A Visionary Leader in Global Humanitarian Aid

Bridging Compassion and Action:
The Zakat Foundation of America’s Global Humanitarian Efforts

By Sitki Kazanci
Halil Demir, the Executive Director and Founder of Zakat Foundation of America, has dedicated his life to humanitarian service, empowering communities, and advocating for social justice. Under his leadership, Zakat Foundation has grown into a multimillion-dollar international relief organization, providing aid across the globe while championing human dignity and self-sufficiency.
In this exclusive interview, Demir shares his insights on the foundation’s mission, its transformative impact, and the values that drive its work. He reflects on the meaningful recognitions he has received, the foundation’s diverse initiatives—including mental health support through the Khalil Center—and its swift emergency response efforts. Additionally, he discusses the significance of cultural engagement through events like the Turkish Festival in Chicago and emphasizes the importance of philanthropy within the Turkish-American community.
As Zakat Foundation continues to expand its reach, Demir also speaks about its recognition by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the future of global aid efforts. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of a leader committed to serving humanity with compassion and vision.

Could you tell us about yourself? Where were you born, and what was your childhood like?
I do not like to talk about myself, but I have to say I was born in Southeastern Türkiye, in a farming family. I grew up on a farm, and I learned a lot during my childhood, such as growing all kinds of vegetables, planting pistachio trees, growing olives, and extracting olive oil from olives. It was a childhood that taught me values–the values of life, care, and sharing.

And your parents and siblings—what was their impact on your life? How did your upbringing shape your values and aspirations?
My father was mostly busy, may God be pleased with him. My upbringing was mainly in the hands of my mom. She was an Anatolian woman who taught me everything I needed in life. She was my hero, and I can honestly say I am who I am because of my mom. I went back to the same village I was born in, where I went to school, and I was able to convince the Education Ministry of Türkiye to name the school in my village after my mom. My mom had never been to school, never learned to read or write, but she made sure all her children went to school, went to universities, and did everything possible to ensure we received an education. She understood that education was the only way to break free from poverty. I am proud that the school in my village is named after my mom.

What inspired your decision to settle in the US? Was there a specific turning point that influenced this choice?
I never thought I would come to the United States. After high school, I lived in Europe, where I received my education. It was never part of my plan. But I married a beloved wife, and she convinced me to come to the US. It was supposed to be for a few years until she completed her nursing education. However, plans change, and Almighty God has a different plan for us.
Can you share your journey to the US? What were your initial experiences like, and what challenges did you face?
I came to the US because of my wife. She is from this neighborhood in Chicago, so she knew what I liked. I am a farmer, so I enjoy greenery. She rented an apartment in a place close to a large Muslim community with a mosque and a few schools. She knew I wanted my children to attend private Islamic schools. Since then, I have been here. I was fine living in Europe, actually. I liked it there, and I spent most of my adulthood around German speaking people in Switzerland where there was also a large Turkish community. But the US was different. I came to support my wife during her education; I was planning to go back with her, but we ended up staying. Now, almost a quarter-century later, we are still here.

Who introduced you to the humanitarian aid and relief world? You have received several awards for your humanitarian efforts at Zakat Foundation of America.
As you know, our upbringing and culture emphasize serving humanity. The communities I grew up in taught me to serve the needy, the poor, and the destitute. In Anatolia, it is ingrained in us that we must help others. For example, in my village, there was a blind woman, and my mom made sure I fetched water for her from the fountain, since there was no running water. We learned that doing these good deeds brings great rewards. We considered her like our own grandmother.

Can you tell us about some of the most meaningful recognitions you have received?
There have been many recognitions, and I feel blessed and humbled. Our work has been recognized by interfaith organizations, human rights groups, and minority rights groups. One of the most significant awards came from the Anti-Slavery Institute for our work freeing those trapped in bondage in some African countries. I also received recognition from interfaith leaders in Chicago for our service. Also, another one was a recognition for serving workers and unions in a prophetic manner.

Zakat Foundation of America is a multimillion-dollar international relief organization. Could you share its mission and core values?
Zakat Foundation is an international humanitarian organization that serves humanity without regard to race, religion, or ethnicity. We see every human being as equal and important. Our values are always human-centric. Our mission is to serve those in need—those who are destitute, desperate, and facing crises. We have several programs aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and our projects range from emergency response to long-term development.
I believe the most important aspect of our work is development. Like my mother’s philosophy, I believe that the only way to change a community or society is through education and giving people the opportunity to be independent and financially self-sufficient. People have dignity, and no one wants to be a beggar. We aim to transform people from takers into givers, which is central to Zakat Foundation’s mission.

