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Vancouver
17 Oct

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Calgary
18 Oct

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Montreal
1 Nov

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London
7 Nov

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Toronto
8 Nov

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Ottawa
9 Nov

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Our Speakers

Join us across Canada

This October, we mark a solemn milestone —  two years since the ongoing genocide in Gaza. In honour of the people of Gaza and in solidarity with the Palestinian community, we invite Canadians from coast to coast to come together for an evening of remembrance, reflection, and renewed hope.

An Evening of Unity and Purpose

Join us as we honour the resilience and strength of the people of Gaza, while celebrating IDRF’s three decades of steadfast commitment to humanitarian work in Palestine. Together, we will share stories of hope, solidarity, and the power of collective action, as we look ahead to a future filled with possibility and peace.

This is more than an event — it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Gaza’s people and our shared vision of a brighter tomorrow.

Our Sponsors

In Partnership with

About IDRF

For 30 years, the International Development and Relief Foundation has delivered essential humanitarian aid and educational support to communities in Palestine. Tonight, we renew that commitment.


Together, we remember. Together, we hope. Together, we act.

Sami Hamdi

Sami Hamdi is the Managing Director of The International Interest, a global risk and intelligence firm specializing in geopolitical dynamics across Europe and the MENA region. With extensive experience advising governments and corporations, he offers strategic insights on market entry, expansion, and stakeholder management in complex and volatile political environments.

Dr. Mohammed Mustafa

Dr. Mohammed Mustafa is a British-Australian Palestinian doctor and former professional rugby player, widely known on social media as “Beast from the Middle East.” Through his platform (@beastfromthe_middleeast), he documents the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, drawing from his first-hand experiences on medical missions. Combining his medical expertise with his athletic resilience, Dr. Mustafa has become a powerful advocate for the Palestinian people, using his voice to raise global awareness and inspire action.

Dr. Dorotea Gucciardo

Dr. Dorotea Gucciardo is the Director of Development at Glia, where she has been leading medical delegations through the World Health Organization’s Emergency Medical Team system since January 2024.

In this role, she has worked on the frontlines of humanitarian response, raising global awareness about the severe aid  restrictions and devastating conditions in Gaza. 

Arwa Shurab

Arwa is a leadership coach, community organizer, and founder of HERVOICE, a non-profit committed to advancing equity in leadership for women. She holds a Master’s degree in Global Leadership and is a certified and master-certified life coach. Arwa is also the co-founder of BC Muslim and Arab Professionals (BCMAP), where she works to amplify underrepresented voices and build inter-community solidarity. Her work is grounded in justice, equity, and inclusion, and she brings a trauma-informed, healing-centred approach to leadership and community building.

As a Palestinian woman, Arwa’s lived experience deeply informs her advocacy for restorative and community-led justice. She has worked with individuals impacted by violence, discrimination, and systemic harm, and is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces that center empathy, accountability, and dignity. Arwa lives in North Vancouver and is honoured to support the mission of the North Shore Restorative Justice Society as part of a diverse and committed team.

Noora Sharrab

Noora Sharrab earned her Master’s in Political Science with a specialization in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies from York University. In 2009, she co-founded Hopes for Women in Education to provide scholarships, training, and language development for refugee women in Jordan. Her work with UN agencies and refugee communities led to the establishment of a Women’s Centre in the Gaza Refugee Camp, which employs over 30 refugees and serves thousands.

In 2013, Noora co-founded Sitti, a social enterprise that empowers refugee communities through employment and sustainable income opportunities, including a subscription box launched in 2021. She has served on advisory councils with UNHCR Canada and WeConnect International and mentors impact-driven ventures with Sheridan College’s EDGE Hub. Recognized as a SheEO Venture Winner, she has received the Muslim Awards of Excellence “Woman of the Year” and the BMO for Women Award (2021).

Mahmood Qasim

Chief Executive Officer

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Mahmood Qasim is a distinguished leader in the nonprofit sector, bringing over 20 years of transformative leadership across continents. With a remarkable ability to blend vision with action, Mahmood has redefined charity management and business development, leaving a legacy of innovation, sustainable growth, and meaningful impact.

Renowned for his strategic acumen and collaborative approach, Mahmood excels in governance, resource mobilization, and mission-driven execution.

Under his stewardship, organizations have achieved unprecedented success, marked by inclusivity, operational excellence, and expanded community impact.

His leadership ethos centers on capacity building and fostering partnerships that deliver tangible, lasting change.Throughout his career, Mahmood has spearheaded groundbreaking international development programs, cultivated deep relationships with donors, and forged strategic alliances with governments, corporations, and grassroots movements.

His expertise spans program design, financial stewardship, and stakeholder engagement, positioning him as a trusted authority in driving equitable opportunities and systemic change.

A visionary and compassionate changemaker, Mahmood is committed to empowering communities and reimagining the future of the nonprofit sector. His unwavering dedication to innovation and impact continues to inspire and shape the path forward for organizations worldwide.

Nabil Ali

Chief Operating Officer

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Nabil Ali is a seasoned nonprofit leader whose career is defined by responding to major humanitarian crises around the world. His expertise lies in designing and executing impactful projects that empower underprivileged communities to achieve self-reliance and sustainability.

Nabil is adept at optimizing nonprofit operations by ensuring efficient resource utilization and aligning priorities with strategic goals. His leadership has driven improvements across Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, and Fundraising teams, enhancing organizational performance and operational efficiency.

A relationship builder and strategist, Nabil has spearheaded transformative initiatives, including Guyana’s first national non-clinical mental health intervention program. Designed with support from Global Affairs Canada, the five-year resilience-focused program launched in 2022, addressing critical community needs.

Nabil remains committed to creating sustainable change, fostering collaborative partnerships, and streamlining processes to deliver measurable impact. His dedication to uplifting communities continues to drive innovation and excellence in nonprofit operations worldwide.

Dr. Munir El Kassem

Dr. Munir El Kassem is the Director of Religious Affairs and Imam of the Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario, where he has served since 1994. Educated at Al-Maqasid Islamic Institute in Lebanon, he later pursued higher education in Canada, earning a Master’s in Medical Genetics from Western University and a dental surgery degree from the University of Toronto. After 15 years in clinical practice, he became an assistant professor at Western University before dedicating himself full-time to community development and Islamic education. Since 1976, Dr. El Kassem has been active in Islamic outreach across Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean, authoring books, producing educational media, and engaging in interfaith dialogue. A recognized community leader and youth mentor, he has also supported fundraising for mosques, schools, and humanitarian causes globally. He is a recipient of the Golden Jubilee Award, Diamond Jubilee Award, and Ontario’s Outstanding Achievement Award for Volunteerism.