the Fund’s mission reflects a broader religious and Arab responsibility to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinians. He described the event as a valuable platform for building strategic partnerships and expand the Fund’s reach, particularly through the collaboration with institutions such as the Islamic Development Bank, recognized globally for its strong reputation in education, housing, community development, and economic empowerment.  Vice Chairman Mr. Munib R. Masri spoke about the Kingdom’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause. “The Kingdom is a steadfast supporter of Palestine, and a land of generosity and commitment,” he said. He described the Fund’s role as a moral and religious responsibility to help strengthen the resilience of the Palestinians, ensuring they can live with dignity and remain on their land.  He also recognized the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al-Faisal, who has led the Fund’s efforts for more than a decade. Mr. Masri closed his remarks by thanking the Federation of Saudi Chambers for standing with Jerusalem and supporting its people during this critical time.  The event concluded on a constructive note, laying the groundwork for stronger collaboration between the Al-Quds Empowerment Fund and the Saudi business community. It reinforced shared priorities around sustainable development, strategic partnerships, and the mobilization of private sector resources in support of the Palestinian people. The outcomes of this engagement are expected to enhance the Fund’s operational capacity, broaden its reach, and accelerate efforts to improve the economic and social resilience of Palestinians, particularly in Jerusalem, through meaningful long-term initiatives.  ...

April 27, 2025

Masri Foundation Donates Generators to Support Hospitals in Libya  

The Munib & Angela Masri Foundation, Edgo’s CSR arm, has donated power generators to Al-Brega General Hospital in Brega and Al-Argoub Hospital in Ajdabiya, Libya. The donations were made through Camco, an Edgo company, and facilitated by Sirte Oil Company (SOC) for Production & Manufacturing of Oil and Gas, a subsidiary of Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC).  This initiative reaffirms Edgo’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, directly addressing critical healthcare challenges to enhance service delivery.   Omar M. Masri, Board Member of the Masri Foundation and CEO of Edgo, stated: "Our Foundation remains committed to working hand in hand with local partners to drive sustainable development across various sectors, striving to create a positive and lasting impact in the communities we serve."  This contribution is part of Edgo’s broader commitment to Libya through the Masri Foundation, where it has launched numerous initiatives focused on education, economic empowerment, and healthcare, reinforcing its dedication to meaningful community impact.  ...

February 19, 2025

Leading with Purpose, Building a Greener Future

Amman, Jordan – January 22, 2025 – Edgo, a leading multi-disciplinary group serving the energy industry across the Middle East and Africa (MENA), proudly announces its commitment to Net-Zero Emissions (NZE) 2045 Initiative. Through this initiative, Edgo aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, foster innovation, and align its operations with the goals of the Paris Agreement.   At Edgo, sustainability is more than a commitment, it is core to our identity. Since 1956, our principles have been built on progress, innovation, and a responsibility to future generations. “Edgo’s commitment to NZE 2045 reflects our responsibility to uphold sustainability and support the countries we operate in,” said Omar M. Masri, CEO of Edgo. “Climate change presents significant challenges to our region, and we understand the urgency of taking meaningful action. While we remain focused on delivering exceptional energy solutions, we are equally committed to shaping a cleaner, greener future.”    The NZE 2045 Initiative outlines a phased roadmap to achieve this goal and serves as a cornerstone of Edgo’s sustainability strategy. By 2030, Edgo will reach a pivotal milestone by significantly reducing carbon emissions through sustainable practices and energy efficiency improvements. Following this, the company will adopt advanced innovations, including carbon capture technologies and natural offsets, ensuring full NZE across all entities by 2045.   Through this initiative, Edgo is advancing energy efficiency and strengthening resilience across its operations. By embedding sustainability into every aspect of its business, Edgo is setting a benchmark for sustainable energy practices in the region.   ...

January 22, 2025