The billionaire who wants to build the Middle East a parliament on Israeli soil - interview

Joseph Sitt, CEO of Thor Equities, proposes establishing the Abraham Organization, an institutional headquarters for the Abraham Accords, in Jerusalem. Sitt, who has restored Jewish sites across the Arab world, envisions a Brussels-like alliance to unify the Middle East. He suggests the Israeli government donate land and positions himself as an independent arbiter. The interview covers his background, regional relationships, and vision for the organization.

Joseph (Joe) J. Sitt, chairman and CEO of New York real estate firm Thor Equities, wants to transform the Abraham Accords from a set of agreements into a permanent institution with a headquarters in Jerusalem. In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Sitt outlined his vision for an 'Abraham Organization' that would serve as a unifying body for the Middle East, modeled after Brussels-based alliances. Sitt has spent two decades restoring Jewish graves and ancient synagogues in several Arab countries, building relationships with regional leaders. He is particularly close to Emirati officials, including Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sitt proposes that the Israeli government donate a plot in Jerusalem for the headquarters, having been persuaded to choose Jerusalem over Tel Aviv. He positions himself as an independent arbiter, unconnected to politics, and believes businessmen can drive regional cooperation. The article details Sitt's background, including his Brooklyn upbringing and founding of Thor Equities in 1986, which now manages about $20 billion. Sitt emphasizes the symbolic importance of Abraham as a shared forefather for Muslims, Jews, and Christians.