UNWRA - When Good Turns Bad

When the United Nations was formed in 1945, it was built on the ashes of World War II, with the noble goal of preventing future global conflicts and promoting peace. A few years later, in 1949, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) was established. Its purpose was to assist those displaced during the Arab-Israeli conflict following Israel's independence. Initially, it aimed to provide temporary relief—shelter, food, and work programs—for all refugees of the war, including Jews and Arabs.

But over time, its mission narrowed. UNRWA became exclusively focused on Palestinian refugees and their descendants, growing into a massive organization with billions of dollars in funding. What began as a temporary aid program evolved into a system that some argue has perpetuated dependency and conflict rather than resolving it. 

Watch as JNS senior editor Ruthie Blum and Mark Regev, former Israeli ambassador to the U.K., break down these revelations and discuss the implications for Israel and the region in this powerful episode of Israel Undiplomatic.

Today, we see how far UNRWA has fallen. Instead of being a beacon of peace, it has been infiltrated by Hamas and turned into a tool for terror. How does something created for good end up causing so much harm? This isn’t just a modern problem—it’s a theme we see throughout Scripture.

Ananias and Sapphira: Corruption from Within

In the early days of the church, believers were united in their mission to care for one another, sharing resources and selling property to meet the needs of the community. Ananias and Sapphira were part of this movement, but their deceit changed their story. They sold land and pretended to give all the proceeds to the apostles while secretly keeping part for themselves.

When confronted by Peter, Ananias fell dead, and shortly after, so did Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10). Their story serves as a stark warning: even within good movements, corruption and dishonesty can creep in, derailing the mission and harming the community. Like Ananias and Sapphira, UNRWA started with a noble mission, but over time, compromise and misuse have tainted its purpose.

Saul: A Leader’s Tragic Fall

Saul, Israel’s first king, began with great promise. Chosen by God, he was humble and obedient at first. But as his power grew, so did his pride. Saul’s jealousy of David and disobedience to God ultimately led to his downfall (1 Samuel 15-31).

UNRWA’s story echoes Saul’s. It began with a purpose to provide relief, but over time, accountability was lost. By aligning itself with Hamas—whether intentionally or through negligence—it has betrayed its mission and caused harm to those it was meant to help.

Lessons for Modern-Day Esthers

As Modern-Day Esthers, we are called to stand in the gap, advocating for truth and justice. Esther’s courage reminds us that we cannot remain silent when we see corruption or suffering. So, what can we learn from these stories?

1. Guard Against Compromise: Like Saul, even the best intentions can be corrupted by pride or neglect. We must ensure the organizations and causes we support remain aligned with truth and justice.
2. Speak Out Against Injustice: Like Peter confronting Ananias, we must call out dishonesty and corruption, even when it’s uncomfortable.
3. Reflect God’s Mercy and Truth: As Esthers of today, we are called to shine God’s light in the darkest places, bringing hope and compassion to those affected by broken systems.

A Call to Prayer

The recent revelations about UNRWA are heartbreaking, but they remind us of the importance of prayer and vigilance.

• Pray for the hostages and their families, especially those still waiting for their loved ones to come home.
• Pray for justice and accountability within UNRWA and other organizations entrusted with humanitarian missions.
• Pray for Israel, as it continues to defend its people while facing criticism from the world.

Proverbs 14:12 warns us: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” This is true for individuals and institutions alike. We must stay rooted in God’s truth, ensuring that the causes we champion remain pure in their purpose.

When good turns bad, it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. Saul’s fall reminds us of the importance of humility and obedience. Ananias and Sapphira’s story warns us of the dangers of deceit. And Esther’s courage shows us what it means to act boldly for such a time as this.

Let us pray, act, and remain vigilant, reflecting God’s light in a world desperate for truth.