Seraj governance Palestine

Seraj Board of Directors in Palestine

The Seraj Library Project is governed by two Boards - one in Palestine and one in the US.  Both are recognized by their respective governments as non-profit agencies, eligible for charitable donations and legally able to pursue their respective missions.  Thus, corporate decisions with respect to the governance and activities of each Board are made locally.  The two Boards work collegially and cooperatively.  
Seraj/Palestine employs a program staff which administers the programs of Seraj in the West Bank. Direction and mission for the work are determined in Palestine.  Seraj/Palestine is a community organization directed by Palestinians, for Palestinians and other West Bank residents.  The Seraj Library Project is funded substantially through Seraj/US but Seraj/Palestine also works to secure local and international grants in support of its work.

Seraj/US, once known as Friends of Seraj, has two focus areas: fundraising for Seraj/Palestine and education in the US about the situation in Palestine and the importance of the work of Seraj, including through West Bank tours. Seraj/US has no staff.  All work is conducted by volunteers.  
More about the Seraj Palestine Board follows:

Laurie Salameh,

Executive Director

After founding Seraj with Estephan in 2005, both Laurie and Estephan grew Seraj as volunteers. It was a family project, something they dedicated their time to as their family grew.

Seraj grew to 12 libraries, including two centers, and went from volunteer managed to requiring a larger team to oversee all the work. At this point, the board hired Laurie to serve as Executive Director in Palestine.

Laurie has a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from North Park University and has always been passionate about working with organizations that support communities to thrive. She previously worked at World Vision Jerusalem and Illinois Action for Children. She is on the board of several community organizations and volunteers at many others. She adores her adopted homeland and currently resides in Jerusalem with Estephan and their three beautiful children.

The Palestine Board members:

  • Bashar Jumaa

    Board Chair

    Former Chief of Staff to the Palestinian Prime Minister & a member of the Negotiation Support Unit.

  • Ra'id Malki

    Board Vice Chair

    Former head of the Local Aid Coordination Secretariat with many connections to international donors.

  • Emil Makhlouf

    Board Treasurer

    Occupation goes here

  • Salwa Duaibis

    Board Secretary

    Founder & director of Military Court Watch, an NGO which accompanies Palestinian minors to their court appearances in Israel’s military court.

  • Amanda Khalaf

    Board Member

    Occupation goes here

  • Maha Awartani

    Board Member

    Occupation goes here

  • Madees Khoury

    Board Member

    Occupation goes here

  • Carol Michel

    General Assembly Member

    Public relations and communications expert. Used to work at Riwaq, an organization which restores historical buildings.

  • Dima Bseiso

    General Assembly Member

    Founder & director of the only Reggio Emilio based preschool in Palestine and consultant on early childhood education best practices.

  • Estephan Salameh

    General Assembly Member

    Co-founder of Seraj Library Project and the Advisor to the Palestinian Prime Minister.

  • Rami Asaad

    General Assembly Member

    A financial director with experience in both nonprofit organizations and private corporations.

  • Lujayn Kerish

    General Assembly Member

    Occupation goes here

See the US Board of Directors below: