Olive Tree Foundation Announces Recipients of Inaugural Student Awards at York University
The Olive Tree Foundation has announced the recipients of the inaugural Olive Tree Foundation Student Awards at York University, presented in partnership with the Islamophobia Research Hub.
The Olive Tree Foundation has announced the recipients of the inaugural Olive Tree Foundation Student Awards at York University, presented in partnership with the Islamophobia Research Hub.
The 2025 award recipients are Sheema Khawar and Somar Abuaziza, both graduate students in the Department of Politics at York University.
The award is in recognition of their exceptional scholarship, activism, and community engagement in the areas of Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism, and social justice.
Sheema Khawar was recognized for her strong engagement in activism and advocacy on questions of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism, as well as her academic promise as a researcher in this field.
Somar Abuaziza was commended for her deep commitment to social justice and anti-Palestinian advocacy, and for his demonstrated potential as a community organizer and emerging leader.
The awards were funded by the Shamimuddin Siddiqi and Farida Siddiqi Family Fund at the Olive Tree Foundation and through the generous donations from the families of Naeem Siddiqi and Muhammed Haseeb Ali.
“These students embody the spirit of the Olive Tree Foundation’s mission—to nurture knowledge, compassion, and civic responsibility within our communities,” said Naeem Siddiqi, Vice Chair of the Olive Tree Foundation. “We are proud to support young scholars who are tackling some of the most urgent issues of our time.”
The Olive Tree Foundation Student Awards were established in 2025 to support emerging scholars and community leaders whose work advances understanding and combats Islamophobia and racism in Canada.
The recipients were recognized at the Inaugural Keynote and Reception hosted by the Islamophobia Research Hub on November 6, 2025, at York University.
Olive Tree Foundation is a philanthropic foundation that promotes community development through the collection of endowed funds and charitable contributions to fund services for the long-term benefit of the community.