About Seraj

The Seraj Library Project was founded in 2005 by Laurie and Estephan Salameh. Laurie has a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from North Park University and is the Executive Director of Seraj in Palestine. Estephan holds a PhD in Urban Planning and Public Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Read more about the early years …

Mission & Vision

Our mission is to work alongside Palestinian communities to establish libraries as safe, beautiful and vibrant community centers.

Our vision is access to a community library for every Palestinian child and family.

Purpose

Our purpose is to assist in the education of Palestinian villagers of all ages and faiths through the development of high quality and accessible library programs. Seraj Library Project is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

  • Philosophy

    Seraj is founded 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

  • Facilitating access to information

  • Promoting educational opportunity

  • Fostering civic engagement

  • Core Values

  • Inclusion of all faiths, genders and races

  • Quality Education for all children

  • Empowerment of Palestinian individuals, organizations and culture

  • We are all inter-connected and interdependent.

  • Justice is the ultimate goal.