About Us

Get to Know Us

WHO ARE WE?


iHOPE is a Civil Society Organization, headquartered in Tripoli, Lebanon.
We are committed to reuniting families torn apart by the agonizing and complex issue of International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA).
We are driven by compassion and the firm belief that every child deserves to grow up in a loving and nurturing environment. With a Team of legal professionals, we leverage our expertise to bring hope and resolution to affected families through advocacy and litigation.
We are the voice for those who have been silenced by borders and legal complexities, working tirelessly to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving family environment.

OUR MISSION


Our mission is to Help, Offer, Protect and Empower out-casted individuals with a particular focus on Children. We aim to legally defend human rights and shed light to the abuse, injustice and faults in the judicial system, and to empower and support families affected by International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA), advocating for their rights, providing legal assistance, and raising awareness.

OUR VISION


Our vision is to build a fortified global network of human rights advocates globally to prevent IPCA cases and ensure the safe return and well-being of abducted children.

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Our Team

THE BOARD


Michelle Littleton

I have a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Phoenix and belong to three distinguished honor societies. I have spent the last several years supporting C-suite executives in the space and defense industry, and most recently as board integration and management contractor for NASA’s International Space Station boards.
This cause is very close to heart since my children were abducted to Lebanon in 2017. I understand how important and urgent it is to retain a powerful attorney in a foreign country because I had to make fast and critical decisions based on my instincts which lead me to Atty. Mohamad Al Ayouby. After two and a half years of lobbying Capitol Hill and Mr. Ayouby fighting a difficult legal battle in the Lebanese courts, I was finally able to bring home my children to Florida.
My fight continues today for parents who have found themselves left behind due to international parental abduction. I am currently serving as President of iHOPE Foundation, a global advocacy 501c3 organization operating virtually from Florida. Our goal is to build a network of human rights advocates around the world to prevent IPCA cases and ensure the safe return and well-being of abducted children.

MOHAMAD AL AYOUBY
CEO

I hold a Master’s Degree in Islamic-Christian Studies from the University of Balamand, as well as a Master’s Degree in Banking and Corporate Law. I am an active attorney at law, and I hold the position of Managing Partner at Ayouby Law Firm for over eight years now.
I have a civic duty to my country and my people, to make the world a better place for everyone to live in. Throughout my life, I have always aspired for greatness, not only for myself, but for those around me as well. I am driven with ambition and a desire for prosperity, and as a proud father of two beautiful young girls, my aim is to be part of making this world a safer place for them to thrive in.
After handling our first abduction case, and successfully returning three beautiful abducted children to their habitual residence, achieving the very first record of children being returned after being abducted to Lebanon, I founded iHOPE in attempt to advocate and bring awareness to the issue. Since then, I have created an international network of advocates and spearheaded initiatives in the Middle East towards IPCA resolution.
I have personally fought for abducted children and left-behind parents’ rights in court and trained a professional task force to maneuver their way in court through strategic litigation, in light of lack of recourses and laws; which has lead me to present recommendations and amendments of certain law to the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and the Lebanese Parliament in an attempt to fortify the international approach and pave the way for Lebanon to ratify The Hague Convention.

Ayman Hamze

I hold a Bachelor's degree in International Business and Management from the esteemed Bryan School of Business & Economics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. This comprehensive program equipped me with a solid foundation in global business practices, strategic management, and financial analysis, laying the groundwork for my career in finance and entrepreneurship.
Currently, I am the proud Owner of ImpEx Auto Sales, a thriving business based in the vibrant city of Greensboro, North Carolina. Leading ImpEx Auto Sales has been a rewarding journey, allowing me to apply my expertise in international business to navigate the complexities of the automotive industry. Through strategic planning, market analysis, and a customer-centric approach, I've successfully grown ImpEx Auto Sales into a trusted name known for quality vehicles and exceptional service.
In addition to my entrepreneurial pursuits, I am deeply committed to making a positive impact in my community and beyond. This drive for social responsibility led me to serve as the Treasurer for iHOPE, where I bring my financial expertise to support the organization's mission of addressing international parental child abduction.
In my role as Treasurer, I leverage my keen eye for detail and strategic financial planning to ensure the fiscal responsibility and sustainability of iHOPE. I oversee budget planning, financial reporting, and compliance with regulatory requirements, working diligently to optimize resource allocation and maximize the organization's impact in safeguarding children's rights and reuniting families.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I am deeply passionate about giving back to the community and empowering others to achieve their fullest potential. Whether through volunteering, mentorship, or advocating for social causes, I strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around me.
As a dedicated financial professional and advocate for social impact, I am honored to be part of iHOPE's mission to create a world where every child can grow up in a safe and loving environment, surrounded by the care and support of both parents. Together, we can work towards a future where parental equality and children's rights are upheld and protected on a global scale.

