Controversy Surrounds Hotel Project in East Jerusalem Linked to Bashar al-Masri

The Jerusalem Municipality recently removed a proposed hotel project in East Jerusalem from its agenda following pressure from families of victims of the October 7 attacks. The project was set to be discussed by the municipal district planning and construction committee, but the bereaved families urged Israeli officials to halt the proposal, citing concerns over its connection to Bashar al-Masri, a Palestinian-American businessman.

Hotel plan cancelled after protest from Oct. 7 families

The decision to remove the hotel project from the agenda came after Ruby Chen, Eyal Waldman, and Yizhar Shai—fathers of victims from the October 7 attacks—expressed their outrage over what they termed a “moral disgrace.” They highlighted a pending U.S. civil lawsuit alleging that al-Masri facilitated Hamas operations through properties he developed in Gaza. The families argued that advancing any land deal associated with al-Masri would be inappropriate while legal proceedings are ongoing.

Hotel plan cancelled after protest from Oct. 7 families

In response to the families' concerns, the Jerusalem Municipality stated that the item was removed due to new information regarding ownership and that it would remain off the agenda pending a thorough review. The municipality noted that the hotel plan had been discussed previously without any links to al-Masri being presented at that time.

Hotel plan cancelled after protest from Oct. 7 families

The families of the October 7 victims criticized the potential advancement of the hotel project, asserting that it would be irresponsible to engage in any dealings with al-Masri while the lawsuit is unresolved. They emphasized that infrastructure linked to Hamas allegedly operated beneath properties associated with al-Masri, suggesting that property owners could not be unaware of such activities.

Hotel plan cancelled after protest from Oct. 7 families

The lawsuit against al-Masri, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., includes nearly 200 plaintiffs, comprising survivors and relatives of the October 7 attack victims. The legal action has led to significant repercussions, including al-Masri's resignation from an advisory role at the Harvard Kennedy School. Additionally, plaintiffs' lawyers have reported challenges in serving legal papers to al-Masri, a point raised by the bereaved families in their statements.

Hotel plan cancelled after protest from Oct. 7 families

The future of the hotel project remains uncertain as the Jerusalem Municipality continues its review of ownership and related aspects. The families have called for a complete halt to any plans linked to al-Masri until the court proceedings are resolved, indicating that the legal battle may have broader implications for future developments in East Jerusalem.

Hotel plan cancelled after protest from Oct. 7 families

• “They also urged Israeli officials to block permits and halt any plans linked to him until court proceedings are resolved.” — Ruby Chen, Father of October 7 Victim

Hotel plan cancelled after protest from Oct. 7 families

• “Masri’s office has denied the allegations, calling them baseless and saying he opposes violence.” — Bashar al-Masri, Businessman

Hotel plan cancelled after protest from Oct. 7 families