Category: News
Masri Foundation Unveils Expansion of Marka Primary Girls School
Mr. Munib R. Masri, founder of the Munib & Angela Masri Foundation, proudly inaugurated the expansion of Marka Primary School for Girls recently. This significant milestone, achieved through collaboration between MAF and the Marka Village Council, marks a pivotal moment in advancing educational resilience in Palestinian communities, an initiative commenced by the Foundation in early 2023. The school's expansion project has added a new floor, including three spacious classrooms and a service area, totaling 156 square meters. This augmentation aims to cultivate an enriched learning environment conducive to academic excellence and will help to foster positive outcomes for the students and nurture a thriving school atmosphere. Commencing the ceremony, Ms. Fida Barahmah, the school principal, extended cordial greetings to the attendees and expressed profound gratitude to the Munib & Angela Masri Foundation for its unwavering support and generous contribution, which will provide the students with enhanced opportunities for academic engagement and growth. In recognition of the Foundation's impactful endeavors, Mr. Kamal Abu Al-Rub, Governor of Jenin Governorate, underlined its commitment to community development, citing previous collaborations such as establishing the Munib Rashid Masri Grandchildren’s School, located in Ya’bad. Mr. Kamal Abu Al-Rub praised Mr. Munib R. Masri's steadfast dedication to bolstering educational institutions, underscoring his belief in nurturing the future leaders of Palestine through accessible and quality education. Echoing sentiments of gratitude, Mr. Nafe' Musa, Head of the Village Council of Marka, underscored the transformative impact of the Foundation's initiatives on local communities, with the newly constructed classrooms promising to elevate the educational landscape, empowering students to achieve academic milestones vital for a prosperous future. Mr. Ahmed Jarrar, Director of Education in Jenin, commended the Foundation's collaborative approach, emphasizing the pivotal role of community partnerships in advancing educational endeavors. Mr. Ahmed Jarrar outlined how the expanded facilities are a pivotal stride towards enriching the learning experience and fortifying educational infrastructure, essential for sustained progress. Mr. Munib Masri reaffirmed MAF's enduring commitment to educational development, highlighting the importance of collective endeavors to shape a brighter future for Palestine amidst evolving circumstances. MAF's extensive portfolio of educational initiatives underscores its dedication to fostering innovation and excellence across various domains. ...
May 18, 2024
The Masri Foundation and the University of Texas in Austin hold Strategic Discussions
Nidal Karyouti, a member of the Edgo board and representative of the Munib & Angela Masri Foundation, met with Dr. Jay Hartzell, President of the University of Texas in Austin (UT Austin), to discuss the longstanding strategic partnership and future development of the relationship between the two organizations. UT Austin’s Senior Director of Development for Principal Gifts, Hafsa Mahfooz and the Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Roger Bonnecaze were also present at the meeting. Taking place during the University of Texas’ fifth annual conference in Dubai, UAE, the meeting was a chance to discuss new opportunities for collaboration between the Foundation and UT Austin, particularly in research and development, as well as in student training in earth sciences and geology. The Masri Foundation and UT Austin’s relationship is well established and goes back to the 1950s when the Foundation’s founders Munib R. Masri and his wife Angela K. Marsi were students at the University. Additionally, Mr. Masri is the only Arab to have been inducted into the Hall of Fame at the University’s Jackson School of Geosciences, as part of a prestigious group of individuals who have made a notable and lasting impact in the field of geosciences. In 2020, the Foundation gave a multi-million dollar gift to UT Austin to create a century-long endowment to provide graduate fellowships to students from Jordan, Palestine and Lebanon at the University’s Jackson School of Geosciences. ...
