Stories from the Zakat Foundation of America

Author Bio

Halil Demir

Internationally recognized humanitarian and influential global leader Halil Demir (pronounced like the Arabic name Khalil) has dedicated his life to giving voice to the unheard, delivering hope to the distressed and imploring for peace in some of the world’s most challenging places. Having experienced first-hand the horrors of radicalism and upheaval, he brings authenticity, humility and grace to his tireless work.

Demir fundamentally understood that a collective effort to directly and strategically deliver resources, education, and services to distressed and often-overlooked communities could be transformative. Fueled by that vision, he launched Zakat Foundation of America.

In the nearly two decades since founding Zakat Foundation of America, Demir’s work has drawn him to the front lines, where he connects with children, women and men — the refugees, the displaced and the disenfranchised — who hunger not only for basic needs, but for hope, justice and peace. He instinctively understands that hope and empowerment are powerful forces against radicalism.