Our team

The people behind FAJR Global

FAJR Global is led by its co-founders, Dr. Khaled J. Saleh and Dr. Mosab Nasser, with a Board of Directors and an Executive Leadership Team, and carried by teams in Gaza, Jordan, Egypt, the West Bank and North America.

7 board members5 executive leaders45 team members

The FAJR Global volunteer team
The FAJR Global volunteer team

Co-founders

FAJR Founders

Portrait of Dr. Khaled J. Saleh

Dr. Khaled J. Saleh

M.D., M.P.H., F.R.C.S.C., M.H.C.M., C.P.E.

Co-Founder & Board Chairman

10,000+ complex proceduresNearly 400 peer-reviewed publications50+ international awards

Dr. Saleh is a world-renowned orthopedic surgeon, academic, and global health leader whose career is defined by a mission to heal, teach, and serve. With nearly 400 peer-reviewed publications, six medical textbooks, and keynote lectures across the world, he has trained hundreds of physicians and advanced orthopedic care worldwide.

Read full bioof Dr. Khaled J. Saleh

Dr. Saleh is a world-renowned orthopedic surgeon, academic, and global health leader whose career is defined by a mission to heal, teach, and serve. With nearly 400 peer-reviewed publications, six medical textbooks, and keynote lectures across the world, he has trained hundreds of physicians and advanced orthopedic care worldwide.

Having performed over 10,000 complex procedures and developed next-generation hip and knee replacement systems, Dr. Saleh holds numerous patents that have redefined surgical standards and improved outcomes globally. Honored with more than 50 awards, including recognition from the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, his impact extends far beyond the operating room. In underserved regions and crisis zones, Dr. Saleh's work reflects his belief that every person, regardless of circumstance, deserves dignity, excellence, and hope through compassionate medical care.

Dr. Saleh on Wikipedia(opens in a new tab)

Portrait of Dr. Mosab Nasser

Dr. Mosab Nasser

Ph.D.

Co-Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer

Geophysicist turned humanitarianTwo decades leading global projectsArchitect of FAJR's integrated model

Dr. Nasser is a distinguished geophysicist and humanitarian leader whose career spans from working on multi-billion-dollar energy projects to pioneering holistic healthcare initiatives for Gaza and beyond. After two decades in exploration and development geophysics, he redirected his expertise toward service, spearheading FAJR's medical missions, educational initiatives, humanitarian projects and mental health programs for communities around the world.

Read full bioof Dr. Mosab Nasser

Dr. Nasser is a distinguished geophysicist and humanitarian leader whose career spans from working on multi-billion-dollar energy projects to pioneering holistic healthcare initiatives for Gaza and beyond. After two decades in exploration and development geophysics, he redirected his expertise toward service, spearheading FAJR's medical missions, educational initiatives, humanitarian projects and mental health programs for communities around the world.

His leadership has transformed FAJR into a model of integrated humanitarian response, merging scientific precision with deep compassion and sense of purpose. Known for mobilizing networks of global leaders and policymakers, Dr. Nasser combines technical fluency with diplomatic acumen to position FAJR at the forefront of humanitarian innovation. His journey embodies how vision, expertise, and empathy can converge to create lasting global impact. Dr. Nasser's work continues to demonstrate that excellence in service and leadership can thrive even in the most challenging circumstances.

Governance

Board of Directors

Dr. Khaled J. Saleh

Dr. Khaled J. Saleh

M.D., M.P.H., F.R.C.S.C., M.H.C.M., C.P.E.

Co-Founder & Board Chairman

View bio

Dr. Saleh is a world-renowned orthopedic surgeon, academic, and global health leader whose career is defined by a mission to heal, teach, and serve. With nearly 400 peer-reviewed publications, six medical textbooks, and keynote lectures across the world, he has trained hundreds of physicians and advanced orthopedic care worldwide.

