About Us

Our Mission

American Friends of UNRWA (AFU) is an independent nonprofit organization that provides support for the humanitarian work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) through advocacy, fundraising and education. AFU aims to educate the general American public about the situation of the Palestinian refugees and generate awareness of UNRWA’s education, health and social service programs. Furthermore, AFU engages the private sector in fundraising activities for UNRWA’s human development and humanitarian programs in the Middle East.

AFU supports UNRWA’s humanitarian work to protect and assist Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. We strive to meet the needs of the most vulnerable refugees, while building support and awareness in the United States for UNRWA's life-saving relief programs.

Our Work

Since its establishment in 2005, AFU continues to achieve its mission through its advocacy efforts, educational programs and fundraising campaigns.

Advocacy

• Mobilizing public interest and support for UNRWA and its programs through promotional and public relations and awareness campaigns including educational activities
• Educating lawmakers and influential officials about UNRWA’s humanitarian work and social services
• Encouraging Americans to contact their Representatives to voice their support for UNRWA’s good work

Education

• Informing the general public of the needs and situation of the Palestine refugees
• Distributing materials about UNRWA’s programs
• Hosting events that feature UNRWA experts
• Providing weekly updates to members via email

Fundraising

• Engaging in private sector fundraising activities in support of UNRWA programs and other programs in support of Palestine refugees
• Cooperating with individuals, other agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), foundations and corporations to raise funds and in-kind donations
• Working with individuals to raise money for UNRWA through local events, runs for charity, etc.

Board of Directors

• Ambassador Philip Wilcox, Interim Chairman
• Mr. Jean-Claude Aime
• Mr. Elias Aburdene
• Mrs. Karen AbuZayd, Former UNRWA Commissioner General
• Ambassador Robert Dillon, Former UNRWA Deputy Commissioner General
• Mrs. Randa Fahmy Hudome
• Dr. Yvonne Haddad
• Mr. Daniel Levy
• Ambassador Richard W. Murphy
• Mr. Mian Qadrud-Din
• Mr. James Richard
• Mr. Timothy Rothermel

Advisory Committee

• Lisa Anderson, Ph.D.
• Ambassador Clovis Maksoud
• Rima Nashashibi
• Talat Othman
• Maya Sanbar
• James J. Zogby, Ph.D.

Staff Members

Acting Executive Director: Shannon O'Hara
Administrative Officer: Abby Smardon

American Friends of UNRWA 2009 Form 990
American Friends of UNRWA 2009 Audit