Strengthening Ties Between Fes and Jerusalem
During a significant gathering in the city of Fes, the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency, which operates under the auspices of the Jerusalem Committee chaired by King Mohammed VI of Morocco, presented an overview of various projects that have been completed and are scheduled for implementation. These initiatives have been financially supported by the Fes Municipal Council, targeting several key areas in Jerusalem, including scholarship programs, social assistance projects, and initiatives aimed at youth and childhood development.
The event, aptly titled "Jerusalem: Twin City of Fes," featured an array of activities, including exhibitions showcasing photographs and artworks that document the agency's efforts in Jerusalem. Additionally, visual summaries of solidarity campaigns, which are executed under royal directives and funded by various governmental sectors, economic institutions, community councils, and individual contributions from the Moroccan public, were presented.
In his address, Mohammad Salem El Sharqawi, the agency's managing director, emphasized that Morocco has been the sole financial supporter of the agency since 2011, contributing 100% across all categories of funding. This unwavering commitment reflects Morocco's steadfast dedication, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, to support the Palestinian cause on all fronts.
El Sharqawi further highlighted the agency's commitment to maintaining continuous communication with its donors and contributors by regularly providing progress reports detailing the allocation of funds and ensuring they reach those in need. This practice reinforces the principles of transparency and credibility that the agency has upheld for 28 years.
Addressing Growing Needs Amid Limited Resources
He noted that while the scale of spending is significant, it still falls short of meeting the increasing needs of the Palestinian population in Jerusalem, especially given the constraints of funding and the challenging circumstances faced by the city and its surrounding areas.
Dr. Abdel Salam Boukali, the President of the Fes Municipal Council, praised the agency's operational methodology and applauded its programs, which have successfully implemented tangible projects benefiting the Palestinian population in Jerusalem. This cooperation is part of a partnership established between the council and the agency during its regular session held in May 2025.
Boukali affirmed that the council's contribution to supporting the agency's projects embodies a collective commitment to the spirit of the twinning agreement between the cities of Fes and Jerusalem, which was signed on May 7, 1982, under the gracious initiative of the late King Hassan II, in honor of his late brother, Yasser Arafat, may they both rest in peace.
It is noteworthy that the initial financial contribution from the Fes Municipal Council was allocated to fund 300 scholarships for Palestinian students from Jerusalem studying at the Open University of Jerusalem and Al-Azhar University in Ramallah. Furthermore, it supported an initiative to assist Palestinian families in Jerusalem and the surrounding villages and contributed to the sports club affiliated with the African Community Association in the Old City of Jerusalem, with a total value of 510,000 dirhams.
The Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency, as the executive arm of the Jerusalem Committee, implements its programs and projects across several vital sectors in the holy city, primarily focusing on education, health, social development, and the cultural and youth sectors.
Between the years 2000 and 2025, the agency has achieved substantial milestones, with the total investment in educational projects alone reaching approximately $1.29 million. Since its establishment until 2025, the total financial contributions by the agency have approached $100 million. More than half of Jerusalem's population has benefited from these projects, with the agency having implemented over 200 large-scale projects, alongside numerous small and medium-sized initiatives across various sectors in the occupied city.
As reported by yaffaps.com.
