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Ottawa
2 Oct

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Toronto
3 Oct

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Calgary
10 Oct

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Vancouver
11 Oct

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Our Guest Speakers

Our Speakers

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.

Out Guest Speakers

Mehdi Hassan

2 Oct, Ottawa • 3 Oct, Toronto

Mehdi Hasan is an award-winning British-American journalist, broadcaster, and author. He is the founder, CEO and editor-in-chief of the new media company Zeteo. Mehdi is also a Guardian columnist, host of ‘Head to Head’ on Al Jazeera English and the best-selling author of ‘Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking’. He previously worked as an anchor at MSNBC and columnist for The Intercept.

Join Mehdi in Ottawa and Toronto for ‘A Night for Gaza’ — don’t miss this powerful evening of truth-telling and solidarity.

Dr. Mohammed Mustafa

10 Oct, Calgary • 11 Oct, Vancouver

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.

Join Dr. Mohammed in Calgary and Vancouver for ‘A Night for Gaza’ — don’t miss this powerful evening of truth-telling and solidarity.

Our Guest Speaker

Mehdi Hassan

2 Oct, Ottawa • 3 Oct, Toronto

Mehdi Hasan is an award-winning British-American journalist, broadcaster, and author. He is the founder, CEO and editor-in-chief of the new media company Zeteo. Mehdi is also a Guardian columnist, host of ‘Head to Head’ on Al Jazeera English and the best-selling author of ‘Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking’. He previously worked as an anchor at MSNBC and columnist for The Intercept.

Join Mehdi in Ottawa and Toronto for ‘A Night for Gaza’ — don’t miss this powerful evening of truth-telling and solidarity.

Dr. Mohammed Mustafa

10 Oct, Calgary • 11 Oct, Vancouver

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.

Join Dr. Mohammed in Calgary and Vancouver for ‘A Night for Gaza’ — don’t miss this powerful evening of truth-telling and solidarity.

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.

Mehdi Hasan

2 Oct, Ottawa • 3 Oct, Toronto

Mehdi Hasan is an award-winning British-American journalist, broadcaster, and author. He is the founder, CEO and editor-in-chief of the new media company Zeteo. Mehdi is also a Guardian columnist, host of ‘Head to Head’ on Al Jazeera English and the best-selling author of ‘Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking’. He previously worked as an anchor at MSNBC and columnist for The Intercept.

Join Mehdi in Ottawa and Toronto for ‘A Night for Gaza’ — don’t miss this powerful evening of truth-telling and solidarity.

Dr. Mohammed Mustafa

10 Oct, Calgary • 11 Oct, Vancouver

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.

Join Dr. Mohammed in Calgary and Vancouver for ‘A Night for Gaza’ — don’t miss this powerful evening of truth-telling and solidarity.

Dr. Dorotea Gucciardo

2 Oct, Ottawa • 3 Oct, Toronto

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.

Join Dr.Dorotea in Ottawa and Toronto for ‘A Night for Gaza’ — don’t miss this powerful evening of truth-telling and solidarity.

Noora Sharrab

2 Oct, Ottawa • 3 Oct, Toronto

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).

Join Noora in Ottawa and Toronto for ‘A Night for Gaza’ — don’t miss this powerful evening of truth-telling and solidarity.

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.