Our Board
Dr. Hussam Al Fakir
Chairman
Dr. Hussam Al Fakir is a dentist and orthodontist who practices in Canada. Dr. Al Fakir completed his dental training at Dalhousie University, then went on to practice general dentistry in Edmonton. He went back to school to complete a clinical residency in Orthodontics and a masters degree in medical sciences. Dr. Al Fakir’s passion to help other people and make a positive difference in people’s lives motivated him to join medical relief organizations. He helped establish a dental clinic in Turkey to serve Syrian refugees and currently, he is proud to serve as the Chairman at UOSSM-Canada.
Dr. Anas Al-Kassem
Vice-Chairman
Dr. Anas Al-Kassem is a trauma and bariatric surgeon practising in Canada. Dr Al-Kassem received his MD in Damascus, Syria, completed his general surgery training at the University of Ottawa, and his clinical fellowship in trauma at Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary. He was offered the position of Trauma Team Leader at the Civic Hospital at the University of Ottawa as a result of his leadership skills in the field. Dr. Al-Kassem extended his surgery skills and expertise by earning an MIS/Bariatric Surgery fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. Dr. Al Kassem has also been active in many humanitarian organizations. He initiated an electronic data registry system employed in trauma hospitals across Syria and continues to be involved in surgery missions to over 80 hospitals in the war-torn country. He is a co-founder of UOSSM and serves as the Vice-Chairman of UOSSM-Canada.
Dr. Aliya Aziz Khan
Board Member
Dr. Aliya Aziz Khan is a Professor of Medicine at McMaster University. She is the Director of the Calcium Disorders Clinic and the Fellowship in Metabolic Bone Disease at McMaster University. She graduated from the University of Ottawa Medical School with Honors and completed postgraduate training at the University of Toronto. She has published over 200 scientific papers and numerous books on osteoporosis and parathyroid disease. Dr. Khan has been recognized by numerous national and international awards including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for excellence in clinical care, research and teaching as well as the International Hypoparathyroidism Award, the International Osteoporosis Foundation award for publishing excellence and recognized by Osteoporosis Canada for outstanding contributions to research and education. She was recognized as being in the top 0.1% of the world experts in hyperparathyroidism by Expertscape.
Dr. Maher Saqqur
Board Member
Dr. Maher Saqqur is a neurologist and stroke specialist at the University of Alberta. Dr. Saqqur received his MD in Damascus, Syria. He moved to the United States, where he completed his residency in Neurology at Penn State University. Since 2002, he has been serving as a stroke specialist at the University of Alberta. He has been working with medical relief organizations since the civil war in Syria started and he helped establish a rehab centre in Turkey. Dr. Saqqur is currently helping with the telecommunication unit to provide consulting services for a neurological intensive care unit in Syria.
Dr. Reem Alsabbagh
Board Member
Dr. Reem Alsabbagh (MD, CFPC) is a Family Physician practicing in Oakville, Ontario, with over 30 years of combined medical experience. A graduate of Damascus University (1986) and the University of Western Ontario (2013), Dr. Alsabbagh has a background in both Family Medicine and Pediatrics.
Beyond her clinic, she is a passionate advocate for community well-being. She actively provides healthcare and education to refugees in the Halton region and has served on the board of UOSSM Canada since 2014. Dr. Alsabbagh is a decorated physician, having received the King Charles Award (2025) and multiple Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Awards (2023) for her humanitarian service.
Dr. Amgad Ezzat Elsherif
Board Member
Dr. Amgad Ezzat Elsherif is a thoracic surgeon practicing in the Greater Toronto Area and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Surgery at Western University. Passionate about surgical education, he previously served as Program Director for the first ACGME-accredited surgery program with Johns Hopkins International. Dr. Elsherif has organized and led numerous humanitarian and surgical missions to regions in need, including Africa, Syria, and Gaza. Dr. Amgad has traveled multiple times to Gaza and continues to provide support on the ground since the conflict began in October 2023. He brings his dedication and experience to UOSSM Canada's board, helping advance vital medical support in Gaza.
