Teaneck, NJ — November 22, 2025 — The United Holy Land Fund (UHLF) held its annual fundraising event to support Palestinian students pursuing higher education at universities across the West Bank and Gaza. This year's 57th Annual Student Sponsorship Fundraising Event, held at the Marriott in Teaneck, New Jersey, under the theme “Hope Through Education,” continued its tradition of empowering students and investing in their futures.
The evening started with Dr. Sharif Said, a National Board Member, speaking on behalf of the UHLF New Jersey Chapter. He highlighted the organization’s achievements over the past year, including sponsoring 1,000 university students and 1,000 orphans, delivering 1,000 tents to families affected in Gaza, distributing winter clothing and blankets, providing 1,500 food parcels, offering urgent medical aid, and supporting the graduation of nearly 200 medical students. Dr. Said stressed how these accomplishments reflect the organization’s commitment to improving the lives of Palestinian youth and families.
He was followed by Mayor Andre Sayegh of Paterson, who expressed pride in his Palestinian heritage and acknowledged the strong support that Paterson’s community provides to Palestinians. Mr. Sameer Tuffaha, President of UHLF, then addressed the audience, emphasizing UHLF's long-standing mission to expand educational opportunities and provide care for vulnerable families. The program concluded with Dr. Riyad Mansour, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, who ended his speech, saying:
“The kids going to school deserve help from everyone. We are proud Palestinians. You are helping, and you need to help more.”
The event was hosted by Amer Zahr, serving as Master of Ceremonies. A powerful video was presented, highlighting the challenges students in Gaza face as they continue their education amid conflict and destruction. This video set the stage for the fundraising segment, which received strong engagement and generous support from attendees. Later in the evening, Interim Executive Director Dr. Nader Alghoul introduced Mr. Mohammad Aburmishan, the Executive Director, who was formally honored for his decades of dedication and service to UHLF. His recognition was a heartfelt moment for the community. The Palestinian American Community Center (PACC) was also acknowledged for its outstanding partnership.
The United Holy Land Fund is a charitable, humanitarian, non-political, tax-exempt organization operating in accordance with federal and state laws, serving Palestinians in the homeland and refugee camps. Its vision is to care for and educate orphans and those in need in Palestine while building a strong, productive, and peace-loving society. UHLF empowers Palestinians to become self-reliant by supporting local educational, health, social, and economic institutions. Its programs include providing scholarships to university students, sponsoring orphans, and funding emergency relief and development projects, including food, medical aid, and community-building initiatives.
Through this event and its ongoing programs, UHLF continues to make a lasting impact on Palestinian communities, opening doors for education, supporting families in need, and fostering hope for future generations.
United Holy Land Fund Successfully Launches its 57th Annual Student Sponsorship Fundraising Event
UHLF Celebrates a Successful 57th Annual Gala
The United Holy Land Fund (UHLF) proudly celebrated its 57th Annual Gala, an inspiring evening that brought together supporters, community leaders, and friends in a shared commitment to empowering students and families in Palestine through education.
The event was a resounding success, highlighting UHLF’s enduring mission as the oldest Palestinian-American humanitarian organization in the United States. Guests enjoyed an evening of heartfelt speeches, moving stories, and renewed dedication to the power of education and opportunity.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all our generous donors, sponsors, and dedicated volunteers whose unwavering support made this event possible. Your contributions continue to transform lives and sustain hope for a brighter future.
Together, we are building opportunity through education—one student, one family, one future at a time.
Urgent Food Drive Appeal for Gaza – A Call for Solidarity and Action
Dear Partners in Humanity,
As we continue to witness the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, countless families are being pushed into starvation. Amid a televised genocide of unprecedented scale, children, the elderly, and entire communities are struggling to obtain the most basic necessities for survival. Widespread food shortages and soaring levels of malnutrition demand our immediate and unwavering response.
The scale of suffering is overwhelming. Every moment of inaction puts more innocent lives at risk. The need for urgent, united action has never been greater.
In light of this grave crisis, I write to you with a heartfelt appeal: join us —whether independently or in partnership with the United Holy Land Fund (UHLF) and its trusted allies, including Palestinian American Medical Association (PAMA), Palestinian Red Crescent (PRC), and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Together, we can channel our collective strength into meaningful relief and offer a lifeline to those enduring unimaginable hardship.
Let us answer this call—not only as a humanitarian duty, but as a reflection of our shared humanity, conscience, and moral responsibility.
Please give generously: https://www.uhlf.org/donate
Sincerely,
Sameer Tuffaha
President
Majeda Owaida Concludes 17 Years of Service at UHLF
The United Holy Land Fund (UHLF) announces the departure of Majeda Owaida, who will conclude her role as Assistant to the Executive Director by July 31, 2025. Majeda has been an integral part of the UHLF family for the past 17 years, contributing tirelessly to the organization's mission of supporting students, orphans, and vulnerable communities in Palestine.
Throughout her tenure, Majeda's dedication, compassion, and professionalism have made her a cornerstone of our operations and a trusted figure to staff, partners, and donors alike. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on our work and our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Majeda for her years of exemplary service and wish her continued success and fulfillment in her next chapter.
Dr. Nader Alghoul Appointed Interim Executive Director of UHLF
The United Holy Land Fund (UHLF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Nader Alghoul as Interim Executive Director, succeeding Mohammed Aburmishan by the end of 2025. Dr. Alghoul brings with him a deep commitment to UHLF's mission, having volunteered with the organization for over 16 years in various capacities. His long-standing involvement reflects a profound dedication to humanitarian service and an intimate understanding of the organization's values and community impact.
Dr. Alghoul holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Northern Illinois University, with a specialization in American government, legislative politics, and Middle Eastern affairs. Before embarking on his academic career, he worked for over two decades as a seasoned journalist, reporting from Gaza, the West Bank, and the United States for major international outlets, including Al Jazeera English, the BBC, and NBC News. His extensive experience in political analysis and storytelling enables him to communicate complex issues effectively and advocate for justice and human dignity.
A citizen of Gaza, Dr. Alghoul is deeply connected to the ongoing genocide and humanitarian catastrophe unfolding there. Like countless Palestinians, he has suffered tremendous personal loss during the war, including the deaths of several relatives and his beloved grandfather. His personal experience fuels his unwavering resolve to elevate the voices of the oppressed and to mobilize global support for Palestinians facing starvation, displacement, and destruction. His leadership brings both moral clarity and lived authenticity to UHLF's mission during a time of urgent need.
As Interim Executive Director, Dr. Alghoul is committed to leading UHLF into a new chapter, modernizing its infrastructure, expanding donor engagement, and embracing the digital tools of the 21st century. With a strategic vision rooted in transparency, equity, and innovation, he aims to strengthen the organization's capacity to serve those in need, amplify its advocacy, and inspire a new generation of supporters and partners. His combination of scholarly expertise, journalistic integrity, and grassroots activism makes him uniquely positioned to guide UHLF forward in these critical times.