Rotary of WA appoints first Muslim president - inMyCommunity - Perth, Western Australia

as was posted here ... Rotary of WA appoints first Muslim president - inMyCommunity - Perth, Western Australia

HUNTINGDALE man Salim Youssef is the first Muslim president of a Rotary club in WA, appointed by the Kenwick club this month.

Mr Youssef says he is keen to break down stereotypes people may have of Rotary and will work to get more Muslims and people of various ethnic backgrounds involved in Rotary projects.

“Rotary is not a religious organisation and in Rotary no matter what you believe or your political view, we help,” Mr Youssef said.

The Kenwick club plans to host a family day fundraiser and be more involved with the City of Gosnells’ multicultural festival.

Mr Youssef served as the director of community services before taking up the position as president of the club.

The pastry business owner first joined Rotary five years ago, after fleeing war-torn Lebanon with his family in 1991 to live in Sydney and then Perth from 1998.

He is now married with three daughters and said he was willing to give a lot to help his community.

“I would also love to encourage the ethnic communities to merge in with the Australian community on a day to day level,” he said.

Mr Youssef has experienced severe hardship and was jailed for a year in Syria during the war before fleeing to Australia.

He said if he had security here then he must give back to the community.

Mr Youssef’s dedication to those around him runs so deep he intends to run again for a position on the City of Gosnells council when councillor terms expire next year.