March 14, 2024
Masri Foundation Signs Collaboration Agreement with Anabta’s Zakat Committee
Munib R. Masri has recently entered into a collaboration agreement with Anabta’s Zakat committee, marking a significant step towards improving the lives of many in Palestine. This partnership involves a donation of $40,000 to support four impactful projects, as part of an overarching initiative to support Palestinian villages. Launched in 2022, this initiative has entailed comprehensive field visits to all Palestinian governorates and villages across the West Bank and Gaza. During the signing ceremony, Mr. Masri underscored the significance of this collaboration, particularly in subsidizing kindergarten placements for orphans and children from underprivileged families within the villages. Furthermore, the contribution will facilitate the acquisition of specialized medical equipment for the physiotherapy department at the Anabta’s Zakat committee’s clinic, thereby bolstering its capacity to deliver quality healthcare services. Additionally, the agreement entails the provision of new outdoor play equipment for the Iman Model Nursery. Mr. Masri reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Munib & Angela Masri Foundation to supporting community institutions dedicated to enhancing Palestinian citizens’ living conditions. Expressing gratitude, Mr. Mohammad Al-Qabaj, president of Anabta’s Zakat committee, emphasized the critical importance of Masri Foundation’s support for the success of these pivotal projects. He noted that the impact of this collaboration will be profound for Anabta and its residents, fostering tangible improvements in both health and education sectors. ...
January 23, 2024
Munib Masri and his Family visit Khoyoot Center for Social Development and Training in Al Baqa’a Refugee Camp
Munib R. Masri, the founder of the Munib & Angela Masri Foundation, and members of his family, recently visited the head office of the Khoyoot Center for Social Development and Training in Al Baqa’a Refugee Camp, north of Amman, Jordan. This visit comes following the opening of the Khoyoot Center for Social Development and Training, which was established, inside the Al-Baqaa camp, following a donation from the Masri Foundation. The center has significantly contributed to providing infrastructure for training and educating the camp's women, equipping them with the necessary skills to work from home. This is being achieved through the provision of courses and workshops including embroidery art and Palestinian heritage. During the visit, Mr Masri’s grandchildren were taught the art of Palestinian embroidery, and along with their grandfather, were given a tour of the camp, meeting its residents and hearing about life in the camp. Mr. Masri expressed his pride in the Khoyoot center and its efforts to support and empower the women of the camp, as well as preserve Palestinian heritage and history. He emphasized the commitment of the Munib & Angela Masri Foundation to help such humanitarian and charitable projects which support the resilience of the Palestinian people and their ability to develop their homeland; aims which align with the vision, mission, and strategic objectives of the Foundation. Basma Al-Nazir, the director of the Khoyoot center, welcomed Mr Masri and his grandchildren and expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the support provided by the Munib & Angela Masri Foundation. She highlighted the significant contribution of the Foundation in achieving Khoyoot’s goals, which include economically, socially, and culturally supporting and rehabilitating the women of the camp. ...
January 18, 2024
Munib Rabih Masri gives Keynote Speech at a Primary Care Workshop hosted by the American University of Beirut
Mr. Munib Rabih Masri, Partnerships and Collaboration Manager at the Munib & Angela Masri Foundation, delivered a keynote speech on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the Fourth Annual Geriatric Skills Enhancement in Primary Care (GEM) workshop hosted and organized by the American University of Beirut. The workshop, which was held this year under the title "Navigating Neurological Challenges in Older Adults: Empowering Primary Care," addressed the mechanisms for dealing with neurological challenges faced by people with neurological disorders especially the elderly. Primary care methods to help individuals cope with neurological conditions and other life challenges were also discussed. Mr. Masri delivered a presentation through which he shared his personal and inspiring experience of dealing with this type of injury, which he suffered after being wounded by the Israeli occupation forces on May 5, 2011, during a student demonstration against the Israeli occupation on the anniversary of the Nakba at the Lebanese border. The injury affected his spinal cord, leading to the loss of the ability to walk and move. Through his presentation, he highlighted the various stages of treatment he underwent and the difficulties and challenges he still faces due to the injury. He illustrated how "life's challenges can be a catalyst for positive change" and emphasized the interconnectedness and similarities between his experience and the challenges faced by those with neurological disorders and disabilities. He underlined the importance of understanding the psychological and emotional needs of patients and promoting compassionate care methods to enable healthcare providers to look after patients in the best possible way. During the question-and-answer session, Mr. Masri emphasized the importance of focusing on more scientific research and knowledge transfer in this field and the need to provide advanced care for patients in the Arab region. He commended the efforts of the American University of Beirut in highlighting this type of injury and pledged the ongoing support of the Munib &Angela Masri Foundation for work in this field. The Munib & Angela Masri Foundation is an independent, non-profit institution established in 1970 and works in various fields of development, including education, health, scientific research, culture, and economic empowerment. The Masri Foundation also works in partnership with various institutions across Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan. ...
