Thanks to the generosity of everyone who supported our Ramadan Iftar 2026 fundraiser, The Hanoon Foundation has provided financial support to 20 orphaned medical students from the Islamic University and Al-Azhar University.
Many of these students are determined to continue their medical education despite the loss of their family breadwinner and the significant financial hardship they now face. The support provided through the Iftar fundraiser has helped ease the burden of university tuition fees, allowing them to continue their studies with hope and determination and remain focused on achieving their dream of becoming doctors.
As one student shared:
“Your support was not merely financial assistance; it was a message of encouragement and confidence that inspired me to persevere, work hard, and continue pursuing my dream.”
We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported our Iftar fundraiser. Your generosity is helping future doctors continue their education and pursue their ambition of serving their communities.
Below are some of the messages we received from students whose education has been supported through the Iftar 2026 fundraiser. Their words reflect the impact your generosity has had on their education, their future and the communities they hope to serve.
Student Testimonials
1. Rahaf
I would like to express my sincere gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for your generous support and assistance, which has had a significant impact on enabling me to continue my studies at the College of Medicine.
Your support came at a time when I needed it most. It eased a great burden from my shoulders, gave me hope and reassurance, and brought me a joy that words cannot fully express. Your contribution was not merely financial assistance; it was a message of encouragement and confidence that inspired me to persevere, work hard, and continue pursuing my dream.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and kindness. I pray that God rewards you abundantly, blesses your efforts, and makes all that you do a source of goodness and reward. I will always remain deeply grateful for your noble support, and I hope that one day I will live up to your trust and be able to repay this kindness by serving and helping others.
2. Aisha
For me, education is not just a goal or a dream; it is a lifeline and the path I hold on to as I strive to build a better future despite every challenge.
Your support has given me the strength to keep going.
Thank you.
3. Deema
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to The Hanoon Foundation for awarding me a scholarship that covered part of my tuition fees. Your generous support has eased my financial burden and motivated me to continue my education with confidence and determination. I am truly grateful for your kindness and for believing in students like me.
4.Noor
I extend my sincere gratitude for awarding me the scholarship, which will significantly support my academic journey. Thank you for believing in my potential.
5.Eman
Words cannot fully express how grateful I am for your generous support. By investing in my medical education, you have also invested in the lives I hope to serve and the difference I aspire to make as a future doctor. I sincerely appreciate your trust and kindness, and I hope to one day give back to my community and my patients with the same generosity you have shown me.
6. Madleen
Thank you sincerely for granting me this medical scholarship. Your generous support brings me one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a doctor. I am truly grateful for your trust and investment in my future
7. Mohammed
Despite the difficult circumstances and ongoing challenges, I remain committed to pursuing my dream of becoming a doctor who can serve my community and contribute to improving healthcare. I would like to sincerely thank you for your generous support in helping cover my university tuition fees. Without your support, I would not have been able to continue my academic journey. Your assistance has eased my financial burden and allowed me to remain focused on my studies. Your support is much more than financial assistance; it is a genuine investment in the future of a student who is dedicated to learning and serving others. It has given me the opportunity to focus on my academic and clinical training without the constant pressure of financial concerns. Thank you very much for your kindness, generosity, and belief in my future. Sincerely,
8. Sami
I extend to you my sincere appreciation and highest expressions of thanks, to express my deep gratitude for the generous financial support you have provided to me through The Hanoon Foundation which has contributed to covering part of my accumulated university fees. As a student in the Faculty of Human Medicine, where studying demands immense mental focus and continuous effort, the financial burden of these accumulated fees was a heavy weight that clouded some of my passion. However, thanks to God and your generous gesture and support, you have lifted a great burden from my shoulders. This has allowed me to return to my studies with a clearer mind and stronger determination to pursue both my academic and clinical milestones. Your support is far more than a financial contribution; it is a true investment in my medical future and a message of hope, proving that there are those who stand by students to push them toward excellence and service. I promise you that this support will motivate me to do my utmost to become a successful doctor who serves his community with integrity and humanity, just as you have showered me with your kindness. May God reward your generosity, place this noble humanitarian work in the balance of your good deeds, and may The Hanoon Foundation always remain a beacon of goodness, giving, and support for every student of knowledge. With sincere respect and appreciation,
9. Moamen
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to The Hanoon Foundation for the generous support you have provided toward my university tuition. Your help came at a time when continuing education has become very difficult, and it has given me a real sense of relief and hope.
