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In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Yusuf Al-Issawi: A Model of Generosity
By: His Excellency Prof. Dr. Mohammad Talib Obeidat
Former Minister of Public Works and Housing, Former President of Jadara University, and Professor of Civil Engineering at Jordan University of Science and Technology

I am honoured to speak from the heart about His Excellency, my dear brother and friend, Mr. Yusuf Hassan Al-Issawi, known affectionately as "Abu Hassan." My acquaintance with him spans over fifteen years, beginning when I served as Minister of Public Works and Housing under the government of Mr. Samir Al-Rifai. At that time, Mr. Al-Issawi was the Director of the Royal Initiatives, later becoming the Secretary-General of the Royal Hashemite Court, and eventually its Chief. Our initial connection stemmed from the necessary coordination between the Royal Hashemite Court and the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, focusing on the implementation and follow-up of the Royal Initiatives across the kingdom, particularly in projects like housing for underprivileged families, maintenance of buildings for those in need, and the Decent Housing for a Decent Living initiative. These efforts, alongside meetings with citizens and officials in the governorates, and other projects commanded by His Majesty King Abdullah II, were all within Mr. Al-Issawi’s purview. Here, I bear witness before God and the people to what I have seen and personally experienced.

I observed in my brother Abu Hassan a deep dedication, generosity, and relentless pursuit of all tasks assigned by His Majesty. He managed time effectively, ensuring tasks were completed promptly, often overseeing work in the field without rest. His attention to detail, commitment to serving His Majesty, and ability to fulfil tasks precisely were remarkable. His professionalism, high spirits, and quiet dedication to his work, away from the spotlight, left me with no doubt that His Majesty’s trust in him was well-placed. He was raised in the house of the pure Hashemites, embodying some of their traits, ethics, and spirit of generosity. His career in the honourable Jordanian Armed Forces also instilled in him many virtues, blending work with humanity and ethics, and deepening his love for the Hashemite leadership and the great nation of Jordan.

I have maintained regular contact with my brother Abu Hassan over the years. Despite his busy schedule, he never neglected his friends, demonstrating exceptional loyalty, humility, and calm temperament. He is a devout believer, and this faith reflects in his ethics towards people. He was dutiful to his late mother, may God rest her soul, and his humanity is well-known. Often working behind the scenes, without cameras or publicity, he was entrusted by His Majesty to carry out tasks to aid those in need—the distressed, the poor, the orphans, the refugees, and the oppressed. He listens patiently to people's complaints and requests, always fulfilling his responsibilities with integrity and trustworthiness. He was often the one representing His Majesty and the Crown Prince in offering condolences to Jordanians, entering their homes and hearts without hesitation. He became familiar with their customs, needs, problems, and aspirations.

Under the guidance of His Majesty, Abu Hassan opened the doors of the Royal Hashemite Court—the home of all Jordanians and Arabs—to everyone. He received more than a million people from various groups in his office, listening to them and trying to help. It is noted that he has never mistreated anyone, God forbid, or acted arrogantly. His multiple meetings with tribal, regional, or professional Jordanian delegations, who came to express their support for His Majesty's political, diplomatic, military, legal, and humanitarian stances—particularly in support of the Palestinian cause and the efforts to stop the war on Gaza—are a testament to his alignment with His Majesty's vision, making the Royal Hashemite Court a refuge and home for all Jordanians. His continuous communication with all segments of society, regardless of background, is but a small part of the numerous events and occasions where the doors of the Royal Hashemite Court were opened to Jordanians.

The honour of serving both in the military and the Royal Hashemite Court for nearly seven decades is a testament to the strength, endurance, and patience of this man, making him a model to emulate. I often say to him, "May God help those who come after you, Abu Hassan, in all the roles you have held, for you are like a beehive, constantly at work, turning every place into a fertile environment and added value." Most importantly, you have combined the spirit of giving with the human and moral character you possess, which you reflect onto your subordinates, service recipients, and friends alike. This is a result of your exceptional social intelligence, sharpness, and insight, which are highly regarded. May God bless your efforts and place them in the scale of your good deeds and your patriotism, which we all cherish.

Indeed, my brother Abu Hassan has left distinctive marks on the Royal Court of His Majesty King Abdullah II, marks that are widely recognised. He has lived up to the responsibility entrusted to him by His Majesty. Every Jordanian could knock on his door, meet him, and have their problems solved. He has been a master in conveying His Majesty's vision and love for his people, excelling as a distinguished social leader. He has engaged with all segments of society, winning their hearts with his humility in public service. His institutional approach and pioneering spirit were supported by his social intelligence and vast, diverse experience, making his unique contributions to serving the people under His Majesty's directives. Though his involvement in political affairs has been relatively limited compared to his predecessors—and this may be a key to his distinction and success—he excelled in the tasks assigned to him within domestic matters.

A word of truth about my brother Abu Hassan: he is a Jordanian to the core, with a deep sense of belonging, presence, dignity, and humanity. He resembles all Jordanians, sharing their roots, whether in the desert, camp, village, or city. He has shared in their struggles, lived their lives, and engaged with all segments of society. He has never been distant or aloof, knowing most people by name, tribe, place of residence, and work. His humility and closeness to the people have earned him their love and respect, entering their hearts through the widest of doors. He loved them, and they loved and respected him in return, making him an excellent representative of His Majesty.

From the heart, I pray for my brother Abu Hassan's health, well-being, and long life, and I hope that God accepts his deeds in the scale of his patriotism and good deeds. I look forward to seeing many Jordanians follow in his footsteps of dedication to work and humanity, for he is the model that His Majesty loves, making him an exemplary representative of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Crown Prince Hussein, and Queen Rania. May God bless them all.