American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) was founded in 1968 in the aftermath of the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, to help the hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians. Initially providing emergency relief, ANERA determined the effects of the war on Palestinian society would last well into the future and therefore began implementing projects that would establish a foundation for social and economical growth.

Today, ANERA's projects improve communities throughout the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, and Jordan. We work closely with local institutions, such as schools, universities, health facilities, cooperatives, municipalities, grassroots committees, and charitable associations, and assist them in improving the community services they provide. To see a list of some of the organizations with which we work, see ANERA's Partners.

All of ANERA's projects improve the quality of life for countless Palestinian families by increasing agricultural production, expanding and improving domestic water supplies, and helping small, local businesses grow and thrive. We provide education scholarships and specialized postgraduate training, helping men, women, and children learn and find jobs. ANERA also delivers emergency relief and ongoing support to health facilities providing quality health care and public health education.

ANERA's projects translate into growing economies, higher individual incomes, healthier families, and prospects for a better future in the Middle East. To view summaries of some of our projects, please visit the Projects page.

ANERA is a registered 501(c)3 non-governmental organization and a founding member of InterAction, a coalition of over 160 US-based non-profits working to promote worldwide development. We also are registered with Global Impact, a group of 32 distinguished American charitable agencies working throughout the developing world.

ANERA's work is made possible through the support of thousands of private donors, in the US and abroad, and grants from numerous public and private institutions.