2024 through the eyes of Dr Imtiaz Sooliman of Gift of the Givers
Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imitiaz Sooliman shares his thoughts on the fall of Damascus and attacks against his credibility.
Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman. Picture: Facebook/GiftoftheGivers
Lester Kiewit speaks to Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, to get his perspective on the year's local and international events.
Listen below.
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Sooliman has been at the forefront of global and local humanitarian efforts for decades.
As 2024 draws to a close, he reflects on the organisation’s milestones and challenges over the past year.
From responding to natural disasters to addressing critical issues such as food insecurity and healthcare access, Gift of the Givers has remained a beacon of hope for countless communities.
With wisdom gained from years of experience, Sooliman says his work is a spiritual calling and that he gets through tough times with 'a lot of prayer'.
"For 32 years doing what I do, you reach a stage where you become very resilient. Challenges and difficulties become a normal part of your life every single day. Because this is a spiritual calling, there is a lot of prayer."
- Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder - Gift of the Givers
Sooliman shares his thoughts on the recent fall of Damascus which saw now-former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia following 13 years of civil war and 60 years of his family's rule.
"It just expands our reach inside Syria. We are not welcome on Assad's side because we called him out for what he was 12 years ago."
- Dr Imitiaz Sooliman, Founder - Gift of the Givers
"We set up in the North and we have a fantastic relationship with all the communities... So that extension now, with the hospital services in North Syria, we can now move to other parts of the country quite freely."
- Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder - Gift of the Givers
Last month, Sooliman was subject to attacks against his credibility with several organisations accusing him of funding terrorism.
Musician 'The Kiffness', real name David Scott, added his voice to criticism of Sooliman, writing on X:
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. Dr Sooliman is a radical Islamist under the guise of a humanitarian and Gift of the Givers is the front for a far more sinister agenda."
Sooliman says he has chosen not to respond publically.
"I've ignored it, to be honest. I never made a press statement because it's so ridiculous."
- Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder - Gift of the Givers
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