Our Advisory Committee
Dr. Shamseddin
Advisory Member
Dr. Shamseddin is a Transplant Nephrologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at Queen’s University. He serves as the Medical Director of the Kingston Kidney Transplant Program (KKTP) and the Napanee Hemodialysis Clinic (NDC). He previously led the Adult Nephrology Residency Program at Queen’s (2012–2019) and now spearheads the university’s Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) initiative. He is Vice-Chair of the Canadian Blood Services Kidney Transplant Advisory Committee (KTAC) and actively contributes to several local, provincial, and national committees. A graduate of Damascus University, he completed residencies in Internal Medicine (Kansas University) and Nephrology (Memorial University), a Master’s in Clinical Epidemiology, and a Kidney Transplant Fellowship at Ottawa University. His research focuses on clinical outcomes in hemodialysis and kidney transplantation, as well as developing a CBME-based Nephrology curriculum at Queen’s. Dr. Shamseddin’s impactful work has been recognized with the 2024 Canadian Society of Nephrology Distinguished Service Award and the 2020 Queen’s Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Catherine Clase
Advisory Member
Dr. Catherine Clase completed degrees in Pathology and Medicine at Christ’s College, Cambridge, UK, and trained in Internal Medicine (Memorial University of Newfoundland), Nephrology, and Health Research Methodology (McMaster University). Between 1997 and 2001, she was an Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University. She is currently a Professor of Medicine, with research interests focused on chronic kidney disease. In 2018, she was awarded the Dr. John B. Dossetor Research Award by the Kidney Foundation of Canada, and in 2019 co-chaired the KDIGO Potassium Controversies Conference. She is an experienced editor and peer reviewer. Clinically, she is the medical lead for transitioning young people with kidney disease from pediatric to adult practice. She advocates for the use of masks in healthcare, workplaces, and institutions to prevent acute and chronic health loss from recurrent COVID-19 infection, and is Editor-in-Chief of maskevidence.org. She has also coordinated the donation of multiple containers of humanitarian aid to Uganda and Ukraine.
Dr. Muhammad Shrayyef
Advisory Member
Dr. Shrayyef is Syrian Canadian physician who was born and raised in Syria and graduated from University of Aleppo. He moved to USA in 2000 for postgraduate education and completed a research postdoctoral fellowship at Medical University of South Carolina with focus on hypertension, vascular reactivity and relation to insulin resistance. He did his Internal Medicine residency and Endocrinology fellowship at University of Rochester. He then relocated to Canada in 2008. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine at University of Toronto. He is a certified neck sonologist by the American College of Endocrinology and an active member at the Academy of Clinical Thyrodologists. He currently practices at Thyroid and Hormones Endocrinology a Center of excellence in caring for thyroid diseases.
Dr. Samer Aldandashi
Advisory Member
Dr. Samer Aldandashi, MD, FRCPC, is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta and a consultant psychiatrist at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. As a Co-founder of UOSSM Canada, he brings over 20 years of experience in psychiatry, neuroscience, and trauma-informed care to the organization. He serves as the Lead Psychiatrist for the Neuromodulation Program at Royal Alexandra Hospital, providing comprehensive care across inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services. A graduate of Damascus University, he completed his psychiatry residency at the University of Alberta and is a dedicated mentor to residents and international medical graduates. Dr. Aldandashi is a published researcher on war-related trauma and a strong advocate for expanding mental health access in conflict-affected regions and underserved areas.
Our Global Staff
Yasmen Zaghloul
Chief Operating Officer
Yasmen Zaghloul is a nonprofit leader with over 15 years experience in the non for profit sector with a strong background in managing complex humanitarian programs and community initiatives. As Chief Operating Officer at UOSSM Canada, Yasmen oversees all operational functions and reports directly to the board. She brings extensive experience in strategic planning, program development, project management, and organizational leadership from her prior roles, including Heading Programs, Volunteers, Youth, Operations, and Special Projects at Seeds of Leadership and ISNA Canada. With a Master’s degree in Information Management from the University of Toronto, Yasmen has a deep understanding of crisis management, information systems, process innovation & automation, and user experience design. Her work is marked by her commitment to operational innovation, strategic partnerships, and youth empowerment, having led impactful projects that increased program engagement, organization performance, and secured government funding.
Mariam Abu El Magd
Acting Programs Director
Mariam is the Acting Programs Director at UOSSM Canada with over 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Recently completed her Master of Science in Food, Agricultural, and Resource Economics from the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph. This academic achievement follows her earlier education at McMaster University, where she earned both an Honours Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Business Administration from the DeGroote School of Business. Mariam is committed to creating meaningful change, driving positive social impact and creating sustainable solutions within the non-profit sector.