Having performed over 10,000 complex procedures and developed next-generation hip and knee replacement systems, Dr. Saleh holds numerous patents that have redefined surgical standards and improved outcomes globally. Honored with more than 50 awards, including recognition from the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, his impact extends far beyond the operating room. In underserved regions and crisis zones, Dr. Saleh's work reflects his belief that every person, regardless of circumstance, deserves dignity, excellence, and hope through compassionate medical care.

For more details about Dr. Saleh, please visit Wikipedia at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khaled_J._Saleh

Dr. Stephen Sonnenberg

Dr. Stephen Sonnenberg

Board Member

View bio

Stephen Sonnenberg is an American psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and educator whose career has focused on medical humanities and the psychological effects of war, violence, and trauma, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He is a professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School, holds the Paul B. Woodruff Professorship for Excellence in Undergraduate Studies, and is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Educated at Princeton University and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Sonnenberg trained in internal medicine and psychiatry before conducting research at the National Institute of Mental Health and completing psychoanalytic training at the Baltimore–Washington Institute for Psychoanalysis. His work has spanned clinical research, psychoanalysis, medical education, and the study of the psychological and social consequences of war. He testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on veterans’ mental health, co-edited The Trauma of War: Stress and Recovery in Viet Nam Veterans, and helped lead research examining the lasting psychological and social impact of the Vietnam era.

Since 2012, Sonnenberg has taught medical humanities and ethics at the University of Texas at Austin, where he has also played a leading role in developing interdisciplinary undergraduate education in the medical humanities. Across his clinical, scholarly, and educational work, he has sought to deepen understanding of how trauma, conflict, culture, and ethical experience shape both individual lives and the practice of medicine.

In addition to the University of Texas at Austin; he worked at Baylor College of Medicine; George Washington University and Uniformed Services University. He authored numerous publications and co-authored or co-edited six books with a seventh single authored book on the way. For more details about Dr. Sonnenberg, please visit Wikipedia at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Sonnenberg

Dr. Basir Tareen

Dr. Basir Tareen

M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Member

View bio

Dr. Basir Tareen is a fellowship-trained urologic oncologist who has dedicated his career to providing compassionate, high-quality care to patients with urologic cancers and complex urologic conditions. Raised in rural North Dakota, he was inspired by his father, who served as the only surgeon in Pembina County and demonstrated the profound impact that access to medical care can have on individuals, families, and communities.

Throughout his career, Dr. Tareen has combined clinical excellence with a passion for service, participating in international medical missions and supporting efforts to expand healthcare access in underserved regions around the world. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Tareen serves as Chair of Tareen Dermatology, one of the largest independent dermatology practices in the Midwest, and is the founder of Tareen Development Partners, a real estate development company focused on creating thriving communities through housing, healthcare, and commercial development. He lives in Minnesota with his wife, Dr. Mohiba Tareen, and their five children.

Attorney Cari Stinebower

Attorney Cari Stinebower

Board Member

View bio

Cari Stinebower is a former U.S. Department of the Treasury / Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) attorney-advisor who counsels multinational companies, financial institutions, and other clients on economic sanctions, national security, anti-money laundering, and anti-corruption compliance and enforcement matters. With more than 25 years of government and private practice experience, she helps clients manage regulatory risk where U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives intersect with cross-border business.

Cari counsels clients on compliance with U.S. economic sanctions administered by OFAC, the Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering laws and regulations, export controls, and anti-bribery and anti-corruption regimes. Her work includes designing and enhancing global compliance programs, conducting sanctions and AML risk assessments, leading internal and external investigations, and representing clients in enforcement actions before U.S. and non-U.S. authorities.

Dr. Hussein Elkousy

Dr. Hussein Elkousy

M.D., B.C.O.S.

