Gaza: One Years of Atrocities, held in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, were events like no other. Brother Ayman Abdelhady, Marketing Lead at Islamic Relief Australia, shares the journey of hope seen by our team in organising these events. And how they changed both our lives and the lives of those in need.

When I think back on the last few weeks, what strikes me most is the deep sense of unity and purpose that carried each one of us through “Gaza: One Year of Atrocities.”

These events weren’t just gatherings. They were the result of a community’s shared determination. To stand with our brothers and sisters in Gaza. To relieve them from suffering. And to give them hope.

Organising events across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane taught me something more profound than I could ever imagine. For the incredible impact of this mission didn’t just come with the result. But it was also felt within the tireless work done behind the scenes by the many people who made it possible.

I want to share with you, their stories. For they are the real heroes behind this journey of hope and relief.

The Long Nights in Sydney: A Lesson in Leadership and Resolve 

In Sydney, our team poured countless hours into making sure every detail was in place.  

I remember late nights with Ammar and Zainab fine-tuning seating arrangements, Yimen overseeing logistics down to the AV system, Nadya and Arif perfecting presentations, and Nour driving social media outreach, while I was stressing out about the documentary (more to come on this later, continue reading).

Even on her holiday, Maie was making donor calls, while Meilina, Fatima, and Fartun worked tirelessly behind the scenes to boost ticket sales.  

Leading us through it all was our CEO, Samir Bennegadi, whose vision never faltered. Samir’s unwavering commitment, boundless energy, and a profound sense of purpose lifted each of us. He constantly reminded us that our efforts were more than tasks—they were a lifeline for Gaza.  

Nour Ahmed shared, “His words, resilience, and attention to detail made a deep impression on me.”  

Samir didn’t just oversee the events. He inspired every one of us to strive for more. To see our work as not only a duty, but a calling. And for that, I am grateful to work alongside a leader who embodies such dedication and purpose. 

Bringing Gaza’s Reality to Life: Bilal’s Masterpiece 

It’s hard to describe the impact of seeing Gaza’s struggles on screen, brought to life by the hearts and minds of Bilal Abdelwahed, Faraz Nomani, and Peter Pham.  

Bilal was the main man in charge of crafting One Year of Atrocities – a documentary meant to capture Gaza’s reality from perspectives rarely seen. Through his brilliant directing and video editing, he shared stories of families from Gaza, the doctors who bravely treat them, and community leaders who continue to offer hope amidst unimaginable hardship.  

Samir, our CEO, summed it up best when he said, “People were glued to the screen.”  

Watching the audience’s eyes fill with emotion, I realised that Bilal’s work was more than a documentary. “It was a bridge connecting people’s hearts with Gaza,” says Ayman Abdelhady 

His creativity and dedication made this story unforgettable. And it left an unerasable mark on every person who watched it. 

Something we also wanted our online audience to experience too, right HERE, on our website.

A Doctor’s Courage: Honouring the Medical Heroes 

Gaza’s need for medical support is urgent. That urgency was echoed in the words and presence of the incredible Dr. Jamal, Dr. Bushra, and Dr. Mostafa.  

These doctors have served on the front lines in Gaza through our partner, PANZMA, and the stories they shared brought home the true cost of conflict. Dr. Jamal recounted a moment when he wished for his patient’s release from suffering — a stark, heartbreaking reality.  

Hearing them speak, I was moved by their resilience and selflessness. It reminded me that these doctors are more than healthcare providers. They are heroes, embodying compassion in the face of unimaginable pain.  

They’ve shown us what it means to serve, and their presence at the events was a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of our mission. 

Melbourne’s Celebration of Unity: A Community in Harmony 

When Dr. Mohamed Taha and the Melbourne team, Horia, Rahat, and Rabaa, gathered a diverse crowd from all corners of the city, I saw a community united by compassion.  

Dr. Taha’s dedication was instrumental in creating an event that transcended barriers, bringing together people from all walks of life. The atmosphere in Melbourne was truly something special. It was as if every person felt they were part of something much greater than themselves.  

Seeing so many people come together, bound by a common purpose, made me proud to be part of a community that stands in solidarity with Gaza. Melbourne’s event was more than just a gathering – it was a celebration of unity and humanity. One that strived to give as much support as they could, to relieve our brothers and sisters from their suffering.  

The Brisbane Miracle: A 5-Star Event in Record Time 

In Brisbane, Samim, Asif, and Shayma worked with limited time and boundless commitment, transforming their vision into reality. With every detail handled meticulously — from logistics to catering, from speakers to partnerships — they created a five-star event that honoured Gaza’s story and inspired every attendee.  

The entire event felt seamless, and the community’s warmth and generosity filled the room. What they accomplished in such a short period showed me that true excellence isn’t in the time you have, but the heart you put into it. 

The Unseen Heroes: Volunteers Who Made It Happen

Behind every moment of these events were the selfless efforts of our volunteers. The hidden soldiers – Omar, Firman, and countless others who stepped in to support us.  

They worked tirelessly, setting up venues, coordinating with partners, assisting guests, and handling every little detail that brought the events to life. Without them, none of this would have been possible. Their commitment to the cause – their willingness to work without recognition – is something that continues to inspire me.  

To each volunteer who stood by us, thank you. You are the backbone of our mission, and your dedication has left a lasting impact. 

A Final Reflection

Reflecting on these moments, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Each person, from staff to volunteers, from doctors to community members, came together to make these events more than just gatherings. They became symbols of hope and resilience. Testaments to what we can achieve when we unite for a common purpose. 

This journey has shown me that even in times of darkness, there is light. And we find that light in the people who serve, give, and believe in a better future for Gaza.  

Thank you to everyone who stood with us, worked alongside us, and made these events possible. Together, we have sent a powerful message: our brothers and sisters in Gaza are not alone. 

“Organising events across three states is no small feat, and challenges were bound to arise. But watching our leaders in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane tackle each issue seamlessly was truly inspiring. With their solutions-oriented mindset, they turned potential obstacles into smooth transitions, making it all look effortless.  

This wasn’t just about problem-solving. It was a testament to the dedication and adaptability of every team member involved. They showed that, with the right mindset, even the toughest challenges can be overcome in seconds. And they are the ones who allowed our mission to remain strong and unwavering across all three cities.”