Pro-Jerusalem Society


Pro-Jerusalem Society was a society established in 1918 in Jerusalem founded by Sir Ronald Storrs, the British military governor of Jerusalem, and Charles Robert Ashbee, an architect and leader of the Arts and Crafts Movement.

History

In 1918, during the period of martial law in Jerusalem, Storrs conceived the idea of establishing a “committee of the three races" with the purpose of "developing a common spirit among the communities of Jerusalem."
The goal of the society was "the protection of and the addition to the amenities of Jerusalem and its neighbourhood," including general public works, the preservation of antiquities, the establishment of museums, and the encouragement of handicrafts.
Trustees of the society included the Arab Mayor of Jerusalem, the Grand Mufti, the Eastern Orthodox Patriarch, the Latin Patriarch, the Armenian Patriarch, the Anglican Bishop, the Chief Rabbi, and the President of the Jewish Agency.
While Governor of Jerusalem, Storrs devoted much of his time and effort to Pro-Jerusalem, for which he raised considerable funds during his leave in Egypt, the United Kingdom, and the United States.