December 4, 2023
Al-Quds University Achieves 5 Star Rating in QS World University Rankings
Al-Quds University has been awarded a 5 star rating by the Quality Standards (QS) World University rankings, becoming the first Palestinian university to achieve this milestone. In celebration of this achievement, the Munib & Angela Masri Foundation held a ceremony hosted by the University’s President, Dr Imad Abu Kishek and attended by staff, dignitaries, and representatives of other Palestinian educational institutions. Several government ministers attended including Dr Mahmoud Abu Moise, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr Mai Kaila, Minister of Health and Dr Mohammed Al- Shalada, Minister of Justice. The QS 5 star rating was based on Al-Quds university’s outstanding performance in various categories including research and teaching, employability, internationalization, academic development, facilities, online learning, innovation, arts and culture, inclusivity, social responsibility, environmental impact and specialization standards. Speaking at the event, Dr Mahmoud Abu Moise, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, congratulated Al Quds and its President for its excellence and success. He continued by underlining the significant quantitative and qualitative research advancements of Palestinian higher education institutions in the areas of epidemiology, climate change, astronomy and artificial intelligence. Founder of the Masri Foundation, Munib R. Masri, praised Al-Quds University, its staff and President for the significant development it has achieved. Masri emphasized the importance of the efficiency and advancement of Palestinian universities and the need to support them to continue to be beacons of knowledge contributing to the development of Palestinian society. Speaking on behalf of Al-Quds university, Dr Imad Kishek thanked the Masri Foundation for their support and confirmed that the QS ranking will enhance the position and opportunities for Al Quds university graduates in both local and international job markets. The Munib & Angela Masri Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization instrumental in the creation and support of many important educational institutions including the Munib and Angela Masri Institute of Energy and Natural Resources at the American University of Beirut, the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin and the Al-Quds Academy for Scientific Research in Jerusalem. Elsewhere in Palestine, the Masri Foundation has funded the construction of several important institutions including the Munib R. Masri Center for Innovation and Excellence at the Palestine Polytechnic University, the Munib R. Masri Scientific Research complex at the Islamic University of Gaza, the Engineering Faculty at Al Najah University and the Information Technology faculty and Center for Innovation and Excellence at Birzeit University. The Masri Foundation also supports local projects in the Arab world, including the rebuilding of schools in Yemen. ...
August 28, 2023
First Masri Fellow at the University of Texas Graduates
Kameel Kishek, the first Masri Fellow at the University of Texas’ Jackson School of Geosciences master’s program, recently celebrated his graduation with a master’s degree in Energy and Earth Resources. The Munib and Angela Masri Foundation created the prestigious fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin with a twofold goal: to build a lasting cultural and educational pipeline between Texas and the region of Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon, and to support education and research in water, land use, energy, climate and the environment. Kameel, an engineering graduate from the Princess Sumaya University of Technology in Jordan, was chosen for the Fellowship in 2021, following a rigorous competitive process and was chosen due to his excellent academic record and notable extra-curricular activities, which included applications of artificial intelligence and computational data analytics to renewable power system analysis. Kameel had also had research published in a peer-reviewed journal. The graduate fellowship was set up by the Munib and Angela Masri Foundation in January 2020 with a multi-million dollar endowment that funds graduate fellowships for students who have attended an accredited university in Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon and are admitted to the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin. The Jackson School of Geoscience at the University of Texas at Austin offers some of the most established and well-regarded geoscience programs in the world and seeks to advance the understanding of Earth, its resources and environment for the benefit of mankind. The Jackson School is pleased to offer educational opportunities to a growing body of graduate international students. ...
