Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish received his elementary, preparatory and secondary educations in the refugee camp school system in Jabalia, Gaza. As a child and as an adult, he and his family endured the dismal and severely impoverished conditions of the refugee camp, as well as the constant humiliation and inhumanity of the siege and its associated checkpoints and travel restrictions.

At all times, Dr. Abuelaish strived to maintain a balanced and positive perspective toward his experiences and the Israeli people, knowing that the latter are not representative of the sentiments that fuel one of the world’s longest conflicts and the conflict that threatens overall world security.

Excerpts from a Mindful Conversation with Salimah Kassim-Lakha, founder and director of YogaVision, by writer Saima S. Hussain

Shireen Ahmed is a writer, public speaker and Sports Activist focusing on Muslim women in Sports. She is an athlete, advocate, community organizer, and works with Youth of Colour on empowerment projects and is an avid sports coach and mentor. She is a regular contributor to Muslimah Media Watch, a Global Sports Correspondent for Safe World For Women and works on the Muslim Women in Sports website.

Samra Zafar is a Commercial Account Manager at RBC Royal Bank. She is the award recipient of multiple awards and a graduate of the University of Toronto, a Public Speaker, an upcoming Author, and the Founder of Brave Beginnings, an organization dedicated to helping women find personalized mentorship, friendship and support to rebuild their lives after oppression and abuse.

Shoaib Khan and Asif Saleh are fitness entrepreneurs from Mississauga. As you see can see from this picture, they are “lifting it up!” with “Because I Lift”. Check out their website for their videos, their merchandise and great tips on how to “keep fit and keep lifting”!

Sudduf Wyne is a the owner of Salam Shop Lifestyle Boutique for Muslims. Prior to starting her business, Sudduf worked as an Engineer for government and in tech/ start up companies in management level positions. Sudduf has an Materials Engineering degree from McMaster University and an MBA from Richard Ivey School of Business.

Vajid Khan is the current chairperson of the Muslim Medical Association of Canada. Vajid is a radiologist and assistant professor at St. Joseph’s Health Care at Western University. He grew up in Ottawa and has trained in every major city in Ontario. This has allowed him the pleasure of meeting many talented and diverse Muslims over his training. He is very passionate about building the Muslim community and envisions MMAC playing a critical role in helping our Ummah come together with the help of the people he has met just like yourselves.

Zehra Abbas is the Founder and President of YTGA (Youth Troopers for Global Awareness), a youth-led non-profit organization mobilizing and empowering young people for domestic and international social justice through campaigns, workshops and the arts. Zehra and the YTGA team launched a social enterprise in Mississauga called Studio.89, comprised of a fair-trade cafe, artademic resource centre, and community space. The cafe encourages ethical and healthy consumerism while hosting numerous community events and initiatives. The artademic centre offers arts, academic and lifestyle workshops as well as free resources and entrepreneurial opportunities. Zehra and her team have combined their multi-faceted talents to create the unique and dynamic Studio.89 model which facilitates both local and global action.

Interview with Fatma Nurmohamed, director of operations for Modah.

Haris Khan is an award winning (CBC Future 40) comedian, he has quickly become one of Saskatchewan’s most popular comedians. Within five short years he has become known for two things: his ethnically diverse humour, and for his charitable works.