RASHA KAYAL
COO

My academic journey began at the Lebanese University, 3rd branch, where I earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Law. This rigorous program provided me with a strong foundation in legal principles, critical thinking, and analytical skills. It was during my studies that I developed a deep commitment to addressing the complex issue of International Parental Child Abduction, using the law as a tool to protect vulnerable children and support affected families.
I began my career with iHOPE as a translator for legal documents and legal research. This position enhanced my language skills, cultural sensitivity, and attention to detail, enabling me to facilitate accurate and effective communication across diverse stakeholders, often in sensitive and high-stakes situations involving child abduction cases.
As I grew within the organization, I transitioned to the role of Coordinator. In this capacity, I developed strong organizational and project management skills, overseeing the planning and execution of various initiatives aimed at preventing IPCA cases and providing support to families in crisis. My responsibilities included managing teams, ensuring project alignment with iHOPE’s mission, and fostering collaborative efforts to achieve our goals in this critical area.
Today, I am privileged to serve as the COO of iHOPE. In this role, I oversee the daily operations and ensure that our programs and initiatives run smoothly and effectively. I am passionate about inspiring and guiding our dedicated team as we work towards preventing international parental child abduction and supporting affected families. I also lead our advocacy department, where I am responsible for developing and implementing strategies to influence public policy and mobilize support for our initiatives against child abduction.
In addition to my work at iHOPE, I represent our organization in The Change for Children International Super Board, a UK-based coalition of 23 organizations fighting for the rights of victims of IPCA. This position allows me to collaborate with international partners and advocate for policies that protect children from abduction and ensure their safe return when taken across borders.
I am honored to contribute to such a vital cause and to help shape initiatives that improve the lives of children and families affected by abduction.
My journey with iHOPE reflects my unwavering commitment to protecting children and supporting families in crisis. I am dedicated to advancing our mission and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact through our work.

SARAH EL SIBAII
GOVERNANCE OFFICER

I was raised in Saudi Arabia, and studied at the French school, Lycee Francais MLF d'Al Khobar. This multicultural environment shaped my perspective and instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity.
In 2019, I moved to Lebanon to continue my education at Lycee Francais Alphonse de Lamartine, where I graduated with a strong foundation in various subjects, which led me to pursue a Bachelor's degree at the University of Saint Joseph. I specialized in Foreign Policy and International Affairs, earning a Master's degree in Political Science. I was honored to be recognized as a "majeure de promotion" in both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees, a testament to my dedication to academic excellence.
This academic journey has not only expanded my knowledge but has also equipped me with the analytical skills needed to navigate complex global issues, which I was able to apply in the humanitarian sector. I volunteered at the Lebanese Red Cross, and worked as a part-time journalist at L'Orient-Le Jour to amplify voices and shed light on important societal issues. I also held the position of research intern at Annahar Newspaper, where I contribute to research projects and write articles on various topics.
Currently, I am a member of the UN Women Girl Up Lebanon club, where I work on socio-political issues related to women's rights and health. In this role, I coordinate projects that aim to empower women and address gender inequalities; I am also a member of the Young Arab Feminist Coalition, through which I participate in international workshops and conferences, including the recent COP 28 held in the UAE; and I serve as a Governance Officer at iHOPE, focusing on concept notes and research to support governance practices and promote sustainable solutions related to International Parental Child Abduction.
My ability to speak, write, and read Arabic, English, French, and Spanish has been instrumental in my professional and personal development, allowing me to connect with diverse communities and contribute to meaningful conversations on a global scale.
Overall, my journey has been defined by a commitment to making a positive impact in the world, and I look forward to continuing this journey of growth, learning, and advocacy.

THE TEAM


GHIATH EL SAFADI
HEAD OF RESEARCH & STUDIES

I am an Attorney at Law who also holds a Doctorate in International Criminal Law. Throughout my years of experience in the field of litigation, I have improved my skillset and understanding. I intend to use my acquired knowledge to develop legal assessments on laws and regulations in effort to enhance the current judicial system, locally and internationally. With my current position, I aim to guide eager advocates and fresh graduates to a systematical methodology of legal thinking, in order to enhance the general approach in legal matters.

JIHANE MANSOUR
ATTORNEY AT LAW


I am a young, aspiring attorney with fair experience in the field of litigation, aiming to broaden my knowledge. I work passionately for the best interest of my clients, and put my acquired experience to use. I have proven to be a fast learner and malleable with every challenge I am faced with. I personally like to challenge myself on an everyday basis, to grow my mindset and my skills, to be able to defend and preform my duties to my society.

TATIANA SAMMOUR
ATTORNEY AT LAW


As a recent graduate from law school, I am an aspiring legal professional with a fervent enthusiasm for the intricacies of law and justice. Armed with a solid academic foundation and a passion for advocating for the rights of individuals and businesses, I am eager to embark on my journey as a trainee lawyer.

PHILIPE AMINE
ATTORNEY AT LAW


I am a recent graduate, entering the legal arena with a fresh perspective and an unyielding passion for the law. My legal education has provided me with a solid foundation in legal theory, research, and writing, igniting my enthusiasm to apply these skills in a practical context.

MAJD AL AYOUBY
ATTORNEY AT LAW


A dedicated trilingual lawyer with expertise in Lebanese and French Law. Legal Consultant providing comprehensive advice on contracts, intellectual property, tax, and labor law. Skilled in litigation strategy and risk management.

Check out our latest updates
We’ve been keeping busy!

The Legal Diary




Interested in broadening your knowledge?
Check out the latest legal studies on IPCA

Legal Studies




Join us in our mission.
Become an iHOPER today!

Become a volunteer




Empower Change
Donate Today and Make a Difference!

Donate


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Our Services

Check out our latest updates
We’ve been keeping busy!

The Legal Diary




Interested in broadening your knowledge?
Check out the latest legal studies on IPCA

Legal Studies




Join us in our mission.
Become an iHOPER today!

Become a volunteer




Empower Change
Donate Today and Make a Difference!

Donate