Iftar with The Hanoon Foundation
An Evening of Solidarity and Support
Thank you for joining us on Sunday, 1 March 2026, at Grilandia Mayfair Restaurant for Iftar. It was a wonderful evening filled with solidarity and support. We were deeply moved by your generosity and would greatly welcome your feedback.
As Ramadan is a time of unity and giving, the evening began with a warm welcome, followed by the Athan as guests broke their fast. The event then highlighted the challenges currently faced by Palestinian medical students and the healthcare system.
The Hanoon Foundation remains committed to supporting Palestinian medical students in need, with a particular focus during this event on students who have lost their breadwinners due to the war.
The event was fully booked, and we are very grateful for the support shown by everyone who attended. The evening was also covered by Arab London, and we thank them for their continued support.
Your generosity plays a vital role in easing the financial burden on students, helping them continue their education and contribute to the future of Palestine’s healthcare system.
If you were unable to attend but would still like to support our work, donations are welcome via the link below.
During the evening, the Chairman, Dr Ahmed Massoud, presented the organisation’s ongoing programmes and highlighted its achievements in supporting medical education in Palestine.We were honoured to welcome H.E. Dr Husam Zomlot to the event and appreciate his presence and support.
Dr Othman Al-Agha, a junior doctor from Gaza and a sponsored teaching fellow, shared his experience and highlighted the difficulties and aspirations of medical students.
Testimonies
Dr Othman also conveyed testimonies from supported orphaned students in Gaza who lost their breadwinners but continue to fight for their education:
Yara, (5th-year medical student, Islamic University of Gaza):
“The scholarship provided a lifeline I desperately needed. Thanks to your support, I was able to register for my fourth year and successfully move into my fifth year of medical school. This scholarship gave me the hope and the means to continue when everything else seemed to be falling apart.”
Mohammed (medical graduate, Islamic University of Gaza):
“The Hanoon generous support came at a critical time in my life. After the passing of my father, I found myself struggling to continue my studies without the support system I relied on. Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and belief in students like me. Your support has made a lasting difference, and I hope one day to give back to my community with the same spirit of care and humanity you showed me.”
Shatha (final year medical student, Islamic University of Gaza)
“Receiving the scholarship last year was more than financial support to me — it was reassurance. Because of this support, I was able to stay focused on my studies with more calm, motivation, and hope for what is ahead. I am truly thankful for this opportunity and for being part of something that carries meaning beyond numbers.”
The evening concluded with a live musical performance by Ms Julia Katarina, who played the oud and sang traditional songs, bringing the event to a warm and memorable close.
In addition, we hosted a small sales table featuring organic Palestinian dates and Palestine Cola generously donated by Yaffa; handmade candles by chachoulie; ceramic plates kindly provided by Arrihla and Eastern Adornment; shatta (chilli sauce) by Fil; and handmade Palestinian embroidery generously donated by Mrs Dalia Rishani and Mrs Sarah El-Guindi.
Heartfelt thanks
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all our supporters who generously contributed to this event, whether through financial donations or by giving their time and effort to make the evening possible.Special thanks to Ms Rima Abboushi for her help with the decorations and the sales table. We are also grateful to our partners, speakers, and musician for their time and contribution, to the venue and staff for their warm hospitality, and to the businesses and individuals whose support helped make this event a success.
Thanks to your generosity, we raised over £10,000 on the night. If you were unable to donate during the event, you can still contribute via the link below.
Until we meet again, thank you for your continued support.
Wishing you a Ramadan Kareem and, in advance, Eid Mubarak.
May this blessed time bring you peace, joy, and countless blessings.
