Story perspectives

UNRWA covertly rescues 30 Million Palestinian records for Jordan digitization

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

UNRWA’s covert operation rescued tens of thousands of fragile Palestinian refugee records from possible destruction during Israel’s intensified crackdown.
Staff moved the East Jerusalem archive to Jordan, where more than 30 million documents, including original 1948 registration cards and generations of certificates, are being digitised.
Luxembourg funded the digitisation, employing about 50 workers in a cramped Amman basement, with scanning set to continue for two more years.

1 of 1

Story summary

UNRWA’s covert operation rescued tens of thousands of fragile Palestinian refugee records from possible destruction during Israel’s intensified crackdown.
Staff moved the East Jerusalem archive to Jordan, where more than 30 million documents, including original 1948 registration cards and generations of certificates, are being digitised.
Luxembourg funded the digitisation, employing about 50 workers in a cramped Amman basement, with scanning set to continue for two more years.