Press Releases 2008
U.S. Government Contributes $8.86 million to UNRWA to Address Budget Shortfalls
September 2, 2008
For Immediate Release
Jerusalem
During a visit to the Shufat refugee camp, U.S. Consul General Jake Walles announced the U.S. government contribution of an additional $8.86 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)'s General Fund, bringing the U.S. total 2008 contribution to nearly $157 million. This latest contribution by the U.S. government to UNRWA comes in response to severe budget shortfalls and an extraordinary appeal for additional contributions to UNRWA’s regular budget, which is suffering from the global increase in fuel and food costs. During his announcement, Consul General Walles commented that “The United States partnership with UNRWA is longstanding and strong; it is but one example of America’s commitment to the welfare of the Palestinian people.” He said the United States government’s ongoing efforts to support the creation of a Palestinian state are matched by an American commitment to support the Palestinian people in their daily lives. Walles thanked Commissioner-General Karen Abu Zayd and her staff “for their dedication and hard work--often at great personal risk--on behalf of Palestinian refugees” and praised the teachers of the Shufat Girls’ School for their work educating Palestinian children and preparing them for a bright future.
Abu Zayd thanked the U.S. government for its $8.86 million contribution in response to its extraordinary appeal to donors this year, saying: “We are immensely grateful to the United States government for its generous and prompt contribution. It is a fine example of the American commitment to supporting UNRWA and improving the daily lives of Palestine refugees throughout the region.” The American contribution to UNRWA's General Fund will allow the agency to deliver health, education, and relief services to over 4.6 million Palestinian refugees in the region. The U.S 2008 contribution thus far to UNRWA is approximately $157 million and includes $99.87 million to UNRWA’s General Fund supporting Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria and $57 million to UNRWA’s 2008 West Bank and Gaza emergency appeal. The United States is UNRWA’s largest bilateral donor. In 2007, the United States provided $154.15 million to UNRWA, including $90.65 million to its General Fund, $50 million to its West Bank/Gaza Emergency Appeal, and $13.5 million to its Lebanon Emergency Appeals.
For more information please contact the Consulate Press Office at 02-622-6909 or Public Affairs Officer Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm at 054-678-8456.