Board Member

View bio

Dr. Hussein Elkousy, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and knee sports medicine, complex joint reconstruction, and advanced arthroscopic techniques. He completed his medical degree, internship, and orthopedic residency at Duke University, followed by a prestigious Sports Medicine and Shoulder Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

A recognized leader in clinical research, academic medicine, and orthopedic administration, Dr. Elkousy has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, textbooks, and book chapters. He has served in prominent leadership roles, including President of Fondren Orthopedic Group and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Texas Orthopedic Hospital. Throughout his career, Dr. Elkousy has provided elite sports coverage for collegiate and professional teams, most notably as former team physician for the Houston Rockets, and remains dedicated to international medical relief efforts and advancing orthopedic patient care through clinical innovation.

Attorney Dainia Jabaji

Attorney Dainia Jabaji

Board Member

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Dainia Jabaji is an attorney with extensive experience in legal advocacy and compliance counseling in international trade matters, with a focus on U.S. economic sanctions and financial crimes compliance. Throughout her career, she has advised clients in connection with complex legal matters while demonstrating a strong commitment to ethical leadership and public service.

Dainia brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to governance and decision-making, focusing on advancing organizational goals and strengthening stakeholder relationships in a manner that is sustainable, compliant, and considerate of varied priorities. She is passionate about supporting initiatives that create meaningful impact and foster long-term growth, particularly in matters involving complex international collaboration, the humanities, and underserved communities and populations.

Dr. Mohamad Moussa

Dr. Mohamad Moussa

M.D., B.C.O.S.

Board Member

View bio

Dr. Mohamad Moussa is a board-certified, Harvard-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement. He is well-published and serves as an examiner for the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons. Dr. Moussa has been involved with FAJR for several years, serving on surgical missions to Gaza, the West Bank, and Pakistan.

His dedication to advancing orthopedic care in underserved and conflict-affected regions exemplifies FAJR's mission of delivering hope, healing, and sustainable healthcare solutions to vulnerable communities worldwide. Dr. Moussa's academic credentials, surgical expertise, and humanitarian commitment make him an invaluable asset to FAJR's global medical operations.

CMS list: board

Management

Executive Leadership Team

Dr. Mosab Nasser

Dr. Mosab Nasser

Ph.D.

Co-Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer

View bio

Dr. Nasser is a distinguished geophysicist and humanitarian leader whose career spans from working on multi-billion-dollar energy projects to pioneering holistic healthcare initiatives for Gaza and beyond. After two decades in exploration and development geophysics, he redirected his expertise toward service, spearheading FAJR's medical missions, educational initiatives, humanitarian projects and mental health programs for communities around the world.

His leadership has transformed FAJR into a model of integrated humanitarian response, merging scientific precision with deep compassion and sense of purpose. Known for mobilizing networks of global leaders and policymakers, Dr. Nasser combines technical fluency with diplomatic acumen to position FAJR at the forefront of humanitarian innovation. His journey embodies how vision, expertise, and empathy can converge to create lasting global impact. Dr. Nasser's work continues to demonstrate that excellence in service and leadership can thrive even in the most challenging circumstances.

Dr. Osaama H. Khan

Dr. Osaama H. Khan

M.D., F.R.C.S.C.

Associate Chief Medical Officer

View bio

Dr. Osaama H. Khan is a board-certified, fellowship-trained academic brain tumor surgeon in the USA. He was born and raised in Canada and completed fellowship training in Miami before settling in Chicago. Dr. Khan has one of the largest brain tumor practices in Illinois and is recognized in organized neurosurgery for contributions to brain tumor biomarkers and complex and minimally invasive approaches to the skull base.

He has been with FAJR since 2024 and assumed the role of Associate Chief Medical Officer in 2026. Dr. Khan brings extensive experience in medical education and healthcare program development, with a strong commitment to advancing the education and professional growth of healthcare professionals. Recently he has dedicated his time with FAJR to developing comprehensive cancer care solutions for patients in Gaza.

Dr. Sonia Vasdev

Dr. Sonia Vasdev

MD, DHA, MPH, MPA

Medical Team Chief of Staff

View bio

Dr. Sonia Vasdev is a physician and healthcare executive dedicated to advancing equitable access to high-quality care for vulnerable and underserved communities. As Medical Team Chief of Staff at FAJR Global, she helps lead the planning and development of medical missions, international clinical partnerships, research initiatives, and sustainable healthcare programs.

