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Who We Are

About Us!

The Canada Palestine Cultural Association (CPCA), established in 1984, is a non-profit organization led by dedicated community volunteers. Our mission is to foster an inclusive community that promotes Palestinian cultural heritage, history, and causes. Through education, cultural initiatives, and engagement in local and global initiatives, we strive to create positive change and celebrate diversity.

We provide meaningful opportunities for community engagement to preserve our vibrant Palestinian culture for future generations. By facilitating inclusive experiences and promoting cross-cultural dialogue, we aim to bridge gaps and foster understanding. Our focus on education and cultural initiatives underscores our belief in their power to cultivate appreciation and respect for Palestinian culture within the broader Canadian community.

As a volunteer-driven organization, we actively engage individuals from diverse backgrounds in our efforts. Together, we work towards creating a stronger, more connected community that cherishes and preserves the beauty and uniqueness of Palestinian culture.

Mission Statement

Foster a spirit of community among Palestinian Canadians, focus on the common interests of Palestinian Canadians, educate Palestinian Canadians on their cultural heritage, educate Canadians in general on Palestine history, cause and present issues, and promote the social and educational development of the Palestinian community through advancing individuals’ capacities and leadership skills.

Guiding with Passion and Dignity

Board of Directors

A dedicated members of the Palestinians Community in Edmonton, AB. Volunteering their time, and sharing their rich knowledge and experience with all participants.

Hajja, Nablus, Palestine

Randa Hijjawi, President

Randa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature with a minor in Political Science from the University of Jordan and an Office Technology Certificate from Brookhaven College, Dallas. She has been living in Edmonton since 2007 and works as a Senior FOIP Advisor with a government agency and Director of Operations at Al Hijjawi Driver Education. Randa has been an active community member for over 16 years, is passionate about creating leadership opportunities for women and youth, and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee medal for her significant contributions to the Palestinian community in Alberta.

Alkhayriyya, Yafa, Palestine

Jawdah Jorf, VP

Jawdah holds a Masters of Educational Leadership, a Bachelor of Physics and a Bachelor of Education. She immigrated to Canada in 1990. She has been involved with the Edmonton Islamic Academy for the last 31 years as a teacher, Principal, Board Member, and currently an Executive Education Advisor. She was a board member of the Association of Independent Schools and Colleges in Alberta (AISCA). She has served the community since she came to Canada for more than 32 years.

Almajdal, Palestine

Ahmad Kalousa

Ahmed holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering, a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Professional Engineer (P.Eng) accreditations. Ahmed has been an active member in the community ever since he moved to Edmonton in 2010. He joined the CPCA Board of Directors in 2019. He oversees CPCA’s cultural and history-related activities.

Almajdal, Palestine

Manal Kalousa

Manal holds a Bachelor of Science. She is a Registered Massage Therapist and Certified Nutrition Consultant. Manal is the lead for the Tatreez program at Canada Palestine Cultural Association. She has been an active member in the community ever since she came to Edmonton in 1999. Manal joined the CPCA Board of Directors in 2019.

AlQuds, Jerusalem, Palestine

Heba Sandouga

Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. Heba holds an accounting degree from MacEwan University and Chartered Professional Accounting program (CPA) accreditation. She is currently employed as a Team Lead in a Government organization. Heba joined the CPCA Board of Directors to assist the Palestinian community by providing financial feedback and to meet the reporting requirements of the organization. She also wants to bring the Palestinian community together to celebrate our wonderful culture by hosting events and workshops to facilitate collaboration.

Al Ramla, Palestine

Lana Al Ramahi

Born and raised in Edmonton, originally from Al-Ramle, Palestine. Lana holds an accounting degree and HR Certificate. She is currently pursuing the CPHR designation. Lana works at the University of Alberta as an HR Advisor. She joined CPCA Board of Directors so that she can be involved in creating more opportunities for our community to celebrate our culture.

Al Khalil, Palestine

Abdullah Al-Muhtaseb

Abdullah is a Palestinian-Canadian with roots tied to Al-Khalil, Palestine. He is a University of Alberta graduate with a bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering. Abdullah joined the CPCA as a general member in 2021 and has volunteered in events including Heritage Days and Run for Palestine. In 2022, Abdullah joined the CPCA Board of Directors to continue contributing to the Palestinian community in Edmonton and to further the Palestinian cause.

Safad, Palestine

Hadil Askari

Hadeel Graduated from the University of Jordan with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a minor in political science. Hadeel works as a Refugee Settlement worker. She immigrated to Canada in 2002. Hadeel has been an active member of the community since she moved to Edmonton in 2006. She joined the CPCA Board of Directors in 2021.

Al Ramla, Palestine

Sereen Ramahi

Born and raised in Edmonton. Sereen studied Human Resources and Labour Relations. She works as an HR Business Partner at a government organization. Sereen joined the CPCA Board of Directors so that she could get involved in planning events and activities to bring together the Palestinian community and celebrate our culture.

Silwad, Ramallah, Palestine

Ahmed Atieh

Ahmad Atieh holds a Professional Engineer (P.Eng) accreditation, Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Concordia University in Montreal and a Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering from Hashemite University in Jordan. Hew works as a Senior Controls Systems Engineer for Data Center, at Johnson Controls. Ahmed has been living in Edmonton since April 2014 and has been an active member of the community ever since then. He joined the CPCA Board of Directors in 2021.

