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Jamal Suleiman Denies Any Connection with the "Syrian Alawite Community" and Describes Rumors as Absurd

Syrian artist Jamal Suleiman has denied any association with an organization claiming to represent the "Syrian Alawite Community in the United States," asserting that he is not a member and was unaware of its establishment.
In a post on his Facebook page, Suleiman explained that some members of the organization took photos with him during his visit to Washington before the organization was founded, using that to suggest a connection between him and them. He noted that he had requested the removal of his photo from the organization's official website.
Suleiman criticized the "absurd behavior" of some social media users who adopted the rumors without verification, expressing concern over the irresponsible use of digital platforms to make judgments and accusations.
He reiterated his refusal to join any organization with a sectarian nature, emphasizing that he "has never felt and will never feel sectarian belonging," and that his stance has always been in favor of the oppressed, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. He concluded by saying, "I have said this several times, but some prefer not to believe it."
In a related context, Maysa Qabani, the deputy director of the Syrian American organization "Global Justice," raised questions about Jamal Suleiman's relationship with the aforementioned organization, which calls on the U.S. administration to maintain sanctions against Syria and claims that members of the Alawite community are facing genocide.
Qabani published several posts on social media regarding the communication between Suleiman and the relevant parties, referencing members' visits to Congress to urge it not to lift the sanctions on Syria.
She expressed concern about the emergence of the organization after the outbreak of the revolution, noting that it had not been recorded before the fall of the Assad regime and had not issued any positions condemning its crimes, raising suspicions about its objectives. Qabani viewed Suleiman's meeting with the organization as questionable, especially since he was previously a member of the Negotiation Commission and supports the implementation of UN Resolution 2254.
She asserted her right to defend the Syrian revolution, emphasizing the importance of not being lenient with attempts to distort the victories achieved.
Qabani also questioned the credibility of the organization's actions, indicating that she received information that the meetings with U.S. officials were "coincidental" in Congress. She stressed the need to be cautious regarding those who support this organization, asserting that the revolution is going through a phase that requires accountability.
The "Alawite Association" announced in mid-February that it would organize a tour in Washington to support the Alawite minority in Syria, stating that it met with religious leaders, human rights advocates, and government officials to discuss the risks facing Alawites.
The association called for diplomatic and political pressures against the Syrian government, the release of detained Alawites, and the promotion of social justice and political representation for minorities.
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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