With expertise in healthcare strategy, population health, clinical operations, and organizational leadership, Dr. Vasdev works to build collaborative systems that connect healthcare professionals, academic institutions, and community partners. Her work at FAJR Global reflects a commitment to compassionate service, strong clinical partnerships, and creating sustainable impact beyond individual medical missions.

Iyad Abu Safya

Iyad Abu Safya

Regional Operational Director (MENA)

View bio

Iyad Abu Safya is a seasoned organizational leader with over 20 years of experience spanning the private sector, government institutions, and humanitarian NGOs across the MENA region. Holding an MBA and an engineering background, he built his professional foundation through 13 years at Paltel, where he led commercial management, marketing, sales, and field operations at scale. He has since expanded his expertise to encompass HR leadership, organizational development, and humanitarian program management, including project cycle management, donor compliance, and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programming in crisis-affected communities in Gaza.

At FAJR Global, Iyad serves as Regional Operations Director for the MENA region, where he leads the design and institutionalization of operational systems that strengthen the effectiveness and reach of FAJR’s humanitarian, medical, and educational programs. He brings together corporate rigor and field-level humanitarian practice, and plays a central role in FAJR’s mission to deliver world-class care to those most in need.

Samy Ali-Khodja

Samy Ali-Khodja

Operations Manager, North America

View bio

Samy Ali-Khodja is an experienced technology and operations leader with more than 15 years of expertise in IT infrastructure, service delivery, cloud services, systems administration, and organizational operations. His career has included leadership roles supporting complex technology environments and managing technical support teams across multiple locations.

In addition to his technology career, Samy serves as U.S. Operations Manager for FAJR Global, where he supports organizational operations, technology and data coordination, process improvement, policy management, reporting, and humanitarian program infrastructure. He has played a key role in strengthening FAJR’s digital environment, improving document governance, developing approval processes, and enhancing systems that support teams operating across the United States and internationally.

Throughout his career, Samy has combined technical expertise with a strong focus on service, collaboration, and practical problem-solving. His experience spans cloud services, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, IT service management, automation, data governance, and organizational technology strategy. He brings a strong commitment to using technology and operational excellence to help mission-driven organizations work more efficiently and serve communities more effectively.

Dr. Mariam Aboukar

Dr. Mariam Aboukar

D.O.

Chief of Mental Health

View bio

Dr. Mariam Aboukar is a Harvard-trained physician, board-certified psychiatrist and humanitarian mental health leader. She specializes in trauma-informed care, global mental health and health systems development in humanitarian settings. Her fellowships include Cambridge Health Alliance, which is affiliated with Harvard Medical School, and Boston Children's Hospital. She also trained through the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma. She previously served as an attending psychiatrist at Yale New Haven Health, with experience in academic medicine, interdisciplinary care and psychiatric service delivery.

As Chief of Mental Health at FAJR Global, Dr. Aboukar provides strategic and clinical leadership for evidence-based mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programs serving conflict-affected and displaced populations. Her work includes large-scale population mental health research, school-based interventions, psychiatric program development and international medical coordination. She focuses on turning research into culturally responsive models of care that can scale, strengthen local health systems and widen access to essential mental health services.

She works to bring mental health into humanitarian response, build local capacity and make care equitable and sustainable for communities affected by conflict and displacement.

CMS list: leadership

Team directory

Our teams

The people who carry FAJR’s missions day to day, from logistics and case management to medical coordination, media, finance and grants.

