He is board and advisory member of a number of academic institutes and organizations and he has a number of academic publications and books.

He is married to Nisreen and has two children: Faisal and Faris.


1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

I arrived to Hungary mid. June 2020. I had to change a number of airports before arriving to Budapest. That was the time when the pandemic limited the volume of international flights and led to the closure of several airports. However, my first visit to Hungary was 19 years ago for a training course on negotiations and arbitration.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?

Yes, as a student and in my career. I did my MA in Italy and PhD in England. I lived and worked in many other places in the Middle East, Europe and North America. In our career, the continuous traveling gives us the opportunity to explore new cultures, new traditions; to taste new national dishes; to watch new traditional or folklore dance and much more. 

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

I would not say surprised, but caught for her beauty, its nature and the extraordinary attractiveness of its ancient castles and sites. I would say the Parliament building is marvellous and an overall view of the Danube, with the old buildings on both sides is just fascinating.

You don’t get to see such beauty everywhere you go and you don’t get the chance to find such hospitality everywhere you visit. And, when one compares between Budapest 19 years ago and today, you can easily mark the massive development and modernization that took place, maintaining meanwhile the essence of a rich history. 

4. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

Despite the fact that due to the restrictions and other measures, my movement and Hungarian experience were limited. However, I would go for Lángos and Somlói Galuska.

5. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

Hummus

6. You told us something about eating habits these days?

Yes, we (Muslims) have the holy month of Ramadan these days (until 15 May). During this month, and on a daily basis, we eat or drink nothing from sunrise until sunset. After sunset, we break our fast.

On our table, you can find soup, Hummus, Fatoush (Middle Eastern salad mixed with bread and Teheneh “Sesame Sauce”, a drink and then the main dish, which usually is a Palestinian traditional one. In the end of the holy month of Ramadan, we celebrate the feast with lots of sweats and cookies.  

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

Rendben.

8. What do you miss most from home? 

Everything, but if I have to name something, then its Family, friends and few dishes that you don’t find except in Palestine.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

Soccer coach

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?

Haven’t thought of this before. I am ready to do any job, until it proves that I can’t do it.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

Before Covid-19, Amman- Jordan.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

I Hope to spend it in Palestine

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?

Chocolate and Hummus.

14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

I would say Modern Talk for bands, Face-off & Brave Heart of film, and my hobby was basketball.

15. Book or movie?

Both

16. Morning person or night person?

Night Person.

17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Equality at all levels. 

18. Buda or Pest side?

Pest to spend the day…..and Buda to relax

19. What would you say is your personal motto? 

Treat people with respect until they prove it or spoil it.