Sanoor, Jenin, Palestine

Anas Jarrar

Anas holds a BSc in Civil Engineering and Master degree in Structural Engineering from University of Alberta, as well as Professional Engineer (P.Eng) accreditation. He is a currently working as a Bridge Design Engineer with ISL Engineering and Land Services. Anas led the first Dabkah team for CPCA for the Edmonton Heritage Festival in 2019. He has been living in Edmonton since 2008 and has been an active member of the organization shortly after. He joined the CPCA Board of Directors in 2021.

Sabastia, Palestine

Faisal Sabastawi

Faisal is a Palestinian-Canadian from a village north of Nablus called Sabastia. He is currently a student at the University of Alberta. Faisal became a volunteer with the CPCA in 2019, contributing to events like Heritage Days and Run for Palestine. His deep commitment to supporting the Palestinian community in Edmonton and advancing the Palestinian cause led him to take on a leadership role. In 2024, Faisal joined the CPCA Board of Directors as Treasurer, where he continues to play an active role in fostering unity and progress within the community.

Almajdal, Palestine

Abdallah Almadhoun

Born in Gaza, raised in UAE, and migrated to Canada in 2005. Started the journey in Halifax, NS then moved to Alberta in 2014. Holds two diploma in Information Technology and hand full of Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco, and other dedicated certificates. Abdallah joined CPCA Board of Director in 2024 to give back to the community and share the time and efforts needed to grow.

Board of Directors
Guiding with Passion and Degnity

President

Randa Alhijawi

Hajja, Nablus, Palestine

Vice President

Jawdah Jorf

Al-Khayriyya, Yafa, Palestine

Director

Ahmed Kalousa

Al-Majdal, Palestine

Ahmed holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering, a Project Management Professional Engineer (PMP) and Professional Engineering (P.Eng) . Ahmed has been living in Edmonton since 2010. He has been an active member in the community for more than 12 years and a Board member with Canada Palestine Cultural Association since 2019. In his spare time Ahmed uses his creativity and engineering skills to create unique art pieces for his customers at Hurouf Arts.

Treasurer

Heba Sandouga

Jerusalem, Al-Quds, Palestine

Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. Heba holds an accounting degree from MacEwan University and further pursued her studies by completing the Chartered Professional Accounting program (CPA) in 2018. She is currently employed as a Team Lead in a Government organization. Heba joined the board to assist the Palestinian community by providing financial feedback and to meet the reporting requirements of the organization. She also wants to bring the Palestinian community together to celebrate our wonderful culture by hosting events and workshops to facilitate collaboration. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, volunteering, trying new foods, and of course, Tatreez

Secretary

Lana Al Ramahi

Al Ramla- Palestine

Born and raised in Edmonton, originally from Al-Ramle, Palestine. Lana holds an accounting degree and HR Certificate. She is currently pursuing the CPHR designation. Lana works at the University of Alberta as an HR Advisor. She joined CPCA so that she can be involved in creating more opportunities for our community to celebrate our culture.

Director

Abdullah Al-Muhtaseb

Al-Khalil, Palestine

Abdullah is a Palestinian-Canadian with roots tied to Al-Khalil, Palestine. He is a University of Alberta graduate with a bachelor's in mechanical engineering. Abdullah joined the CPCA as a general member in 2021 and has volunteered in events including Heritage Days and Run for Palestine. In 2022, Abdullah joined the CPCA board to continue contributing to the Palestinian community in Edmonton and to further the Palestinian cause.

Director

Manal Kalousa

Al-Majdal, Palestine

Manal holds a Bachelor of Science. She is a Registered Massage Therapist and Certified Nutrition Consultant. Manal is the lead for the Tatreez program at Canada Palestine Cultural Association. She<br /> has been living in Edmonton since 1999, and has been an active member in the community and with Canada Palestine Cultural Association since 2019

Director

Hadil Askari

Safad, Palestine

Originally from Safad the Capital of the upper Galilee north of Palestine. Hadeel Graduated from the University of Jordan with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a minor in political science. Hadeel works as a Refugee Settlement worker. She immigrated to Canada in 2002 and moved to Edmonton from Winnipeg in 2006. Hadeel has been an active member of the community since she moved to Edmonton. She joined the board at CPCA in 2021. “When I speak about Palestine, I speak about a world, a paradise, a beautiful homeland, and a love that never dies”

Director

Sereen Ramahi

Al-Ramla, Palestine

Born and raised in Edmonton. Sereen studied Human Resources and Labour Relations. She works as an HR Business Partner at a government organization. Sereen joined the board so that she could get involved in planning events and activities to bring together the Palestinian community and celebrate our culture. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, volunteering, watching TV, and kickboxing.

Director

Ahmed Atieh

Selewad, Palestine

Ahmad Atieh has been living in Edmonton since April 2014. He is from Selewad a village in Ramallah city surroundings. Ahmed holds a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Concordia University in Montreal and a Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering from Hashemite University in Jordan. Ahmad works as a Senior Controls Systems Engineer for Data Center, at Johnson Controls. Ahmad loves traveling, Dabkeh and Chocolate. He has been an active member of the community since 2019. By joining the CPCA he hopes to help increase the public awareness about Palestinian culture and history

Director

Anas Jarrar

Sanoor, Jenin, Palestine

Anas holds a diploma from NAIT, BSc in Civil Engineering and M. Eng in Structural Engineering from University of Alberta. He is a certified engineering technologist CET with ASET and a member in training with APEGA currently working as a Bridge Design Engineer with ISL Engineering and Land Services. Anas led the first Dabkah team for Canada Palestine Cultural Association for the heritage festival in 2019. He has been living in Edmonton since 2008 and has been an active member of the organization since 2019. In his spare time, Anas is usually active playing soccer, volley ball, and rock climbing.