A Message from Anera’s New Country Director of Palestine

My name is Khaled Rajab, and I’m the newly appointed country director for Palestine. I want to take this opportunity to say hello and tell you a bit about myself. 

I grew up during the First Intifada. During that time, I witnessed how strong communities could be when people came together. Despite the challenges, there was a deep sense of solidarity — neighbors relied on each other, shared resources, and supported one another in simple but meaningful ways. 

Those experiences would eventually turn into a career in the humanitarian sector. I have always believed in the power of community, and having the opportunity to help people persevere in the face of adversity has been incredibly rewarding.

There have been many defining moments that have stayed with me over the years, but there’s one in particular that I always come back to. My team and I were visiting an older woman in her home. She didn’t have much, but she still baked fresh spinach and sumac pastries for us. It was a small act of kindness, but I understood the level of sacrifice that must have taken. 

What stayed with me most was what she said: “I assumed you’d be hungry.” Those five simple words held so much meaning, reminding me that the people we serve are not defined by their challenges. They are defined by their generosity, their dignity, and the deep sense of community among Palestinians. 

Life here can be unpredictable. We never know what the day might bring or what challenges we’ll face. And yet, we still enjoy life. We celebrate small moments, like a good cup of coffee in the morning, a chat with neighbors in the street, kids laughing while playing soccer, or sharing a simple meal with friends and family. It’s in these moments that life feels joyful, even amid uncertainty.

Palestine is still our safe haven, even when it doesn’t always feel safe. It’s the place where our memories, people, and identity are rooted. It’s what grounds me to my work and the communities I serve, which is why it gives me a profound sense of pride to now be leading Anera’s team in Palestine. 

The work that Anera has accomplished here since 1968 is nothing short of incredible. During times of emergencies, Anera is always among the first to respond and provide aid. We distribute meals, tents, medicines and water. But we also build schools, greenhouses and rooftop gardens, help women start their own businesses, and more. 

None of this would have ever been possible without our experts on the ground, who not only help the organization navigate logistical challenges to delivering aid, but also help set priorities for what kind of aid we need to focus on. Anera is people-focused and people-led, rooted in and guided by the communities we serve across Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan – and that matters.

I’ve been a part of the Anera team for a year now and, in my new capacity as country director, I look forward to bringing you news from Gaza and the West Bank, demonstrating how every single $1 donated has a profound impact on the communities we serve, and most of all, how people like you help sustain hope in these difficult times.

Sincerely, 

Khaled Rajab

Palestine Country Director