East Jerusalem – Mati Jerusalem

East Jerusalem Business Development Center

MATI’s purpose in East Jerusalem is to increase individual and community economic resilience among Palestinian residents through programs that are adapted to, accessible to, and genuinely acceptable to the communities they serve. Our operational approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the geopolitical and economic shifts that have shaped the region.

The socio-economic model we developed combines business expertise with a broad envelope of supportive services designed to foster long-term community resilience:

Entrepreneurship and Business Development: Adapting business models to operate effectively within the broader Israeli market.

Finance and Economic Management: Bridging the gap in financial literacy and economic language, and making the Israeli banking system accessible.

Upgrading Early Childhood Centers: Improve educational quality and safety standards of daycare centers, encouraging and enabling more women to join the workforce.

Professional Training for Youth: Equipping at-risk youth with technological and professional skills needed for the modern job market.

MATI PROGRAMS IN EAST JERUSALEM

Business Consulting & Financial Services

Business Training & Community Building

Jerusalem Interest-Free Microfinance Fund (JIMF)

Financial Literacy Workshops

Vocational Training Programs

TIFLI Daycare Centers & Caregiver Training

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

MATI's activities in East Jerusalem began in 2014, operating from our offices in West Jerusalem. As an Israeli NGO, it soon became clear that we needed to earn the trust of the East Jerusalem public. In 2016, we opened a dedicated branch in East Jerusalem, staffed by a team of eight local residents. Today, the MATI East Jerusalem branch is a recognized institution, operating with great success with growing public demand for our services.

The branch is headed by Riham Jaber, a well-connected social activist with a Law degree and an MA in Gender Studies from Al Quds and Birzeit Universities. Riham has decades of experience working as a group facilitator, lecturer and manager in the field of women’s empowerment.

We have succeeded in connecting with the Arabic-speaking community and making government services accessible to populations that often find it difficult to be identified with Israeli institutions. For example, as part of our business development activities, we encourage entrepreneurs to open files with the Israeli tax authorities.

MATI JERUSALEM IN EAST JERUSALEM

SUCCESS STORIES

Tasneem Al-Slaimeh

Living Debt-Free thanks to MATI

Before joining MATI’s East Jerusalem Financial Literacy Program, Tasneem was living paycheck to paycheck and had to borrow money to cover her expenses toward the end of each month. Through the program, she changed her financial reality, and found herself with enough money at the end of the month to cover the next month’s expenses! Our course showed her the difference between needs and desires, and encouraged her to spend less money on eating out. Tasneem says: “This program didn’t just teach me how to manage my money—it changed the way I think! I am now fully aware of every financial decision I make.”

Batool Salman

Holistic Support for a Holistic Doctor

Batool Salman is a holistic medicine practitioner with international certifications. She approached MATI seeking professional guidance and support to build her business. We provided her with a holistic (!) combination of personalized consulting and skill-building courses, so she could develop her branding, marketing and website strategy, and implement them using the latest digital marketing and AI tools. Thanks to this training and a 40,000 NIS interest-free loan from our JIMF fund, Batool is now better positioned to deliver her medical expertise in a more professional, structured, and impactful manner.

Abd Shwieki

From Credit Card Debt to Financial Freedom

Abd Shwieki’s income dropped by over 75% during the COVID pandemic but credit card companies encouraged him to keep spending. He became trapped by debt and struggled to balance his household expenses. MATI’s Financial Literacy Course showed him how to prioritize his expenses, plan a family budget, and avoid taking on more debt. He identified hidden expenses, took control of his finances, and managed to repay all his credit card debt. Abd has been debt-free for over a year and says: "I sincerely thank MATI and the course trainer. This course made a real difference in my life. Without it, I would still be struggling with debt today.

Hifa’a Khshan

Daycare Manager

When Hifa’a Khshan joined our TIFLI program for professional guidance, she had established a small daycare center for 6 children. MATI encouraged her to apply for grants and loans, and provided ongoing pedagogical and professional guidance. Today, she employs a team of nine caregivers to look after three groups of children, and her daycare facility serves as an exemplary training site for early childhood education students, under the supervision of the Ministry of Labor.

PLANS FOR 2026

Hebrew Language Courses for medical professionals, daycare caregivers, and high school graduates

Business Courses on E-Commerce, Digital Marketing, and Import/Export with China and Turkey

Opening a TIFLI Daycare Center in East Jerusalem

Tech Job Placement for Palestinian University Graduates with cultural mediation and mentoring

Professional Training for Bakers & Caterers, Caregivers, Cosmeticians, Event Planners, Fitness Coaches, Group Facilitators, and Parenting Coaches

2025 IMPACTS IN EAST JERUSALEM

Participants in Financial Management Workshops

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Business Loans applied for & granted

Clients received One-to-One Business Consulting

Entrepreneurs took Business Courses & Workshops

Talk to us about opportunities to partner with MATI in these exciting new ventures!