UNRWA USA Welcomes Biden Administration's Re-engagement

United States announces contribution of $150 million to UNRWA, the UN agency providing life-saving assistance to millions of Palestine refugees

Washington — Today, the Biden administration made good on its campaign pledge to resume funding to UNRWA. The United States led the international effort to establish UNRWA in 1949 and – until recently – has been the Agency’s strongest supporter.

“UNRWA is a critical humanitarian service provider to Palestine refugees and an essential element in maintaining regional stability,” said Mara Kronenfeld, UNRWA USA’s Executive Director. “We deeply appreciate the Biden administration’s follow-through on the President’s campaign commitment. UNRWA serves as an essential catalyst in bettering the lives and dignity of Palestine refugees across the Middle East – and without UNRWA, there would be no entity in place to provide education, health, protection and emergency services to the refugee population the Agency serves.”

The resumption of U.S. support comes at a critical time. Since 2018, UNRWA has been in financial crisis. The shortfall of critical humanitarian funding had direct implications to the Agency’s ability to execute on its life-enhancing services to Palestine refugees, forced to drastically limit programs and reduce staff size and salaries to many of its teachers, primary health staff, and mental health counselors, most of whom are members of the very refugee population the Agency serves.

Even with today’s announcement, UNRWA remains in a precarious financial situation that will require significant engagement by the United States and fellow UN member states, as well as the ongoing financial contributions of the American people, to undo the years of financial harm.

“There is simply no reasonable alternative to UNRWA,” Kronenfeld continued, “No state actor or non-governmental organization can deliver the full range of humanitarian programs which UNRWA does on an everyday basis. We know that the American people will continue to express their solidarity through their generous philanthropic efforts and active participation in UNRWA USA organized events and advocacy campaigns.”

“Funding UNRWA is a moral imperative. It provides high-quality, cost-effective education and opportunity to half a million girls and boys, healthcare to tens of thousands of families, particularly critical amidst a global pandemic, and essential food assistance to more than one million refugees in the Gaza Strip alone. This kind of support is more than just a humanitarian good, it also contributes to key U.S. foreign policy objectives, acting as a force of stability in the Middle East,” Kronenfeld concluded.

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About UNRWA USA
UNRWA USA National Committee (UNRWA USA) is an independent nonprofit organization that provides support for the humanitarian work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). UNRWA USA aims to educate the general American public about the situation of Palestine refugees and generate support for UNRWA’s programs.

US taxpayers are eligible for tax deductions for donations made through UNRWA USA.

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