I have dedicated my entire career to the nonprofit sector, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of generosity and philanthropy. Every single donation, no matter how big or small, makes a difference. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is a prime example of this principle in action. With each dollar they receive, they are able to provide vital support for Palestinian refugees who need our help, now more than ever. 

However, recently several countries have cut funding from UNRWA. Now Fidelity Charitable has followed suit by removing them from their platform—a move that seems to echo Anti-Palestinian, Anti-Arab, Islamophobic tropes and misinformation by Israeli Zionist propaganda.

UNRWA plays an essential role in providing education for over half a million children; health services that reach 3.5 million patients annually; social safety-net assistance to more than 250 thousand vulnerable refugees; microfinance programs that benefit tens of thousands of people; and emergency aid during times of armed conflict (source: UNRWA official website).

The removal of UNRWA from Fidelity Charitable's giving platform not only undermines these critical efforts but also sends a message that contradicts the spirit of philanthropy itself. The UNRWA should not be punished for the unsubstantiated allegations that 12 staff (out of 13,000 staffers in Gaza) were allegedly involved in the events of October 7, 2023. UNRWA fired those staff members and have an ongoing investigation by the UN Office of Internal Oversight taking place. The UNRWA has a strict policy against any staff joining militant or militarized groups. 

When asked why UNRWA was removed, the canned response: "Fidelity Trustees reserve the right to remove any charity that they see problematic until further review" was given. Why is UNRWA problematic?

We must stand against Fidelity Charitable’s decision and urge Fidelity Charitable to reinstate UNRWA as a nonprofit on their giving platform—ensuring continued support for Palestinian refugees who rely heavily on these services.

Why Donors Should Not Suspend Aid - UNRWA

Individuals who have investments at Fidelity and Donor Advised Funds at Fidelity Charitable want to see an option for giving to UNRWA.

Whoever uses Fidelity should call Fidelity Charitable and express disappointment at their decision to remove UNRWA USA as an eligible charity. It is the main organization providing humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians in the middle of a humanitarian crisis and genocide. Say that you've been with Fidelity for many years and have a substantial balance and you want to let it be known that because of this decision, you will consider taking your business elsewhere unless UNRWA is added back. If the IRS and US government still consider UNRWA USA as a valid non-profit charity, Fidelity Charitable shouldn't block it based on arbitrary criteria. 800-952-4438, Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. ET

Key points to consider:

• ⁠It is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian aid to innocent civilians who are currently in dire need for it
• The IRS and the US government recognize UNRWA USA as a valid non-profit 501c3
• No other financial institutions have blocked contributions to UNRWA USA
• It seems like Fidelity Charitable is applying an arbitrary criteria by removing it as an eligible charity
• I would love to give Fidelity a chance to rectify this situation, otherwise I will move all accounts out of Fidelity and will pursue media campaigns to raise awareness about Fidelity Charitable's decision.

Also use parts of this letter to send as a secure message to Fidelity in your account and you can call your regular brokerage customer service and tell them you are planning on moving all accounts from Fidelity if this decision is not reversed. 1-800-343-3548.

Please sign this petition today and join us in advocating for fairness, justice, and humanitarian aid where it is most needed.

-Muhi Khwaja

Co Founder & Chief Development Officer, American Muslim Community Foundation & the Collaborative Fund for Palestine