ABOUT ANERA

Who We Are

About Us

Since 1968, Anera has helped refugees and others hurt by conflicts in Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan live with purpose and hope.

Since 1968, Anera has worked to help refugees and communities affected by conflict in Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan rebuild their lives with purpose, opportunity and hope. What began as a response to urgent humanitarian needs has grown into decades of sustained partnership with communities determined to shape their own futures.

Anera is independent, with no political or religious affiliation, allowing us to focus fully on what matters most: delivering support where it is needed, in partnership with local organizations and community leaders. Our teams live and work in the communities they serve, navigating complex realities to ensure assistance reaches people facing the greatest barriers.

We respond to immediate emergencies while also investing in long-term solutions – strengthening health systems, expanding access to education, and supporting economic opportunity. This dual approach helps communities to recover while building resilience for the future.

In 2025 alone, Anera mobilized more than $171 million to support programs across Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan delivering clean water, medical care, educational opportunities, livelihoods and more to families who need them most. Our commitment is and always has been to stand alongside communities until lasting change takes root.

Mission

Anera provides humanitarian assistance and sustainable development to advance the well-being of refugees and other vulnerable communities – including low-income families, displaced people, women and children, older adults, and people with disabilities – in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan.

Values

We are inspired. We bring energy and determination to every initiative, motivated by the strength and resilience of the communities we serve.

We are people-centric. We listen first. Every individual has dignity, potential, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to their community.

We are collaborative. Partnership is at the heart of what we do. We work alongside local organizations to achieve shared, lasting impact.

We are versatile. In challenging environments, we adapt, innovate, and find practical solutions that move work forward.

We are impactful. We focus on results that matter, delivering programs that create real, measurable change in people’s lives.

We are accountable. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, staying true to our mission and responsible for the trust placed in us.

Why Give to Anera?

Because your support reaches people quickly and effectively.
Our local presence and trusted partnerships allow us to respond rapidly and deliver aid directly where it’s needed.

Because we combine relief with recovery.
We don’t stop at emergency aid. We invest in long-term solutions that reduce dependency and restore dignity.

Because we are accountable.
We uphold rigorous compliance, transparency and oversight standards to ensure every dollar is used responsibly.

Because communities trust us.
Decades of on-the-ground work have built relationships that make meaningful, sustainable change possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Anera different from other humanitarian organizations?
Anera’s strength lies in its deep local presence. Our staff are part of the communities we serve, which allows us to respond quickly, work effectively in complex environments, and build long-term trust.

How is my donation used?
Donations support both emergency relief and long-term development programs, including healthcare, education, water and sanitation, and livelihoods. We prioritize efficiency and transparency to maximize impact.

Is Anera politically or religiously affiliated?
No. Anera is independent and nonpartisan, allowing us to serve communities based solely on need.

How does Anera ensure accountability?
We follow strict compliance and vetting procedures, maintain financial transparency, and continuously monitor programs to ensure effectiveness and integrity.

Can Anera operate in difficult or restricted environments?
Yes. Our local teams and partnerships enable us to work in areas where access is challenging, ensuring aid reaches vulnerable populations even in the most complex settings.

Read a more complete list of FAQs.

Will You Help?

Your donation will provide immediate and sustainable relief in Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan. Thank you for supporting Anera!

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See how donations from people like you are helping families in Palestine and Lebanon, and find out about more ways to get involved. 

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Financials

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Annual Report Archive

An archive of our annual reports going back to 1972.

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Audited Financials

An archive of our audited financial statements going back to 2007.

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990 Forms

An archive of our 990 forms going back to 2007.

Our History

The Arab-Israeli War of 1967 left hundreds of thousands of Palestinians homeless and impoverished. As various international entities struggled to respond, a small group of concerned Americans began working to provide immediate assistance to the victims of the conflict.

The result was the creation of Anera (American Near East Refugee Aid). From these modest beginnings, Anera began decades of committed work responding to the critical needs of the Palestinian people and others caught in regional conflicts.

Donors & Partners

ADRA-Vertical-Logo
The Big Heart Foundation logo
All Hands and Hearts logo
Brother's Brother Foundation logo
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Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development logo
Deutsche Bank logo
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Muslim Aid USA logo
Meta logo
Muslim Response USA logo
Minhaj Welfare Foundation logo
Read Foundation logo
Meem Foundation logo
Tearfund logo
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UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
UNDP horizontal logo
Unicef_logo
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WF-Aid logo
World Food Program WFP logo

Leadership

Anera Staff

President & CEO
Washington DC
Lebanon & Jordan Country Director
Beirut & Amman
Palestine Country Director
Jerusalem
Chief Development Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Financial Officer

Board of Directors

Joe Saba

Joseph P. Saba

Senior Adviser to the World Bank on Conflict and Fragility; Adjunct Professor, Loyola Rule of Law for Development Program in Rome
Chair
Teresa C. Barger

Teresa C. Barger

Founding CEO & CIO, Cartica Capital
Vice-Chair & Treasurer
Alfred Khoury

Alfred N. Khoury, M.D.

Director, INOVA Fairfax Hospital
Secretary of the Corporation

Advisory Council

The Anera Advisory Council is a body of distinguished, knowledgeable persons that seeks to advance the social and economic development of people in the Middle East by utilizing its members’ expertise and influence to promote Anera's fundraising and programs.