XUNICEF News and Views

Reem Najjar (1957–2026) Reem Najjar, passed away on May 3, 2026. A cornerstone of UNICEF Jordan and MENARO for over three decades, Reem began her career in the mid-1980s and served until her retirement in 2017. Her career spanned operations, partnerships, and communications, but she was perhaps most respected for her leadership as Chairperson of both the Jordan and Regional Staff Associations. In these roles, she was a vital advocate for workplace dialogue and staff welfare across the Middle East. Beyond her service with UNICEF, Reem was a formidable leader in the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). She served globally as Vice President of the World YWCA and as President of the YWCA of Jordan. Reem championed vocational training, economic empowerment, and the leadership of young women. Recognized as a pioneer of women’s work, she spent her life bridging local community needs with global advocacy. Reem leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, selfless service, and a commitment to emp...

Mr. Hatim George passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Amman, Jordan after a life dedicated to humanitarian work and the service of children through his long career at UNICEF.

  Hope all of you are well. Last week we UNICEF retirees had a small get together in one of Amman coffee shops. Most of the colleagues live in Jordan while one lives in Canada and the other lived in the USA but decided to stay in Jordan. We recalled our generally good and few bad days at UNICEF. It was very nice to meet and we try to do it more often. Mary Sidawi

Ms. Sigrid Kaag of the Netherlands - Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza pursuant to Security Council Resolution 2720 (2023)

Bethlehem church - Christ child born amid the rubble  Article shared by Mary Sidawi Sharing this link with regard to the above on Gaza on the occasion of Christmas. Hope you can include it in the newsletter. Mary Click here or https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/12/21/queen-rania-christmas-canceled-holy-land-gaza/

Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah met Monday with senior UNICEF officials in Amman for talks on the impact on Palestinian children of the Israeli war on Gaza, which is expected to have long-term negative repercussions on the lives of children.According to a statement from the Queen's office, Queen Rania, UNICEF's first Eminent Advocate for Children, listened to a UNICEF briefing on the "unprecedented" violence and "grave" child-rights violations. UNICEF Deputy Executive Director of Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations Ted Chaiban discussed the "urgent need" for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for all access crossings into Gaza to be open for safe, sustained, and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, including water, food, medical supplies, and fuel. Chaiban urged that patients in critical conditions in besieged Gaza should be able to leave or receive critical health services and for respect and protection for civilian infrastructure...

Ahmad Abu Qamar I just learned last night that most of the family of Ahmad Abu Qamar, XUNICEF former driver in UNICEF Palestine, were killed in a raid in Gaza.  Those who died include Ahmad's wife, three of his daughters, and his youngest son.  Ahmad and his oldest son survived.    I hope this ends soon. Mary Editor's Note: We will try to find more information about this tragedy.  At last report UNICEF has 35 staff in Gaza and an unknown number of retired former staff and their families.

Those of you who follow royal events in the Middle East might have heard that Crown P Hussein of Jordan will marry Rajwa Al-Saif of Saudi Arabia on 1 June. Preparations and parties are underway and there is a joyful atmosphere in the country.  Two former UNICEF Jordan staff, Reem Najjar (who is the XUNICEF focal point in Jordan) and Maha Homsi, were invited by the queen for the henna party.   I am sharing some photos for the next newsletter.  You will note two other XUNICEF members in the photos below - Rima and Misrak.   Warm regards.  Mary Sidawi Former UNICEF Jordan staff Maha Homsi and Reem Najjar Rajwa Al-Saif and HM Queen Rania Earlier Events Involving UNICEF with HM Queen Rania February 2007 - Ann Veneman appoints HM Queen Rania "Eminent Advocate for Children" March 2016 - HM Queen Rania at Forum on Investing in Young Children - Rima Salah on the right December 2002 - Launch of the SOWCR - HM Queen Rania with then UNICEF Representative to Jorda...

Mary Sidawi contributed this photo taken in late nineties during MENA RMT meeting in Amman. Many UNICEF retirees appear in the photo. So far, we only disclose that Mary is standing next to Carol Bellamy. Question: Whom do you recognize in this photo? (Click on the image to enlarge)