Office of the President & CEO

2 people

Dr. Mosab Nasser

President and Chief Executive Officer

Also:

Sadien Hirzallah

Executive Assistant to the CEO

Also:

CMS list: office-of-the-president-ceo

Human Resources

1 person

Fatima Abdul Hafiz

HR Lead

Also:

CMS list: people-hr

Regional Operations (MENA)

18 people

Iyad Abu Safya

Regional Operational Director (MENA)

Also:
Regional Director, Egypt (Acting)
Regional

Rabah Khaled Rabah Nasser

Regional Logistics Manager

Also:
Logistics Officer (Acting), Gaza
Regional

Wafa Miled

EMR, Data Management and Digital Systems Specialist

Also:
North America Operations & IT
Regional

Ali Abu Mallouh

Field Monitor, Jordan

Also:
Regional

Anas Shembari

Operations Manager, Gaza

Also:
Gaza

Mohammed Khaled Rabah Nasser

Logistics Officer Assistant (Acting)

Also:
Gaza

Ahmed Abu Jarad

Logistics and Transportation Assistant

Also:
Gaza

Hamza Mohammed Al-Shambari

Photographer, Gaza

Also:
Photographer (Acting), Jordan
Gaza

Sohib Zoubi

Operations Manager, Jordan

Also:
Jordan

Yaseen Alzayed

Logistics Officer, MedEvac Jordan

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Jordan

Nisreen Tayeh

Clinical Support and Medical Logistics

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Jordan

Islam Alruod

Accommodation and Beneficiary Services Officer

Also:
Jordan

Ala Awad

Warehouse, Maintenance and Operational Services Officer

Also:
Jordan

Salah Ibrahim

Logistics Officer, Egypt

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Egypt

Mohannad Younis

Admin and Logistics Officer, Egypt

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Egypt

Mohammed Abu Sa'adeh

Education Officer

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Egypt

Riham Gamal

Assistant Education Officer

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Egypt

Mohammed Abusultan

Photographer, Egypt

Also:
Egypt

CMS list: regional-operations-mena

Medical Team

10 people

Dr. Sonia Vasdev

Medical Team Chief of Staff

Also:

Dr. Mohammad AlQisie

Medical Coordinator, Jordan

Also:
Medical coordination

Reem Suleiman Jaber Abu Kashef

Medical Case Manager, Jordan

Also:
Medical coordination

Noor Alsarabi

Medical Case Manager, Jordan

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Medical coordination

Sarah El-Kahlout

Medical Coordinator Assistant

Also:
Medical coordination

Belal Othman

Medical Coordinator, Egypt

Also:
Medical coordination

Hadil Zaqout

Medical Case Manager, Egypt

Also:
Medical coordination

Abd Al-Karim Sammour

Medical Coordinator, Gaza

Also:
Medical coordination

Olfa Bakouch

Mission Coordinator

Also:
Medical coordination

Dr. Mariam Aboukar

Chief of Mental Health

Also:

Elias Nasser

Medical Education Lead

Also:
Medical education

CMS list: medical-team

Office of the Chief Medical Officer

1 person

Dr. Osaama H. Khan

Associate Chief Medical Officer

Also:

CMS list: office-of-the-chief-medical-officer

North America Operations & IT

3 people

Samy Ali-Khodja

Operations Manager, North America

Also:

Mohammad Al Najjar

IT Lead

Also:

Omar Almassri

Web Developer

Also:

CMS list: north-america-operations-it

Media

5 people

Hana Hamada

Media Coordinator

Also:
Media Coordinator (Acting), Gaza

Maha Younis

Media Lead, Egypt

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Jordan Media Lead (Acting)

Dalal Badran

Social Media Lead

Also:

Rami Shembari

Multimedia Lead

Also:

Hazem Rajab

Graphic Designer, Egypt

Also:

CMS list: media

Finance

3 people

Amna Salman

Accounting and Finance Lead, U.S.

Also:

Yazan Tahboub

Finance Lead, Jordan

Also:

Mohammed Ghazal

Accountant, Gaza

Also:

CMS list: finance

Grants

2 people

Doaa Abdelrahman

Grants Lead

Also:
MedEvac Patient Coordinator

Roseanna Al-Nashaar

Field Operations Lead

Also:

CMS list: grants

A young girl holding a rose, sitting with a FAJR surgeon in scrubs

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Give to the work these teams carry

Every FAJR campaign is Zakat-eligible. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.