The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in the Middle East
Dec 16, 2022
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…
Read MoreSix Moments In Netflix’s ‘The Swimmers’ That Are Common Among Refugees
Nov 30, 2022
‘The Swimmers’ captures several experiences of many refugees united by sacrifice, loss, rejection and a harrowing journey.
Read MoreAnera Reads
by Anera
Oct 28, 2022
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…
Read MoreWho Are Palestinian Refugees?
by Anera
Aug 19, 2022
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…
Read MoreTatreez and Development
by Saniah Naim
Aug 18, 2022
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…
Read MoreAnera on the Ground: The Tech Ecosystem in Palestine
by Anera
Jun 27, 2022
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…
Read MorePalestinian Food Recipes From the Anera Community
by Anera
Jun 24, 2022
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…
Read MoreFundraising is an Art
by Anera
May 25, 2022
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…
Read MoreWhy I support Anera
by Sara Roy
May 14, 2022
Gaza has endured occupation and dispossession for more years than Anera has existed. Gaza has been under varying forms of closure since 1991. The blockade—which is really an intensified military closure—is approaching its 16th year. It has destroyed normal trade relations upon which Gaza’s small economy largely depends. The resulting isolation of Gaza from the…
Read MoreZakat al-Fitr — Giving During Ramadan
by Anera
Apr 6, 2022
One of Islam’s major pillars is zakat, or alms, through which Muslims show support for the Islamic community. At the end of Ramadan, a special type of zakat is due — Zakat al-Fitr. These obligatory alms allow Muslims to cleanse their wealth after the fasting month while giving directly to the poor and needy. As…
Read More