Why We Exist
Our Vision & Mission
Syria Meets Europe (SME) is a civil society platform supporting Syrians who are ready to return and contribute to rebuilding their home country. We believe in community-driven reconstruction — not just physical, but social and economic.
Our mission is to provide structured, transparent, and human-centered support — connecting Syrian returnees with real opportunities and trusted networks.
Who We Are
We are a diverse team of professionals, diaspora members, and advocates with roots in Germany and Syria. Our founding members bring experience in tech, law, humanitarian aid, and cross-border collaboration. Meet the people shaping Syria Meets Europe’s vision and impact.
Martin Ecknig
Martin Ecknig is a senior executive with over 30 years of leadership experience, including in the exhibition industry as CEO and in senior roles at Siemens across Germany and Greater China. He brings deep expertise in business administration, business development, real estate management and global operations.
Mohamad Harastani
Mohamad Harastani is a former Google leader with a global footprint across the US, Europe, and MENA, driving digital innovations and trust at scale. Organizer of droidcon and Google Developer Group Lead, blending international impact with proud Syrian roots.
Boris Jebsen
Boris Jebsen is an experienced entrepreneur and innovator who founded several companies in the last 30 years. His global technology conference "droidcon" happens in 20+ countries on five continents. He holds an EU patent for technological inventions in the field of sustainability, which is also pending patent application for North America, UAE and Singapore.
Mohammad Keshtari
Mohammed Keshtari is a Syrian-qualified lawyer with more than 13 years of experience in arbitration, mediation, negotiation, and corporate law. With two LL.M. degrees in International Dispute Resolution and International Commercial Transactions from Germany and Egypt, he specializes in navigating complex cross-border commercial and investment disputes.
Kinan Maatouk
Kinan Maatouk is a technology leader with over 20 years of experience driving innovation, digital transformation, and operational excellence in software companies also in regulated environments. In recent years, he has transitioned into the pharmaceutical sector, applying his expertise to GMP-compliant software solutions that support quality and regulatory standards in healthcare.
Abdulwahab Barakat
Abdulwahab Barakat is an experienced professional in pharmaceutical quality management. With over 13 years of experience in Germany, he has specialized in managing and improving quality systems. His career in quality assurance and quality control in the pharmaceutical sector demonstrates his commitment to reliable healthcare outcomes.
Osama Ismael
Osama Ismael is a finance professional with over 8 years of experience in accounting, financial leadership, and regulatory compliance. Based in Dubai, specialized in IFRS reporting, and managing finance operations across multi-entity ecosystems. Known for a strategic and process-driven approach, he supports organizations in achieving financial clarity and operational efficiency.
Oubai Alabbasi
A Dubai-based Palestinian-Syrian-Canadian with over a decade of experience in the tech and startup world, primarily in Dubai. Past roles include software engineer and engineering manager at companies like Careem, Noon, and within the Dubai public sector. Actively involved in the tech community for nearly 15 years, organizing events with GDG (Abu Dhabi and Dubai) and speaking at various events, including Droidcon.
Jasmin Stemmler
Jasmin Stemmler is an experienced marketing specialist focusing on digital strategies and branding. Throughout her career, she implemented new CIs, automated web content and strategic campaigns. She is a certified Professional Scrum Master (PSM I, 2025) with international experience.
Riam Ismael
Riam Ismael is a social impact consultant with expertise in community development and project management. She has led projects for international organisations and local councils, specialising in refugee services and mentoring. Based in the UK, she creates sustainable partnerships with social impact.
Martin Kurze
Martin Kurze is an innovation expert with a PhD in Computer Science working for a major telecommunications company, but also has experience in the Startup ecosystem. He has led product developments and research activities in cybersecurity, robotics, and renewable energy. Martin collaborates with international partners and has established business partnerships worldwide.
Farida Abdulrahman
Farida Abdulrahman is a humanitarian professional with over ten years of experience in the NGO and INGO sector, specialising in accountability, safeguarding, and PSEAH. With a background in law and a data-driven approach, she combines technical expertise with a strong commitment to ethical and inclusive humanitarian action.
Osama Al-Atassi
Osama Al Atassi is a strategic technology leader with over 20 years of experience in software development, driving digital transformation in the construction and fintech industries. Passionate about innovation and growth, he empowers teams to deliver impactful solutions, streamline processes, and build future-fit enterprises.