This support means a lot to me. It is not only assistance with tuition fees, but also a sign that my effort, my studies, and my future matter. It has encouraged me to keep moving forward and to stay focused on my goal of becoming a doctor who can serve his community with knowledge, compassion, and responsibility.
I am truly grateful for your kindness and for standing beside students during these challenging times. I will do my best to make good use of this opportunity, continue working hard in my studies, and honor your support through my dedication and future service.
With sincere thanks and respect,
10. Amro
I would like to express my sincere thanks and deepest gratitude for the financial scholarship you have generously provided me. This support has had a significant impact on helping me continue my studies and reducing the financial burdens I face. It has also given me a sense of security and greater motivation to keep working hard toward achieving my academic and future goals.
The support that Hanoon Foundation provides to students reflects its genuine commitment to helping young people and enabling them to continue their education despite difficult circumstances. This generous initiative is not merely financial assistance; it is also a message of hope and encouragement that reminds us that there are people who believe in our abilities and stand by our side.
I promise to do my very best in my studies and to make the best possible use of this opportunity so that I may live up to your trust and expectations. May ALLAH reward you abundantly, bless your efforts and generosity, and enable Hanoon Foundation to continue supporting more students in need.
The Hanoon Foundation provides medical students with opportunities to gain practical clinical experience and develop their clinical skills through supervised elective placements.
As part of this programme, 13 medical students from Al-Azhar University completed four- to six-week elective placements across a range of hospital departments. Students were selected through a competitive process based on their academic performance and socio-economic circumstances.
The students described how the placements strengthened their clinical knowledge, practical skills, clinical reasoning and decision-making. They highlighted increased confidence in patient assessment and management, improved communication and teamwork, and the opportunity to apply their medical knowledge in a clinical setting under the supervision of experienced consultants and healthcare professionals.
The elective placements took place across a wide range of specialties, including Orthopaedics and Trauma, Maternal and Child Health, Paediatric Surgery, Burns Surgery, Intensive Care, Vascular Surgery, Diabetic Eye Care, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Interventional Cardiology, Oncology, Nephrology, General Surgery, Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine.
Below are extracts from the students’ own reflections, highlighting some of the experiences and lessons gained during their elective placements.
1. Haya
During my elective experience in the Orthopaedic Department at Al-Aqsa Hospital, I gained practical experience in the initial management of fractures and musculoskeletal injuries. I learned the principles of fracture immobilisation and assisted in the application of plaster casts, which strengthened my practical skills and increased my confidence in managing orthopaedic cases.
I also volunteered at Al-Bureij Clinic, where I received hands-on training in suturing simple wounds under medical supervision. This experience improved my procedural skills, attention to detail, and understanding of proper wound care, infection prevention and patient safety.
These training experiences allowed me to apply the knowledge and skills I gained at university in real clinical settings and provided valuable practical experience that will continue to support my medical education.
2. Aseel
During my elective, I was exposed to a broad range of orthopaedic cases through outpatient clinics, the emergency department and operating theatre sessions.
I learned about different types of fractures and their management and performed a dorsal cast under supervision for a patient with an upper limb fracture. I also had the opportunity to observe several orthopedic procedures, particularly internal fixation surgeries for fracture management.
As part of my academic contribution, I delivered a presentation on Acute Compartment Syndrome, highlighting its clinical presentation, diagnosis and the importance of early recognition and urgent surgical intervention. Preparing and presenting this topic strengthened my medical knowledge, presentation skills and confidence in discussing emergency orthopedic conditions.
