About us
The Al-Bireh Society (ABS) is a non-profit, charitable, educational Palestinian-American organization whose proud members derive their ancestry from the original family clans of the city of Al-Bireh, Palestine. The objective of ABS is to serve its membership and the Palestinian, Arab, non-Arab, and charitable communities in the United States and abroad, including Palestine.
Mission
The mission of the Al-Bireh Society is to promote awareness and appreciation for the historical, cultural, and social heritage of Al-Bireh, Palestine. ABS seeks to perpetuate the Al-Bireh family by providing educational, humanitarian, financial, charitable, and cultural programs, as well as opportunities for social interaction.
We strive to strengthen connections to Arabic culture, promote our heritage beyond our community, and engage the American public and descendants of Al-Bireh living throughout the world. Our mission is carried out in accordance with our by-laws.
Objective
The specific objective of this corporation is to provide aid to other charitable organizations operating for the benefit of distressed individuals. ABS distributes educational scholarships to high school and college students from financially distressed families and supports educational events, conventions, and community programs.
This corporation is organized exclusively for purposes specified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including the distribution of funds to organizations that qualify as exempt under that section.
Serving Our Community Across Generations
Through education, humanitarian aid, cultural preservation, and community engagement, the Al-Bireh Society remains committed to honoring its heritage while investing in future generations. We invite all Birawis and friends of Al-Bireh to take part in strengthening our shared legacy.
Meet the board
Ashraf Khalaf
President
Ashraf is the President of ABS and resides in Nevada. He joined ABS for his love of Palestine and Al-Bireh, and seeks to connect all the American Birawees together. Within his term, he aims to increase our membership base, enhance outreach, and make ABS stronger for the future generations. In his spare time, Ashraf enjoys collecting meteorites and playing with his grandchildren. His favorite Palestinian dish is Warak Enab and eating Awama!
Anas Amireh
Vice President
Anas is the Vice President of ABS and resides in Florida. He joined ABS to make the organization the main unifying organization for the Birawee community. Anas has founded, co-founded and served as an officer for several non-profit organizations for Palestine. He hopes to encourage more people to become members of ABS and establish chapters in each state. His favorite Palestinian dish is Erkak.
Reema Wahdan
Treasurer
Reema is the former President and now serves as the Treasurer of ABS. She resides in Denver and has been with the organization for more than 20 years. Reema is driven to establish more ABS chapters and dedicated to the continued growth and development of ABS. In her spare time, Reema enjoys football and fantasy football. Her favorite Palestinian dishes are Shekhateer and Masareen!
Renad Uri
Secretary
Renad is the Secretary of ABS and resides in Virginia. She joined ABS to strengthen its infrastructure and be a part of a movement to connect all Birawee generations together. Maintaining community ties is important to her and she hopes more members join ABS to stay connected to news and future events. Renad danced Dabke professionally for six years and went on tour to China!
Dahlia Ali
Representative
Dahlia Ali is serving her second term as a board member and resides in New York. She brings a diverse set of skills that integrate asset strategy & development, capital markets, branding, and development projects. Dahlia seeks to bring her expertise and strengthen the organization for future generations. In her spare time, Dahlia enjoys spending time with friends and going to art galleries. Her favorite Palestinian dish is Maklooba!
Sana Kahook
Representative
Sana was the former Treasurer and now serves as a board member. She resides in Florida and joined ABS to continue the legacy of Al-Bireh and this society for generations to come. Sana is passionate about community development and seeks to connect all Birawees together to continue our traditions. In her spare time, Sana is an event planner and decorator. Her favorite Palestinian dishes are Emsakhan and Maklooba!
Shuruq Daas
Represenative
Shuruq Daas is serving as a board member and resides in Florida. This marks her first term with ABS and she is eager to uphold our traditions while motivating the youth to become a part of the organization. In her spare time, Shuruq loves antiquing, reading, and traveling! Her favorite Palestinian dish is Mansaf.
Rafat "RJ" Khalaf
Representative
RJ Khalaf is serving as a board member and resides in Nevada. This marks his first term with ABS and he is deeply passionate about serving Palestine and Al-Bireh. RJ's goal is to lay the technical foundations ABS needs to progress into the future. In his spare time, RJ loves running and enjoying the outdoors! His favorite Palestinian dishes are Maklooba, Malfoof, and Em Tabak!
Alaa Muhammad
Representative
Alaa is serving as a board member and resides in Ohio. This marks his first term with ABS, and he is eager to connect all the Birawee communities together and grow ABS for the next generation. In his spare time, Alaa enjoys music, dancing, cooking, and all things art! His favorite Palestinian dish is Maklooba!