The Munib & Angela Masri Foundation and the Film “Palestine 36”

As part of its mission to support arts and culture and bring the Palestinian story to global audiences, the Munib & Angela Masri Foundation contributed to the production of ‘Palestine 36,” directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Annemarie. This contribution reflects the Foundation’s vision of strengthening the global presence of the Palestinian narrative while empowering filmmakers to share their experiences and document history through impactful cinema. The film has gained international recognition, selected for major film festivals in 2025 and nominated to represent Palestine in the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards. It explores a pivotal yet rarely depicted period in Palestinian history, beginning in 1936 and lasting three years, when Palestinian farmers led the revolt against British colonial rule. At its center is Yusuf, a young man caught between his rural village and a tense Jerusalem, searching for a future beyond the upheaval of revolt. The story portrays courageous defiance against overwhelming military power, capturing both the hardships and endurance of the uprising. It tells of lost land, broken ideals, and youthful dreams cut short; an era with a legacy that continues to shape Palestine today. The film brings together leading Arab and international actors, including Tunisian star Dhafer L’Abidine, Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons, and William Cunningham, alongside acclaimed Palestinian actors Hiam Abbass, Yasmine Al Masri, Kamel El Basha, and Saleh Bakri. ...

September 5, 2025

Masri Foundation Welcomes Adoption of Palestine’s 2050 Spatial Plan

Ramallah, Palestine – September 3, 2025 – The Munib & Angela Masri Foundation welcomed the adoption of the Comprehensive National Spatial Development Plan 2050 by the Palestinian Council of Ministers. Prepared under a 2020 Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Local Government, the Foundation provided full financial and technical support to ensure its completion on national grounds.  Led by Dr. Sameer Abu-Eisheh from the leading firm Universal Group of Engineering and Consulting, a consultative team of 20 Palestinian experts from diverse development sectors worked under the supervision of a governmental steering committee chaired by the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. The work was coordinated with the relevant ministries and institutions, with consultations conducted with civil society. The plan establishes a framework for balanced urban, economic, and social development by promoting efficient land use, integrating spatial and development planning, and safeguarding environmental sustainability, cultural heritage, and agricultural lands. It covers all Palestinian territories, including the West Bank with Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, and the corridor connecting them. The plan aims to advance the realization of an independent Palestinian State and ensure economic and geographic separation from the occupation. Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Estephan Salameh, emphasized that the plan is designed with flexibility, allowing for periodic updates in response to political, economic, and social developments. He highlighted its importance for the reconstruction and development of Gaza following the devastation of war. The plan also provides a framework for major national projects and promotes integration between economic centers and urban hubs, thereby strengthening opportunities for balanced and regional development. The plan includes spatial projections for current and future land use, taking into account natural ecosystems, biodiversity, groundwater, agricultural areas, and cultural and archaeological sites. It defines zones for urban expansion and rural development, new cities, economic and urban development hubs, and networks for roads and transportation, communications, energy, and water. It also incorporates facilities such as border crossings, airports, seaports, and centers for social and economic services, in addition to the corridor connecting the West Bank and Gaza Strip. With a horizon to 2050, the plan is structured in three phases, addressing natural population growth, the Palestinian returnees, and the long-term requirements for infrastructure, services, and living standards. Munib R. Masri, founder of the Masri Foundation, expressed pride in making the plan a fully national project, financed entirely by the Foundation without reliance on international donors. He affirmed that the plan stands as a cornerstone in the pursuit of an independent Palestinian state with full sovereignty, while advancing sustainable development to safeguard the rights of future generations to live with dignity, in line with the Foundation’s mission and values. ...

September 4, 2025

Masri Foundation Signs Agreement to Equip Computer Lab at Nablus Vocational Secondary School

Nablus, Palestine – August 27, 2025 – The Munib & Angela Masri Foundation, represented by its founder Mr. Munib R. Masri, and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, represented by His Excellency Dr. Amjad Barham, signed an agreement to fund the provision of advanced computer equipment for the computer lab at Nablus Vocational Secondary School. Mr. Masri expressed his great satisfaction with this collaboration, highlighting the initiative as an important step toward strengthening vocational training in Palestine. He noted its role in bridging labor market gaps and supporting technical fields, particularly given the rising number of graduates from traditional academic disciplines. He reaffirmed the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to this vital sector as part of its broader mission to empower youth and foster sustainable development.  For his part, H.E. Minister of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Amjad Barham, extended his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Munib & Angela Masri Foundation, led by Mr. Masri, for its pioneering role and continuous support of the education sector in Palestine. He noted that this generous contribution reflects a clear and genuine vision and represents a meaningful addition that will enrich the environment of vocational education, enhance students’ skills, and better prepare them for the labor market with competence and confidence. Nablus Vocational Secondary School is one of the oldest and most significant institutions for vocational education in Palestine. Established in 1961 with joint support from Jordan and the US, the school has played a central role in advancing technical and vocational training for over six decades.  Today, it offers 14 vocational and technical specializations across a wide range of fields designed to meet the needs of both the local and regional labor markets. Each year, the school welcomes hundreds of students from Nablus and surrounding areas, providing them with the knowledge and practical skills required to succeed in an evolving economy. As a cornerstone of vocational education in Palestine, the school continues to equip generations of youth with the tools to build sustainable futures, while contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.  ...

August 27, 2025

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 July 9-15, 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