3. Samer
During my medical elective, I completed a clinical rotation in the Emergency Department.
Throughout the elective, I participated in the initial evaluation of patients, history taking, physical examination, interpretation of laboratory and imaging results, and the formulation of differential diagnoses. I observed and assisted in emergency procedures such as wound care and suturing, intravenous cannulation, ECG interpretation, basic airway management and trauma assessment.
This placement provided valuable exposure to the assessment and management of emergency medical and surgical cases and strengthened my confidence in approaching acutely ill patients.
4.Alaa
During my Internal Medicine elective rotation, I had the opportunity to develop my clinical knowledge and practical skills through direct involvement in patient care under the supervision of experienced physicians.
I participated in daily ward rounds, bedside teaching sessions and case discussions, and encountered patients with a variety of cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, renal, gastrointestinal and infectious diseases.
In addition to my hospital training, I volunteered as a Healthcare Coordinator in the Find and Treat initiative, preparing structured medical summaries in English for specialist physicians to support remote consultations and access to specialist treatment for patients with complex medical conditions.
5.Mohammed
During this rotation, I had the opportunity to work closely with paediatricians, residents, nurses, patients and their families. As I became more involved in patient care, I gained confidence in assessing children with respiratory symptoms and developing appropriate management plans.
I was involved in the diagnosis and management of bronchiolitis, asthma, pneumonia, croup, pertussis and pleural effusion. I learned to recognise the early signs of respiratory distress, assess oxygen requirements, interpret chest X-rays and understand different methods of respiratory support.
The paediatric team created a welcoming learning environment where I felt encouraged to ask questions and learn from every patient encounter.
6. Farah
My surgery elective rotation was one of the most important milestones of my medical journey. I had the privilege of learning from highly skilled surgeons whose commitment to providing the best possible care shaped my understanding of the kind of surgeon I aspire to become.
Being exposed to complex trauma and emergency surgical cases strengthened my clinical judgement, courage and sense of responsibility. It also showed me the essential role of strong surgical training.
As I continue my training, I hope to build on this experience and keep improving the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide the best possible care for my future patients.
7. Yazeed
The training focused on direct clinical exposure through daily morning rounds with Internal Medicine consultants and the follow-up of patients with diabetes, hypertension, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.
I prepared and presented a clinical case on a patient diagnosed with Community Acquired Pneumonia, covering clinical features, chest X-ray interpretation, CURB-65 severity scoring, antibiotic selection and discharge criteria.
I also completed a project entitled ‘Prevalence of Undiagnosed Hypertension Among Patients Attending the Internal Medicine Clinic at Al-Aqsa Hospital’, which recommended routine blood pressure screening as part of primary care.
8. Zain
During my elective training, I was able to observe and participate in the daily work of the Emergency Department in a challenging and demanding environment. I supported the medical team in managing different emergency cases and gained valuable practical experience.
My responsibilities included assisting with wound care and suturing, helping in the orthopaedic room with cast applications, and taking patient histories during the initial assessment under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
This experience strengthened my interest in clinical practice and provided valuable lessons that I will carry forward in my future career as a doctor. I also hope to share what I learned with my colleagues and contribute positively to improving patient care in my community.
9. Mohammed
This elective was one of the most formative experiences of my medical training. I took part in daily ward rounds, followed patients throughout their recovery, attended outpatient clinics, and discussed management plans with consultants and residents.
I also spent many hours in the operating theatre, where I learned sterile technique, theatre protocols, and how surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and the wider theatre team work together. One case has stayed with me in particular: a young woman with a branchial cyst. I presented her case to the surgical team before assisting as the first assistant during her operation.
I also had the opportunity to work alongside international healthcare professionals, helping to translate between medical teams and local patients. This experience broadened my clinical perspective and reinforced the importance of effective communication in patient care.
