October 24, 2025
By John Mahoney, writing for AMUST
Wednesday evening, 26 November, saw the iconic Renaissance function centre in Lidcombe welcome close to 500 members of the Sydney Muslim community who gathered for the Al Hamidy University Hospital Fundraiser, hosted by the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) and Feed The World.
This very special night opened with a moving Quran recitation by Sheikh Mohamed Harby, followed by an inspiring address from esteemed guest, His Eminence Dr Mohamad Imam, the Mufti of Tripoli, whose presence underscored the significance of the initiative.
Sheikh Yahya Safi, Imam of Lakemba Mosque for the best part of three decades and the major driving force behind this initiative, led the pledges session.
Sheikh Yahya Safi (above) has been the major driving force behind the Al Hamidy University Hospital initiative. He is also on the right in the feature image with the Mufti of Tripoli, Dr Mohamad Imam.
Sheikh Motasim Alali uplifted guests at the 50-table gathering with anasheed, while a charity auction contributed substantially to the evening’s success.
By night’s end, through the will of Allah, nearly one million dollars had been raised through donations, pledges and auction proceeds.
These funds will help build a new hospital delivering sustainable, life-saving care for families across North Lebanon, a region facing significant healthcare challenges.
The initiative reflects the LMA’s longstanding commitment to community welfare.
(From left): LMA Secretary Gamel Kheir, Vice President Raed Halabi and President Hafez Alameddine.
Established in 2022, Feed The World emerged from the LMA as its dedicated charity platform, building upon the Association’s legacy as Australia’s oldest non-profit Islamic organisation, with a history of over 63 years.
The organisers of the event were full of praise at the generosity of those present on the evening.
“This community never hesitates when lives are on the line,” said LMA General Manager Hajj Khaled Alameddine.
“Thank you to everyone who attended, pledged, donated or intends to do so.”
“North Lebanon urgently needs this hospital, and together we are laying its foundation.”
Maghrib prayer.
Ongoing donations can be made at https://bit.ly/alhamidyhospital
*An article in last month’s AMUST headed “Advancing global service mission: LMA opens Tripoli office” noted that the LMA has recently expanded its presence to North Lebanon, where it now has four offices.
This expansion positions the organisation perfectly to support transformative initiatives such as the Al Hamidy University Hospital from Lebanon itself, in conjunction of course with the LMA’s headquarters at Lakemba in southwest Sydney.
Sheikh Motasim Alali performed anasheed (All photography by Bilal Abdelwaheb.)