Mohamed Elsafadi
Acting Director of Finance
Mohamed Elsafadi is a seasoned Finance and Accounting Manager with strong expertise in financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls. At UOSSM Canada, he leads the finance function, overseeing budgeting, audits, and regulatory compliance to ensure transparency and efficiency in the NGO sector. Previously a Manager at KPMG’s Accounting and Finance Advisory practice, he advised clients across industries on complex accounting and governance matters. Leveraging his PMP, CFE, and IPSAS certifications, Mohamed combines technical knowledge with leadership skills to strengthen financial operations and drive organizational success.
Emad Alsari
Programs Manager
Emad Alsari is an experienced humanitarian professional with over nine years of experience in program management, monitoring and evaluation, and compliance across multiple sectors, including health, FSL, education, protection, WASH, and early recovery. Since 2016, he has been leading and supporting programs that aim to enhance service quality, strengthen institutional systems, and ensure effective and accountable delivery of humanitarian assistance. With a proven record of managing complex programs in challenging contexts, Emad is committed to promoting efficiency, accountability, and continuous improvement in humanitarian and development operations.
Mohamed Nazir Salem
Senior Programs Coordinator
Mohamed brings over 18 years of diverse experience, including 9 years in the nonprofit sector, where he has collaborated with international and local NGOs, government entities, and UN development agencies. As UOSSM Canada's Programs Manager, he excels in program and project management, risk assessment, and supporting refugees and vulnerable populations. Mohamed’s expertise includes providing strategic advisory support, advancing economic recovery, promoting social integration, and leading capacity-building initiatives to drive sustainable impact.
Youssef Abdou
Programs Coordinator
Youssef Abdou is the Programs Coordinator at UOSSM Canada. He is passionate about driving humanitarian impact through strategic program implementation and collaborative problem- solving. Youssef holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia and maintains strong academic and practical interests in project strategy, community engagement, and international development. Prior to joining UOSSM Canada, Youssef gained experience supporting programs delivery and organizational growth within nonprofit and healthcare environments. His work has included developing structured systems for program tracking, refining internal operations to improve efficiency and impact, and supporting initiatives that expand access to essential services for underserved populations.
May Awad
Operations Coordinator
May Awad has over than six years of experience in customer service, administration, and management within the education sector, May Awad brings a strong foundation in operations support, team leadership, and fostering collaboration. She focuses on optimizing processes, enhancing client experiences, and driving organizational growth. In addition to her professional background, May has over two years of experience volunteering and working on fundraising initiatives for nonprofit organizations. Her efforts support impactful projects that create meaningful change, reflecting her passion for service and dedication to making a difference in the nonprofit sector.
Abdulhadi Alkassem
Marketing & Fundraising Coordinator
Abdulhadi Al-Kassem is a dynamic entrepreneur, event strategist, and digital marketing specialist with a strong background in business, media, and nonprofit leadership. Currently studying Graphic Communications Management at Toronto Metropolitan University, he blends technical expertise with creative vision to drive impactful initiatives across industries. Recognized for his leadership and academic excellence, Abdulhadi was honored as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2023, reflecting his outstanding GPA, leadership, and community involvement. Passionate about merging business acumen with social good, he continually seeks opportunities to collaborate and effect meaningful change.
Ibrahim Atiq
Software & Technical Solutions Coordinator
Ibrahim Atiq is the Software & Technical Solutions Coordinator at UOSSM Canada, where he manages the organization’s digital infrastructure, web platforms, and technical operations. With a background in Computer Engineering, he brings experience in software development, IT support, and systems automation. Ibrahim is dedicated to leveraging technology to streamline operations and advance UOSSM Canada’s mission of delivering life-saving aid to those in crisis.
Mariam Ayub
Programs Coordinator
Mariam Ayub is the Programs Coordinator at UOSSM Canada, where she is passionate about addressing humanitarian issues around the world, especially those centred around healthcare. She has a strong background in program development and event coordination, and is committed to improving access to care for underserved communities through sustainable projects. She completed her Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Health, where she grew her passion for healthcare advocacy, and is currently pursuing a certificate in Clinical Research.