10. Nour
During my training, I worked as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team providing emergency medical care. My responsibilities included assisting with patient triage, initial assessment, trauma stabilisation, emergency procedures, patient monitoring and coordination of care.
Working in a high-volume emergency environment allowed me to gain firsthand experience in managing a wide range of acute medical and trauma cases. This training strengthened my clinical reasoning, emergency medicine knowledge and practical skills, while improving my ability to make timely clinical decisions and work efficiently under pressure.
I hope to use the skills and knowledge gained through this placement to contribute to strengthening emergency and trauma services and support evidence-based clinical practice.
11. Bayan
During my six-week elective in the General Surgery Department, I had the opportunity to participate actively in daily ward rounds, outpatient clinics and operating theatre activities under the supervision of experienced surgeons.
I assisted in a wide range of surgical procedures, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy and open abdominal surgery. These experiences provided valuable insight into surgical anatomy, operative techniques, perioperative care and postoperative management.
I also gained experience in the assessment and management of surgical emergencies and trauma patients, strengthening my understanding of surgical decision-making and reinforcing the importance of teamwork, responsibility and continuous improvement in clinical practice.
12. Farah
Throughout my placement, I took part in daily ward rounds, followed patients in inpatient wards and outpatient clinics, and discussed cases with consultants and residents.
I was exposed to a wide variety of respiratory and renal conditions, including pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis and chronic kidney disease. Through these cases, I learned more about disease presentation, diagnostic workups, interpretation of laboratory and imaging findings, and treatment approaches used in everyday clinical practice.
I also had the opportunity to meet and interact with international medical delegations visiting the hospital. Learning from physicians from different healthcare systems broadened my perspective and provided valuable insights into medical education and clinical practice.
13. Mahmoud
During my elective training in the Surgery Department, I attended teaching sessions with doctors and professors and studied the history, examination and investigation of different surgical conditions. I also observed several hernia and thyroid operations.
Every day, together with my colleagues and supervising doctors, we carried out ward rounds, followed patients’ progress and discussed their management. This experience taught me patience, strengthened my approach to patient care and improved my understanding of diagnosis and treatment.
At the end of the training, I completed a mini OSCE assessment, which helped build my confidence and improve my communication skills when interacting with patients.
We are pleased to share the launch of Palestine Revealed, written by Hanan Kattan — award-winning producer and founder of The Enlightenment Podcast, which features in-depth conversations with leading voices on Palestine.
Deeply influenced by her family’s experiences of displacement, Hanan has spent years researching archives, DNA studies, and personal testimonies to explore aspects of Palestinian history that are often overlooked or underrepresented. Palestine Revealed brings together historical investigation and contemporary analysis to examine key moments that have shaped the Palestinian narrative.
Themes Explored in Palestine Revealed
The political negotiations and international influences surrounding the 1947 UN Partition Plan
The role of religious interpretation in shaping political discourse
Historical planning and mapping processes linked to displacement
Accounts addressing occupation, detention, and human rights concerns
Stories of Palestinian sumud — resilience, identity, and cultural continuity
As the author writes, understanding history is the first step towards meaningful change.
Support The Hanoon Foundation
Proceeds from book sales support Palestinian charities, including The Hanoon Foundation. Author proceeds contribute towards healthcare, education, and community programmes.
By purchasing a copy, readers both engage with the material and contribute to charitable work supporting Palestinian communities.
Palestine Revealed is now available. You can find official purchase links here.
Poems of Work & Wounds: Racialised Healthcare Workers Voices
Come hear powerful experiences of work and wounds in the healthcare system.