You support several institutions in the US and have various programs. One of them is the Khalil Center, which focuses on mental health. What are the main focuses of these programs in the US?
Zakat Foundation operates both locally and internationally. In the US, we focus on providing support to legal immigrants, helping them get certified in their fields and find jobs. For example, if someone is a teacher but not certified, or a health worker or engineer without proper credentials, we help them get certified and employed. We also have a Rohingya Community Center, which started with 400 people and now has 1,400 people, including over 200 US citizens. Many are employed and integrated into society.

How about the Khalil Center?
Mental health has become an epidemic worldwide, and the US is no exception. The Muslim community, especially Muslim women who wear the hijab, faces stigma when seeking mental health services. Additionally, cultural and environmental factors play a role. People often associate mental health issues with oppression, which is a prejudice we strive to overcome. The Khalil Center combines modern psychological science with religious values, offering therapy from an Islamic perspective. Thousands of people have benefited from its services.

What about emergency response efforts in the US for natural disasters like hurricanes or fires?
Zakat Foundation is smaller and less bureaucratic than large organizations, which makes us flexible. Over the years, we have strategically placed trucks in different parts of the US to respond quickly to disasters. We have been first responders to hurricanes, fires, and other disasters. We were on the ground in Florida after Hurricane Irma and in California after wildfires. We are still serving in these areas today, distributing food and providing aid to communities that have not yet fully recovered.

The 2025 Turkish Festival in Chicago is an exciting event. In 2024, Zakat Foundation was the main sponsor. Could you tell us more about its significance and what attendees can expect?
The US is a melting pot of cultures, and promoting understanding among different communities is essential to making America a great place. Turkish culture, with its 600-year history of interaction with other civilizations, is part of this diversity. The Turkish Festival in Chicago is an opportunity to share and promote our culture, connect with people from various backgrounds, and raise awareness of the work we do. It is an important platform for us to showcase our mission and gain support for our global programs.

What are your recommendations for the Turkish American community regarding philanthropy and community engagement?
We grow up learning how to give, share, and care. This philanthropy is a core part of our culture. Wherever we are, whether in the US or elsewhere, we must carry these values with us. As responsible members of society, it is important to participate in social and philanthropic activities. The Turkish Festival is a great platform to engage with the community. Bring your children and grandchildren and let them be proud of the culture that has shaped us. Let them experience the joy of sharing our food, like baklava, Turkish coffee, and locum.

Does the Zakat Foundation have a specific Ramadan campaign this year? How can individuals contribute or get involved with the foundation’s work?
Yes, we have a Ramadan campaign focusing on food security, which is a global challenge. Many communities, especially in places like Africa, Yemen, Gaza, Palestine, and even the US, struggle to feed their families. We distribute hot meals and food packages to families in need. We also have a livestock program, where donors can provide a goat to a family, helping them become self-sufficient and break free from poverty. Just donating one livestock to these communities that we are helping serve gives great opportunity. And this family does not need your Zakat or your Sadaqa, or your charity next year. We encourage readers to contribute to these programs, and our team is available to answer any questions.

Recently, Zakat Foundation was recognized by UN ECOSOC. What does this recognition mean for your organization?
Being recognized by the UN is a significant honor. It shows that our work is making an impact globally. During the recognition process, delegates expressed their appreciation for our efforts in women’s empowerment and refugee relief. This recognition will allow our contributions to be taken seriously on the global stage, and it will help us make a bigger impact as we continue our work in over 50 countries.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for the foundation, and how do you view the future of global aid efforts?
The current environment in the US is changing, and aid organizations like Zakat Foundation have a great opportunity to fill the gap. While USAID supports many projects worldwide, we might say that it has been closed. And we must remember that most donations come from average Americans, not corporate America. This generosity creates a unique opportunity for organizations like ours to directly engage with the American public instead of going through taxes and USAID and work together to address global issues. We must fulfill our responsibilities as a superpower and continue working toward a better, more just world for all. ■

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