Our Team
The Rev’d Nadim Nassar
Founder and Executive Director
Raised in a large, Christian family in Lattakia, Syria, Nadim is ideally placed to understand the diverse cultures and faiths that make up the Middle East.
He witnessed first-hand the terrible suffering caused by the Lebanese Civil War while studying for his BTh at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut from 1981 until 1988. The experience had a profound effect on him and helps to fuel his passionate work for peace.
Since founding Awareness Foundation in 2003, Nadim has been recognised as an expert in many aspects of Middle Eastern affairs, and especially in practical ways to build respect and understanding between different faiths and cultures. He sees Awareness Foundation as a counterforce of love and peace to the intolerance and mistrust that have blighted the region.
Nadim studied Systemic Theology in Germany and London. He lectures at universities in London and has appeared on TV and radio in many countries.
He lectures for a wide range of organisations, including the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Post-Davos Nordic Summit and the Al-Khoei Foundation. He has also advised the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Religious Freedom and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
An ordained Anglican Priest, Nadim approaches his work for Awareness Foundation with a deep sense of the power of love, kindness, forgiveness and understanding to transform lives and build relationships between people of all faiths and none.
In recognition of his inspiring work for peace through education and faith, Nadim was conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity by Trinity College, University of Toronto.
He has authored two books: The Culture of God, The Syrian Jesus, and iJesus, The Culture of God in a Digital World.
When conflict, chaos and confusion overtook the optimism of risings against corrupt and autocratic regimes known as the Arab Spring, Huda’s response was swift, innovative and deeply humane.
The suffering was especially acute among children and young people. They became the focus of Huda’s ground-breaking initiatives to help heal emotional damage, give stability to the displaced and equip them to begin rebuilding their shattered communities.
Supported by a team of expert consultants, Little Heroes and Ambassadors for Peace have flourished and become beacons of hope for a brighter future.
Huda was raised in Syria before receiving her masters’ degree in Pastoral Theology from the University of Birmingham in the UK.
She plans to roll out the programmes across the Middle East, while lecturing globally on the region, its relationship with the West, and the future of its ancient Christian community.
Huda Nassar, MA
Director for the Middle East
Elza Nasra
Coordinator for the Middle East
Elza was born, raised and lives in Syria. After completing its Ambassadors for Peace programme, she joined Awareness Foundation as a volunteer.
Her talents, dedication, unbounded enthusiasm, and brilliant people skills have led her to become the coordinator on the ground for our Little Heroes, Ambassadors for Peace and Enterprising Women projects in Syria.
Elza has Technical and Specialist Diplomas in the Science of Tourism and a Certificate of English Studies
Mark has a B.A. degree in history from the University of Wales and a Diploma in Journalism from the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
He spent several years working in regional and then national newspapers and magazines, with a varied career that included covering the conflicts in Bosnia and Kosovo.
After journalism, he spent 10 years working in content strategy and marketing, mostly in digital, for brands such as the RSPB, Rolls-Royce and BMW, English Heritage, BT and the Football Association.
He has also worked on a pro bono basis for homeless charity Crisis.
His experience, particularly in journalism, has made him acutely aware of suffering, but also of humanity’s capacity for courage, kindness and support.
He joined Awareness Foundation in the Spring of 2024 and is dedicated to its mission to build the foundations of peace through education in the Middle East and elsewhere.
