About IMEU

The Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU) believes in a world where all people live with freedom and safety, a world where all people are treated equally, regardless of gender, faith or national origin — whether they reside in the United States, Palestine, Israel or anywhere else in the world.

Yet for too long, Palestinians have been denied their freedom. Palestinian voices were virtually absent from US media, which led to images of Palestinians that were distorted and dehumanizing.

When Palestinians have the access they need to tell their own stories, the results are transformative. Sound public policy is achieved when citizens receive balanced and accurate information from the media. And if journalists have easy access to credible information and analysis about Palestinians, it can only result in a better informed American public.

Diverse opinions are necessary for the free and full exchange of ideas. The IMEU can best serve the media and the public by staying independent and providing access to a range of voices.

We believe that violence is abhorrent and that violence against civilians — whether perpetrated by individuals or by states — is never justified and must be repudiated in all its forms.

We operate from anti-racist principles and strongly reject all forms of bigotry and hatred, including anti-Palestinian racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, anti-Black racism, anti-LGBTQI+ racism, etc.

Khaldoun Baghdadi, Chairman
Khaldoun Baghdadi is a prominent attorney in the California firm Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger and has been recognized by the legal community through his inclusion in the “Best Lawyers in America.” He served as Chairman of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission and is an adjunct professor of law at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.

Jeanmarie Condon
Veteran producer and director Jeanmarie Condon is an award-winning executive producer, director, and writer of documentary features and series. Condon’s work with outlets such as ABC, Hulu, National Geographic, A&E Networks, NPR, and the Boston Globe has focused on social justice, humanitarian and environmental issues. She has spent over 20 years directing, writing, and producing documentaries, primarily with the late Peter Jennings, as well as with Ted Koppel, Christiane Amanpour, and Diane Sawyer.

Zahira Dahdul, Treasurer
Zahira Dahdul’s over twenty-year career has spanned New York, London, and Dubai. She worked at Lehman Brothers in the transaction management division and at Nomura, where she was Head of Human Resources for the Middle East. She is an active supporter of educational and work opportunities for Palestinian women and children.

Khaled Kteily
Khaled Kteily is the founder and CEO of Legacy, the leading digital fertility clinic for men, helping redefine fertility as a men’s health issue as well as a women’s issue. A graduate of Harvard and Y Combinator, he has raised over $50 million from top investors and notable backers including Justin Bieber. Under his leadership, Legacy has become one of the fastest-growing healthcare startups in the U.S., serving patients nationwide through major insurers and employers. Before founding Legacy, Khaled worked at the World Economic Forum and healthcare consulting firm Oliver Wyman, and has been recognized among the top emerging leaders in business and public policy.

Ramiz Rafeedie
Ramiz Rafeedie is an attorney with more than 25 years of experience in private practice and in-house counsel roles. His current practice focuses on advertising law, and he has significant experience in commercial litigation and regulatory counseling, with additional work in legislative affairs.  He earned his J.D. from UC College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings). Ramiz is a longtime advocate and organizer for Palestinian rights, working with professionals, community groups, and allies to build support for the Palestinian cause. He has served on the boards of the Arab Film Festival and the Arab Resource and Organizing Center, along with other local advocacy and cultural organizations.

Isam Salah
Isam Salah is Chairman of United Palestinian Appeal and serves as an independent director of two real estate investment firms. He is a retired senior finance partner of King & Spalding, based in New York and Dubai, where he led the firm’s Middle East and Islamic Finance practice. He has been a frequent writer and speaker on Islamic finance and is a former president of the Arab Bankers Association of North America.

Nadia Tommalieh, Secretary
Nadia Tommalieh is a former localization program manager turned food educator, passionate about celebrating Arabic cuisine and preserving the culinary heritage of Palestine. As a cooking instructor, blogger, and food enthusiast, she focuses on sharing traditional Palestinian home cooking with broader audiences. Currently, she serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator at a Seattle-based cooking school, where she helps build connections through food, storytelling, and cultural exchange. She is also an active volunteer with several local community organizations, committed to creating spaces of belonging and support.

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