Jerusalem governor slams Israel’s shutdown of local charitable fund

The Jerusalem governor’s office has condemned Israel’s closure of the Jerusalem Fund and Endowment, calling the move a deliberate attempt to erode Palestinian life in the occupied city.

In a statement, the office described the shutdown - ordered by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir - as “an aggressive step” aligned with the broader Israeli policy of weakening Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem.

It rejected claims that the fund was linked to the Palestinian Authority, calling the accusation “groundless.”

“The fund is only conducting social, humanitarian, and charitable work, and has no connection to any political activity,” the statement read.

Set up in 2014, the Jerusalem Fund and Endowment is a nonprofit founded by Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem to support local communities and help them endure life under occupation.