ASA Board Members

  • Baha Abdallah - President

    Baha was born in Jerusalem, Palestine and raised in Sinjil. After he completed high school in Sinjil, he attended Al Najah University in Nablus for business and marketing. Unfortunately the conditions weren’t in his favor during the 2001 intifada, so he was unable to complete his degree during that time. He immigrated to the US at the end of 2001, residing in Alabama for 11 years before relocating to Tampa in 2012. Baha is a businessman, married, and the father of three children. Baha heard about the Sinjil association back in 2013, and while it didn’t succeed then, he never stopped thinking and dreaming about establishing ASA. With hard work and perseverance, his dream came true in 2024, and the association was established by him and his team. His mission for ASA is to build a cooperative bridge between sinjilawys in the United States and their counterparts in Palestine to grow the next generation’s love for Sinjil.

  • Jihad Qasem - Vice President

    Jihad, a proud graduate of UNCC with a major in Political Science, has called Tampa home since 1976, boasting 47 years of residency in the vibrant city. Currently retired, Jihad finds joy in sporting activities, particularly ping pong and pickleball.

    His mission is to unite the people of Sinjil by cultivating meaningful connections within the community. Jihad is deeply committed to ensuring that our children are connected to their heritage and the roots of our beloved homeland, Palestine.

  • Riyad Malkeya - Treasurer

    Born and raised in Sinjil, Palestine, Riyad completed high school before moving to the USA in 1997. While he pursued some college education, Riyad is now a businessman with several successful ventures. Alhamdulillah, he is blessed with a loving family consisting of his wife and five daughters, who are his life's joy. In his life, family always takes precedence, and he views Sinjil as an integral part of his extended family.

  • Hamdh Suid - Administrative Secretary

    Hamdh was born in Puerto Rico but only lived there for a short while before her family relocated back to Sinjil, a place she fondly called home for 14 memorable years before moving to the states. She is a proud mother of three wonderful children. In 1988, she received a Bachelor’s degree from Birzeit University with a Major in Economics and a Minor in Business Adminstration. Subsequently, she pursued higher education, obtaining a Master’s Degree in the Art of Teaching from the University of South Florida in 2010, and another Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2022. Hamdh dedicated 14 years to teaching in the classroom and served as the Head of UAF’s Upper Elementary for the past four years. In 2022, she earned a Florida Educational Leadership Certificate. Hamdh is excited to embark on a new journey, dedicated to creating a brighter and more prosperous future for all members of out Sinjil family.

  • Tasneem Ibrahim - Media Director

    Originally from Chicago and raised in South Florida, Tasneem has strong roots in Sinjil, Palestine, where her parents are from. Growing up, she frequently visited her relatives there, fostering a deep connection to her heritage. Tasneem pursued her education at the University of Central Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Throughout her time at UCF, she did three engineering internships, actively participated in numerous social and academic organizations, and held several leadership positions. Tasneem currently works in the tech industry as an engineer. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and writing. Her overarching vision for ASA is to foster unity within the diaspora and honor our ancestors through a multifaceted approach encompassing media, educational, and cultural initiatives.

  • Nader Kasem - Activities Coordinator

    Nader was born in Tampa FL but lived 7 years during his childhood in Amman, Jordan. He is an FSU Graduate with a BS in Marketing and Minor in Communications. He is happily married to his wife and a proud father to his two boys in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Nader’s goal for ASA is to strengthen our ties to Sinjil by uniting our brothers and sisters in America while remaining firm to our Palestinian roots and preserving our heritage all at the same time. Nader wants to contribute wherever possible to the betterment of Sinjil.

  • Mohamad Abed Asfour - Youth and Student Affairs Director

    Mohamad is currently a Radiology Resident in the Tampa Bay Area. While he was born in Tampa, he spent a significant portion of his childhood in Sinjil before returning to the states for college. Mohamad attended the University of South Florida for his Biomedical Sciences degree with a minor in Biomedical Physics, and later attended LECOM for his medical degree and Masters in Healthcare Service Administration. He enjoys playing basketball, traveling, and spending time with family. His main goals for ASA are to ensure that the next generation receives a quality education, retains their cultural identity, remembers their roots, and, most importantly, supports each other's success collectively.