Press Release

Statement on False Accusations from Shurat HaDin

February 15, 2017 | Washington, DC — In early February, Shurat HaDin, a Tel Aviv-based NGO, sent a letter to the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department. The letter alleges that Anera has supported certain charities that were associated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad. “Anera rejects in the strongest possible terms the letter’s allegations of any complicity with terrorist organizations in Gaza or anywhere,” Anera President Bill Corcoran stated.

Anera complies with U.S. laws, and has done so since its founding in 1968. “We comply with U.S. law, coordinate with Israeli authorities on humanitarian activities, and do not work with terrorist organizations,” confirmed Corcoran. “Anera does not and will not support any terrorist organization, and Anera has cut off cooperation before with organizations that have come under suspicion,” Corcoran added.

The letter from Shurat HaDin cites three specific organizations: 1.) One was a case of mistaken identity — an organization that Anera works with in Jabalia has a name similar to the organization named in the letter that is in Khan Younis. The organization with which Anera works is deemed acceptable under U.S. government vetting standards. 2.) The second organization is one to which Anera gave a few used wheelchairs for children with disabilities 10 years ago. This organization is also not on any U.S. government terrorist watchlist. 3.) The third organization is a kindergarten facility which received no material benefit, cash or goods from Anera. In the past, the kindergarten did serve as a central location for distributing clothing directly to preschoolers from several nearby schools. When management learned of the activity on the kindergarten grounds, it was ceased immediately.

Anera did not use USAID or Anera funds for work at any of the three organizations cited in the letter.

Anera’s policy is to supply assistance to only legitimate and capable humanitarian institutions and to comply with U.S. laws. Anera transparently communicates with Israeli authorities to deliver aid to impoverished communities in the Palestinian territories. At the beginning of February 2017, Anera’s president and country director met with the Israeli Ministry of Social Affairs for regular reporting and coordination.

Anera thoroughly screens funders, partners and program recipients using software to comply with the regulations under the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Treasury Department. Anera does not distribute cash, but provides aid in the form of infrastructure, education, health care and humanitarian relief.

For more information:

Leila Rafei
Media Relations Officer
202 266 9719
[email protected]

About Anera
Since 1968, Anera has been a leading provider of development, health, education, and employment programs to vulnerable communities and impoverished families throughout the Middle East. Anera reaches the region’s most vulnerable people with health, education and economic development programs and provides humanitarian and emergency relief in times of crisis.