Date and time
Thu, 6 Nov 2025 18:15 – 20:15 GMT
Location
Palestine House113 High Holborn London WC1V 6JQ
About this event
Poems of Work and Wounds: Racialised Healthcare Workers Voices
Building on the momentum of Time to Talk: South Asian Histories of Dehumanisation and the Right to Heal (developed by Dr Bhavna Sennik at the South London and Maudlsey NHS Trust), this event continues the conversation on colonialism, race, work, and suffering within healthcare. Drawing on Dr Jannesari’s research into migration, mental health, and healing, and Dr Sennik’s work on insitutional racism within psychology, human rights and dehumanisation, the event offers a reflective and creative space where racialised healthcare workers and professionals can share and explore their lived experiences.
Taking place against the backdrop of the current riots in the UK and ongoing global conflicts that have caused immense human suffering, the event recognises the urgency of creating spaces for empathy, expression, and collective reflection. Through poetry, participants will explore how creative practice can offer healing and resistance in times of division and uncertainty.
The session, hosted at Palestine House in London, will include a short framing presentation linking social science research to lived experience, followed by poetry performances, readings, and guided writing exercises.
Emerging poems and reflections will contribute towards a planned collective anthology, amplifying voices that challenge exclusion and affirm the shared human need for connection, dignity, and healing. This event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2025 and is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
We have a small budget for low-income participants travel/childcare support.
Tickets are free, but you are welcome to make a donation that will be made to The Hanoon Foundation.
Zainab participated in the Oxford Summer School in Medical Education, gaining extensive clinical and surgical training, developing essential skills in patient communication, history-taking, and practical procedures, and benefiting from mentorship and guidance by senior doctors.
“This experience was not just a training course but a life-changing journey.”
Check her photos and testimonial below.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to The Hanoon Foundation for their generous support and sponsorship, which made my participation in the Oxford Summer School in Medical Education possible. Without their kind assistance, this invaluable opportunity would not have been attainable. Their dedication to supporting Palestinian medical students is truly inspiring, and I am deeply honoured to have been one of the beneficiaries of their generosity.
My Experience My participation in this programme was a true turning point in my academic and medical journey. It was not only about acquiring new knowledge but also about transforming the way I think, motivating me to aspire to goals much greater than I had ever imagined. Today, I dream of pursuing additional training opportunities and elective courses at Oxford or other prestigious institutions, with a renewed awareness of my ability to advance and compete on a global level.
On the academic and professional side, my clinical skills improved significantly. I learned structured history-taking, effective communication with patients from diverse backgrounds, and mastered a range of clinical examinations including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological assessments. I also trained in vascular and breast examinations, as well as the systematic A–E assessment (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure). In addition, I gained hands-on experience in measuring vital signs, practising phlebotomy techniques using different methods, and maintaining the highest standards of hand hygiene and safety at every step.
From a surgical perspective, the Summer School provided me with a solid foundation in practical skills. I was trained in basic laparoscopic skills, hand-tying, and subcuticular suturing such as the Aberdeen knot. I also practised excision and closure of skin lesions and became familiar with different suturing techniques, including vertical and horizontal mattress sutures and buried dermal sutures. These experiences increased my confidence in handling both basic and advanced surgical procedures, while deepening my understanding of wound healing and safe surgical practice.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the programme was my clinical placement at John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford. I joined the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, where I received exceptional guidance and support from consultants and doctors. I engaged in case discussions, developed my clinical reasoning skills, and learned how to formulate effective management plans. I also gained insight into the importance of maintaining a clinical logbook for reflection and tracking academic and professional growth.
Practically, I had the chance to observe diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, learn about the role of radiology in endoscopic procedures, and understand the application of Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) in managing gastrointestinal bleeding. Furthermore, I gained deeper knowledge of ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) in diagnosing and managing biliary obstructions. These experiences not only improved my technical understanding but also highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in managing complex cases such as chronic liver disease and gastrointestinal cancers.
Beyond the academic and clinical exposure, the programme enriched me on a personal level through networking and cultural exchange. I met students and doctors from all over the world, which broadened my academic and cultural horizons. Meeting fellow Palestinian students from the West Bank was especially meaningful, as this opportunity allowed me to connect with peers I would not have been able to meet otherwise. These professional and human connections will serve as a foundation for future collaborations and knowledge exchange.