June 11, 2023
Al-Quds Fund and Endowment in Kuwait and meets His Highness the Crown Prince
In an effort to strengthen cooperation and support for the Al-Quds Fund and Endowment, a delegation from the fund visited Kuwait and held a series of high-level meetings. The delegation was headed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, HRH Prince Turki Al-Faisal, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Munib R. Masri, Dr. Hiba Ahmed, Director General of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development of the Islamic Development Bank, as well as Dr. Imad Abu Kishek, Mr. Omar M. Masri, Mr. Taher Al-Disi and Mr. Muhammedin Weld Umah. The meetings included a visit to HH Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace. The delegation delivered to HH Sheikh Meshal the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's certificate of endowment in Jerusalem, and the annual report of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's charitable program. His Highness affirmed his appreciation and support for the work of the Al-Quds Fund and Endowment, stressing the Kuwaiti government and people’s fundamental support for Jerusalem and Palestinian rights. During their visit to HE Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Board of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the delegation reviewed the challenging situation in Palestine and the reality of daily life for Jerusalemites. His Excellency highlighted the importance of economic empowerment in the face of occupation and human suffering. Extended meetings were held with HE Mr. Bader Mohammad Al Saad, Chairman and Director General of the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, where the two parties discussed proposals for expanding the partnership between the two institutions in cooperation with other Arab funds. The representatives of Al-Quds Fund and Endowment expressed their deep appreciation to the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development for their long-standing and generous support to the Palestinian people. The delegation held fruitful discussions with their counterparts at the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, headed by its Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Jassem Al-Sager. Mr. Al-Sager stressed that “the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem are matters of principal and pertinence for the Kuwaiti people and its government as much as they are to Palestinians and Arabs." Mr. Al-Sager also affirmed his great pride that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry has always been at the forefront of those supporting Palestine and its people. At the close of the visit, the delegation met with representatives of the Palestinian community in Kuwait. The delegation emphasized the pivotal role of this community in supporting the work of the fund and serving the Palestinian cause, and the significance of further fostering the distinguished relations between the two peoples. ...
September 1, 2022
The Munib & Angela Masri Foundation signs sponsorship agreement to establish Khoyoot training center in Al-Baqa’a Refugee Camp
Omar M. Masri, chairman of the Al-Quds Academy for Scientific Research (QASR) and board member of the Munib & Angela Masri Foundation has signed a sponsorship and cooperation agreement with Basma Al-Nazer, founder and CEO of the Khoyoot Foundation for Development and Training (Khoyoot). The signing ceremony was attended by Yazan Abu Jbara, co-founder of Khoyoot and Dr. Ashraf Bany Mohammed, senior policy advisor for the Masri Foundation. The agreement incorporates a commitment from the Foundation to sponsor the establishment of a training center for Khoyoot in Al-Baqa’a refugee camp in Jordan. The training center shall have a capacity to train up to 20 women in embroidery in each cohort to help them access more employment opportunities and create a sustainable source of income. Mr. Masri highlighted the impact of this cooperation, which will allow women in Al-Baqa’a camp obtain access to high quality vocational and technical training programs aimed at developing their skills and income, while preserving part of the national heritage and history. He also affirmed the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to support local community development and skills-development especially for women and the youth. Ms. Al-Nazer expressed her gratitude to the Masri Foundation for their financial support to establish the training center in Al-Baqa’a camp. She said that this agreement will help Khoyoot scale its capabilities to engage more women inside the camp as well as invest more in developing new programs and products for the local community. About The Munib & Angela Masri Foundation The Munib & Angela Masri Foundation is an independent, non-profit institution established in 1970 and works in various fields of development, including education, health, scientific research, culture, and economic empowerment. The Masri Foundation also works in partnership with various institutions across Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon. a capacity to train up to 20 women in embroidery in each cohort to help them access more employment opportunities and create a sustainable source of income. ...
August 22, 2022
Masri Foundation Sponsors first Jerusalem Film Festival
The first Al Quds Arabic Film Festival was launched on March 25th, and will last five days. The event was organized by the ARTLAB - Jerusalem Foundation. The Munib and Angela Masri Foundation sponsored the festival, as part of their longstanding efforts in the preservation of Palestinian culture, especially in Jerusalem where it is most endangered. The festival is featuring several prominent international and award-winning films, submitted by their respective countries to compete for the 2021 Oscars for Best International Feature Film, in the categories of feature films, documentaries, and short films. ...
March 27, 2021