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The Olive Press

Anera Reads

by Anera

Sep 6, 2023

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What we’re reading These books are Anera staff and supporter favorites. They give some context to life, history and culture in the countries where we work: Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan. We also feature some writings that describe the experiences of refugees and other communities related to those we serve in the Middle East that may…

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Suffocating in the Heat

Aug 16, 2023

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Climate Change’s Deadly Impact on Vulnerable Communities in the Middle East The Middle East, a region already burdened with conflict, displacement, and political turmoil, now faces an additional existential threat: climate change. The impacts of rising temperatures, droughts, and extreme weather events in the region are exacerbating the vulnerability of communities and compounding existing social…

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Beloved Gaza from Colorado!

Jun 28, 2023

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Though distance separates us, my heart holds.Flakes of snow. …Flames of smokeMy hands, frozen of winter’s coldMy heart, ablaze with a fire untoldIn this paradox, stories have yet to unfold.Your resounding sound eclipsed my own.My sound becomes barely known.Embracing my paradox, I’ll weave my tale.Stitching together the unfinished trail.Let the threads of my tale be…

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The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in the Middle East

Dec 16, 2022

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Human-centered development and expanding quality of life In a planet of 8 billion people, with finite natural resources, life looks very different for those lucky enough to be economically prosperous. Billions of people right now are living in circumstances that sharply limit their aspirations, of material deprivation, of limited access to healthcare and many of…

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Six Moments In Netflix’s ‘The Swimmers’ That Are Common Among Refugees

Nov 30, 2022

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‘The Swimmers’ captures several experiences of many refugees united by sacrifice, loss, rejection and a harrowing journey. 

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Who Are Palestinian Refugees?

by Anera

Aug 19, 2022

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Since 1948, Palestinians have been subject to war, dispossession, and unjust policies, forcing many to live throughout the world as refugees. With limited resources and often difficult living conditions, the Palestinian people have faced much adversity and uncertainty over the years. Decades of conflict have hindered opportunities and development. Palestinians are the largest refugee group…

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Tatreez and Development 

Aug 18, 2022

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A Symbol of Palestinian Culture Tatreez is a centuries-old craft practiced primarily by Palestinian women to document their history, preserve their culture, express themselves creatively, unite as communities, and support themselves and their families. The traditional cross-stitch embroidery technique incorporates imagery that documents life in different regions of Palestine during significant times or carries on…

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Anera on the Ground: The Tech Ecosystem in Palestine

by Anera

Jun 27, 2022

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Professionals in the field of information and communications technology (ICT) are and will continue to be among the most prized and sought after in the global job market. Each year, more work moves into the digital space – now accelerated by the changes COVID-19 has brought to the work world. And digital skills are increasingly…

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Palestinian Food Recipes From the Anera Community

by Anera

Jun 24, 2022

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As you prepare your breakfast, think of others (do not forget the pigeon’s food). – Mahmoud Darwish Recipes passed down through family often hold special meaning. Sumaya, a farmer in Deir Al Balah, cooks vegetables grown in her Anera-built greenhouse. “Our favorite dish today is molokhia,” she says. “I pick the jute leaves from my…

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Fundraising is an Art

by Anera

May 25, 2022

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Hanin Azzam Talks about Crowdfunding in the Middle East This is the third entry in our series highlighting Arab youth change-makers. Read the first piece in the series, an interview with Sandy Boutros, and the second piece, with journalist Tahreer Mortaga on her community space and yoga studio in Gaza. Hanin Azzam is a regional…

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