Meryana Al Mobayed
Fundraising Coordinator
Meryana is a business student specializing in Marketing and Sustainability, passionate about the intersection of health, business, and law. She has been recognized as a Loran Scholars semi-finalist and has received multiple Oakville and Halton awards for leadership and community impact. Through her academic focus and community involvement, she continues to explore innovative ways to create sustainable and people-centered solutions.
Our Palestine Staff
Ahmad Omar
Palestine Office General Manager
Ahmed Omar is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience, including extensive leadership in the medical and humanitarian fields. Currently serving as the Regional Representative at UOSSM Canada – Palestine, and previously as Director of a hospital, he has demonstrated strong expertise in organizational management, customer service, and strategic program delivery. He holds a Master’s in Executive MBA and has built a career dedicated to advancing healthcare services, ensuring organizational goals align with the needs of people, and providing compassionate support to communities in need. His commitment to community service and humanitarian care continues to drive his professional mission.
Ruba Blaidi
Palestine Accounting Manager
Ruba Bleidi is a seasoned finance professional with a solid background in auditing. She has built extensive experience across a wide range of sectors—including retail, not-for-profit, and, most notably, non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Her work with NGOs has given her deep insight into the unique financial and regulatory frameworks of the sector, making her well-positioned to manage accounting functions within mission-driven organizations. Through her experience, Ruba has led numerous audit engagements, consistently demonstrating strong leadership, organizational, and analytical skills. She is adept at managing teams, balancing multiple priorities, and maintaining high standards under pressure. As a CPA, Ruba brings a deep understanding of financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls, which are essential in managing complex accounting operations within mission-driven organizations. She is committed to leveraging her CPA expertise and NGO-focused experience to contribute to the financial health and success of the organization.
Sana Tork
Palestine MEAL Officer
Sana Tork is the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officer at UOSSM Canada, where she supports data collection, reporting, and accountability processes to strengthen program impact. With a background in communications, project coordination, and community engagement, she brings experience in data analysis, stakeholder outreach, and program evaluation. Sana is dedicated to using evidence-based approaches to enhance humanitarian response and ensure meaningful impact for communities in need.
Shatha Wahsh
Palestine Health Officer
Shatha Wahsh is a dedicated Health Officer with strong experience in public health, nutrition programming, and community health services. She has led a wide range of health promotion activities, including school-based health education, first aid training, chronic disease awareness, and nutrition counseling, reaching diverse groups across different communities. With a Master’s degree in Public Health and Community and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and Nutrition, she brings a strong technical foundation alongside practical field experience. She is committed to advancing the organization’s mission by improving community health outcomes and strengthening access to essential services.
Mohammad Qadous
Gaza Office General Manager
Mohammad Youssef Hashem Qaddous is an executive manager with over ten years of experience in humanitarian and social services. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and has dedicated his career to serving vulnerable groups, especially orphans and underprivileged families. He has held leadership positions in several local and international organizations, including Director of the Orphans Department at Dar Al-Kitab Wa Al-Sunna Association, Executive Office Manager at Al-Waha Humanitarian Services, and Executive Office Manager at Rahma Around the World Association. Mohammad possesses strong skills in management, planning, and supervision of humanitarian projects, in addition to building community partnerships and developing teams to achieve sustainable impact. He believes that serving people is a mission before it is a profession, and he continuously strives to promote values of compassion and solidarity through his humanitarian and social work.
Mohammed Jaber
Gaza Programs Manager
Mohammed Jaber is the Program Manager at UOSSM Canada in Gaza. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Business Administration from the University of Palestine, where he graduated top of his class with a GPA of 93.23%. With extensive experience in humanitarian and educational initiatives across Gaza and the West Bank, he has worked with organizations such as the Zakat Foundation of America, Heroic Hearts Organization, and AMIDEAST. Mohammed has strong expertise in program development, partnership management, and emergency response coordination. Skilled in leadership, training, and project evaluation, he is dedicated to advancing humanitarian efforts and expanding educational opportunities in Palestine.
Nidal Alkafarna
Gaza Programs Coordinator
Nidal Alkafarna is an Administrative Assistant at UOSSM Canada in Gaza. A Civil Engineer and humanitarian worker, he has extensive experience in relief programs, youth initiatives, and community engagement. Nidal has coordinated projects with both international and local organizations, focusing on public health, protection, and capacity building. With strong problem-solving skills and leadership abilities, he is passionate about creating innovative solutions that empower communities and strengthen resilience in times of crisis.
