Guests – Ta Ha Foundation

Former Guests

Tim Crosland

Tim Crosland is a former government lawyer with a Master’s degree in International Human Rights Law. He has been actively engaged in issues of civil liberties, state power, and the legal limits of protest in the UK. Tim was arrested at Parliament Square for allegedly expressing support for the proscribed organisation Palestine Action, an incident that has drawn attention to concerns around freedom of expression and the criminalisation of solidarity with Palestine. His work and public engagement continue to challenge the erosion of human rights protections within democratic institutions.

Abu Yusuf

Abu Yusuf is a researcher in political thought and international relations, with a scholarly focus on power, governance, and ideology. He is also a teacher of classical Arabic and Qur’anic exegesis, committed to reviving rigorous engagement with the Islamic intellectual tradition. Through his research, teaching, and public advocacy, Abu Yusuf promotes an Islamic revival grounded in knowledge, ethical clarity, and a critical understanding of contemporary global affairs.

Dr. Salman Butt

Dr. Butt studied Biochemistry at Imperial College London, followed by a PhD in Chemical Biology, carrying out research into photosynthesis. During his years at university, he became involved in Islamic society da’wah and activism, and general Muslim community projects. At present, he is the Head of Islamic Thought and a regular contributor at Islam21c, and also has a blog on HuffPost. You may find him on social media.

Omer Hussein

Omer Hussein is the son of a Nakba survivor, a Palestinian activist, and host of Narrative House, a podcast dedicated to reclaiming and amplifying Palestinian voices. His work focuses on challenging dominant narratives, preserving cultural memory, and building solidarity across movements for justice. With roots in healthcare management, Omer combines professional discipline with a lifelong commitment to advocacy, creating spaces that center resilience, liberation, and the lived experiences of displaced communities.

Rabbi Elhanan Beck

Rabbi Elhanan Beck is a London-based Orthodox Jewish rabbi and activist, a movement of Haredi Jews who oppose Zionism on religious grounds. Describing himself as a seventh-generation Palestinian with family roots in the region long before the creation of the State of Israel, Beck has become a prominent voice advocating for peace and justice in the Middle East. Since the mid-1990s, he has been active in demonstrations, interfaith dialogues, and public debates, consistently arguing that Jewish law prohibits the establishment of a secular Jewish state prior to the coming of the Messiah. His outspoken stance has made him both a controversial and influential figure in discussions around Judaism, Zionism, and the future of Palestine.

Ahmed Najar

Palestinian political economist, writer and playwright based in London. His articles have been featured in Metro, the Guardian, Electronic Intifada, Middle East Eye and more.

Abdullah al Andalusi

Abdullah Al-Andalusi is a renowned international speaker, thinker, and intellectual activist, recognized for his contributions to Islamic thought and his engagement with contemporary Muslim issues. He offers valuable insights on combating misinformation and promoting justice through education and grassroots activism. In his discussions, he emphasises how Islam provides comprehensive solutions to the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah, highlighting the Islamic governance system, the Khilafah, as a framework that ensures security, protection, and justice for Muslims in Palestine and the wider region.

Rabbi Haim Soffer

Rabbi Haim Sofer is a UK-based Orthodox Jewish rabbi and a member of the anti-Zionist Neturei Karta movement. Known for his passionate advocacy for peace and justice in the Middle East, Sofer has spoken out against policies he believes contradict Jewish teachings. He came into public attention in 2024 when he was moved to tears while voting in Anadolu Agency’s Photos of the Year competition, highlighting his deep empathy for the suffering of Palestinian families affected by conflict.

Omar Hajaj

Born and raised in the UK, originally from Yaffa (Jaffa, Palestine), Omar Hajaj studied Anthropology at university and earned a BA from the Faculty of Shariah at the Islamic University of Madina. With over a decade of experience in Islamic organisations, he has held roles including General Manager of Al Jumuah, Youth Director at Al Muntada Al Islami, Executive Committee Member of FOSIS, and PR Manager at MRDF. He is now the Founder and Director of Yaseen Youth Development, a non-profit dedicated to empowering young people through transformative programmes. Omar is pursuing an MA in Applied Anthropology, Community, and Youth Work to further support UK organisations and the Muslim community.