Billion Dollar Dreams for a Model State in Palestine: Conversations with Bashar Masri

INbodied Life with Lauren Taus

Meet Nablus born, self-made billionaire Bashar Masri and his brainchild Rawabi, a public city that is uniquely initiated, designed, financed and constructed by the private sector. Rawabi, a strategic partnership between Massar International and the State of Qatar, is built on a series of breathtaking hilltops north of Jerusalem and Ramallah. The city overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the west and the landscape of Palestine to the north and east. An innovative approach to urban development, Rawabi integrates the best practices in planning, sustainability and resource conservation with a bustling metropolitan core.

“We have one hell of an opportunity to create a model state here in Palestine, one that is secular and democratic. It is my wish to be a part of that reality.” Masri says.

In this podcast, Bashar speaks about the indescribable magic of home, and his commitment to making it a better place. He explains the importance of communicating with his national “enemy" Israel while also working with Israelis as individual human beings.

“There are good Israelis, bad Israelis and terrible ones; and, it’s the same for Palestinians, or any other group of people.”

Bashar is a champion of hope for the future, and he believes in a humble approach to taking serious responsibility.

www.rawabi.ps