The city of Oxford itself was an endless source of inspiration. I was truly impressed by its breathtaking beauty, its long-standing academic tradition, and its vibrant atmosphere that combines history with innovation. Simply walking through its historic streets and feeling the presence of knowledge in every corner was enough to ignite within me a stronger drive for excellence and ambition. I left Oxford carrying not only knowledge but also the dream of a brighter future.
This experience was not just a training course, but a life-changing journey—a journey that combined knowledge and skills, human connections, and academic inspiration. I would like to renew my deep gratitude to The Hanoon Foundation for their generous support, which made this opportunity possible. What I have gained here will remain a cornerstone in my medical journey and a strong motivation to continue seeking greater opportunities, whether through electives, clinical training, or future research.
I sincerely hope that this support will continue in the future, enabling me to participate in additional courses and training programmes that will further enhance my skills and allow me to contribute more effectively to my community and to the advancement of medicine in Palestine.
Omar, a medical student from Al-Quds University, completed his pediatric elective in Dearborn, Michigan, USA. During his rotation, he gained hands-on experience in patient care, physical examinations, history taking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, while becoming familiar with electronic medical records and the American healthcare system. This experience strengthened his clinical skills, diagnostic reasoning, and patient-centered approach, preparing him to contribute to pediatric care and medical education in Palestine.
“This elective has expanded my clinical perspective and deepened my commitment to improving pediatric healthcare for children in Palestine.”
Check the photos and testimonial below.
I was able to conduct many physical examinations and history taking. I also observed many cases in the paediatric population over the course of the month of August. The doctor was an amazing help to me in the medical field. She gave me full responsibility for caring for the patients under her supervision. I observed and participated in patient care under the supervision of experienced physicians. I gained hands-on exposure to the American healthcare system, familiarised myself with electronic medical records (EMRs), and developed clinical reasoning, patient communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills. This experience will help me reach my goal of finding a match in the US medical system.
This experience has strengthened my clinical acumen, sharpened my diagnostic approach, and broadened my perspective on patient-centred care. Exposure to diverse patient populations and a high standard of care has prepared me to thrive in a rigorous residency programme. It also taught me the value of teamwork, adaptability, and continuous learning, which are critical to excelling in medical training. The knowledge and skills I gained will allow me to contribute meaningfully to improving healthcare delivery in Palestine. By integrating global standards of care and quality improvement strategies, I hope to help bridge gaps in medical education and clinical practice. I hope to implement sustainable healthcare initiatives, mentor future physicians, and advocate for evidence-based, patient-focused care in under-resourced settings.
Being a paediatrician has been a goal for me for more than a year. Finding a residency and completing my education is a high priority for me, and this grant will help in doing that. I plan on returning to Palestine after my residency, opening a primary health-care clinic for children, and working in a reputable hospital in the West Bank. Many towns are lacking these kinds of clinics, and I am hoping to fill these gaps, however I can, in the near future. I expect you to help me in this endeavour, and I will be very grateful in turn, as will the future children of Palestine.
Furthermore, I hope to contribute to medical education by mentoring medical students and junior doctors, fostering a culture of evidence-based practice, and promoting continuous learning. I also aspire to be involved in public-health initiatives that address prevalent local health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health—areas that would benefit from preventive strategies and early intervention models similar to those I observed during my rotations. Additionally, the collaborative research and quality improvement work I participated in during my US training will inform future projects in Palestine, aimed at enhancing patient outcomes, promoting patient safety, and measuring the impact of interventions over time. I believe in building partnerships with international institutions to facilitate knowledge exchange and support capacity-building efforts in Palestinian hospitals and clinics.
Ultimately, I see my role as a future physician-leader who not only delivers excellent patient care but also advocates for a stronger, more resilient healthcare system in Palestine—one that is equitable, efficient, and empowered through global collaboration and local commitment.
