About Seraj
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission: Working alongside Palestinian communities to establish libraries as safe, beautiful and vibrant community centers.
Our Vision: Access to a community library for every Palestinian child and family.
Our Purpose
Seraj Library Project is a non-profit 501(c)3 providing initiative and support in developing libraries in rural Palestinian villages. Our mission is to assist in the education of Palestinian villagers of all ages and faiths through the development of high quality and accessible library programs. Our project is based on the belief that civic education is the best route to democracy, human rights and peace.
Our Philosophy
The project is based on the belief that civic education is the best route to justice, human rights and peace. We believe great libraries build great communities and that all people have the right to enjoy safe and beautiful public spaces.
● Providing safe and beautiful spaces for children.
● Facilitating access to information.
● Promoting educational opportunity.
● Fostering civic engagement.
Our Core Values
Inclusion: All faiths, genders and races.
Education: All children deserve access to quality education.
Justice: The ultimate goal.
Empowerment: Of Palestinian individuals, organizations and culture.
Interdependence: We are all inter-connected.
Seraj Founders
Estephan and Laurie Salameh founded the Seraj Library Project in 2005. Estephan has a PH.D. in Urban Planning and Public Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is the adviser to the Palestinian Prime Minister. Laurie has a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from North Park University and is the Executive Director of Seraj.
