The 2026 Bachar Houli Foundation Iftar Dinner was a celebration of football, faith and family.
Bacher Houli OAM – Founder of the Bachar Houli Foundation, had high praise for the event at Optus Stadium and the work being done by the Foundation in WA.
“The BHF Iftar Dinner at Optus Stadium was a tremendous evening,” Houli said.
“To celebrate Adam Sweid and Hussien El-Achkar being drafted into the AFL alongside 170 members of our community was incredibly special.
“What made the night even more remarkable was seeing past program participants Muneerah, Riaz and Rahma shine.
“Muneerah as our MC and Riaz and Rahma on the panel showed poise and confidence.
“They were a testament to what this program produces.
“The talent coming out of Western Australia is exciting and this is just the beginning.”
Special guests at the function included The Honourable Ayor Makur MLC, Sheikh Faizel Gaffoor – WA President Australian National Imams Council, Abdullah Khan OAM and FACE – Executive Principal, Australian Islamic College, Ian Callahan – Chair of WA Football, Michael Roberts – CEO of WA Football and Ahmed Saad – Talent Manager, Bachar Houli Foundation.
Among those recognised on the night were Suraya Yuruten, who was named the BHF Community Award winner, while the Bachar Houli Foundation Schools Award, in partnership with Compass, was presented to Abdullah Khan.
The function included a panel discussion featuring Houli, Riaz Mohammad and Rahma Evans, where the trio shared their experiences and advice.
The audience was also given a glimpse of a new ABC documentary titled “Play on a Prayer”, featuring BHF graduates Adam Sweid (Fremantle), Saad El-Hawli (Essendon) and Hussein El-Achkar (Essendon) and their journey onto an AFL list.
