About Us

Our Mission

The mission of the American Friends of UNRWA Association is to support the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

Background

The American Friends of UNRWA Association is a non-profit organization that supports the work of UNRWA for the benefit of Palestine refugees. Our primary focus is:

• To provide for emergency medical and food relief where it is most critically needed by Palestine refugees.
• To fundraise for targeted programs and special projects in education, health, and women's issues.
• To develop leadership and team building among refugee youth of all ages, both girls and boys, through extracurricular programs and sports.

Board of Directors

• Peter Gubser, Ph.D. (Chairman)
• Jean-Claude Aime
• Yvonne Haddad, Ph.D.
• Daniel Levy
• Amb. Richard W. Murphy (Former Chairman)
• Mian Qadrud-Din
• Timothy Rothermel
• Amb. Robert Dillon
• Elias Aburdene
• Karen AbuZayd

Advisory Committee

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

Staff Members

Acting Executive Director: Shannon O'Hara

Administrative and Financial Officer: Abigail Smardon