Jamal Mubarak
Gaza Accountant
Jamal Mubarak is the Financial Manager at UOSSM-Canada in Gaza. With over 15 years of experience in financial management, he has worked with UNRWA, private companies, and nonprofit organizations, building strong expertise in accounting, budgeting, and financial operations. A graduate of Al-Azhar University, Jamal is dedicated to advancing UOSSM-Canada’s mission by ensuring sound financial management and supporting the organization’s growth and sustainability.
Ahmed Salha
Gaza Data Officer
Ahmed Salha is a Software Engineer with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. He specializes in full-stack development, with strong expertise in web development, database management, and building custom control panels. He also brings valuable experience in data analysis, reporting, and visualization, combining technical proficiency with problem-solving skills to deliver scalable, efficient, and user-friendly solutions.
Mohammed Abu Riash
Gaza Administrative Manager
Mohammad Abu Riash is the Administrative Manager at UOSSM Gaza. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and brings over ten years of dedicated humanitarian experience supporting vulnerable populations in Gaza. As a founding member of UOSSM in Gaza, he played a pivotal role in establishing the organization's foundational infrastructure and providing critical logistical support for UOSSM Canada’s operations in the region. His expertise in administrative coordination, operational planning, and resource management ensures the seamless delivery of humanitarian aid, and he is deeply committed to building resilient systems that empower communities in crisis.
Awad Lubbad
Gaza Administrative Assistant
Experienced professional in education, project management, and humanitarian operations. Currently serving as an Administrative Assistant at UOSSM-Canada in Gaza, he has a strong background in teaching, training, and coordination. Certified in training and project management, Awad is skilled at leading teams, building partnerships, and driving impactful initiatives. He is dedicated to advancing learning and supporting community development.
Omar Alomari
Gaza MEAL Officer
Omar Alomari is a member of the MEAL Monitoring & Evaluation Team at UOSSM Canada in Gaza. With a background in Business Administration, he has extensive experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning across private companies and international non-profit organizations. His expertise includes database management, MEAL reporting, data entry and verification, and performance analysis. With additional skills in graphic design, Omar combines analytical precision with creativity to strengthen organizational learning and impact.
Mohammed Abdallatif
Gaza MEAL Officer
Mohammed Abdallatif is a Project Coordinator at UOSSM-Canada in Gaza. He holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the Islamic University of Gaza and a Project Coordinator Diploma from SMET (UNRWA), with training in managing and coordinating development projects for NGOs. Mohammed has strong expertise in needs assessments, vulnerability analysis, TOR development, MEAL planning, data collection and analysis, and report preparation. His previous experience as a Project Coordinator and MEAL Officer at PAEEP equipped him with the skills to manage large-scale projects while ensuring effective organization, collaboration, and impact.
Ismail Lubbad
Gaza Media Production Officer
Ismail Lubbad is a Multimedia and Visual Communications Specialist at UOSSM-Canada in Gaza. With a background in journalism, media, and multimedia design, he has over 15 years of experience in video production, graphic design, and photography. Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite and Cinema 4D, he has worked with television, media centers, and humanitarian organizations to create branding, visual stories, and professional media content. He is dedicated to using creative communication to support communities and amplify impact.
Mohammad Yaqoubi
Gaza Multimedia Officer
Mohammed Al-Yaqubi is a Multimedia Content Officer at UOSSM Canada in Gaza. With a diploma in Public Relations and Media, he has extensive experience in photography, videography, and editing. He has worked with international organizations, media outlets, and production companies, producing humanitarian films, advocacy campaigns, and educational content. Skilled in managing, storing, and uploading multimedia materials, Mohammed combines technical expertise with creative storytelling to ensure impactful and accessible media that amplifies community voices and humanitarian efforts.
Mahmoud Al Tawel
Gaza Multimedia Officer
Mahmoud is an experienced media professional specializing in photography, documentary filmmaking, and digital content strategy. Currently serving as the Multimedia Officer at UOSSM, he holds a Diploma in Journalism and Public Relations from Al-Azhar University. With a strong background in coordinating social media campaigns and training journalists on digital safety, Mahmoud has led impactful community initiatives like the Social Media Club Palestine. He is dedicated to leveraging visual storytelling to advocate for community issues and drive positive social change.