Halil Demir

Halil Demir is a proven change-maker and Executive Director of Zakat Foundation of America (ZFA). Halil is dedicated to making the world a better place.

[Zakat Foundation of America @ZakatUS]

Today we were honored to receive the official designation of Turkish Heritage Month by the @cookcountygov Board of Commissioners in #Chicago! Executive Director @HalilDemirZFA was grateful to celebrate the designation by the Board of August as Turkish Heritage Month by our beloved city, and the recognition of Zakat Foundation of America’s 25 years of humanitarian work by Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar. We were also pleased to invite Commissioner Aguilar, along with President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller and Cook County Commissioner Alma E. Anaya personally to our upcoming 3rd Annual Turkish Festival. We’re so grateful for their support in helping us bring the vibrancy of #Turkish culture directly to you here in the United States.
#USA #Illinois #TurkishFestival #TurkishHeritageMonth

[Zakat Foundation of America @ZakatUS]

Today we were honored to attend an exciting National Immigrant Heritage Month event with Mayor Brandon Johnson @ChicagosMayor in #Chicago! Executive Director @HalilDemirZFA enjoyed celebrating the designation by Mayor Johnson of August as Turkish Heritage Month and we loved sharing a special time in our #community with those committed to making the #immigrant experience in Chicago safe and welcoming.
#ZakatFoundationofAmerica #Zakat #NationalImmigrantHeritageMonth #Immigrant #immigrants

[Zakat Foundation of America @ZakatUS]

This evening, Executive Director @HalilDemirZFA was honored to meet and address members of the United Muslim American Association of Law Enforcement Professionals (UMAALEP) at our sponsored dinner at the Fraternal Order of Police Chicago’s Lodge #7! He emphasized the importance of community presence and thanked our Muslim officers for being true examples of goodness and service in #Chicago.
#Zakat #ZakatFoundationofAmerica #Ramadan2026 #Ramadan

[Zakat Foundation of America @ZakatUS]

Seyir Amerika’s riveting #documentary on our Executive Director, Mr. @HalilDemirZFA 's incredible journey, and our organization’s 25 years of #humanitarian work, is now live on YouTube! This documentary runs 27 minutes and is available with English subtitles and Turkish audio. Click to discover a journey of success and service: https://t.co/XT956K2w13
#Zakat #ZakatFoundationofAmerica #SeyirAmerika

[Zakat Foundation of America @ZakatUS]

We’ve been busy filming an exciting #documentary in #Chicago about our Executive Director, Mr. @HalilDemirZFA , and our work here at Zakat Foundation of America. Stay tuned for more as we prepare to show you a glimpse of our very special story!
#Zakat #ZakatFoundationofAmerica #Nonprofits #HumanitarianWork

[Zakat Foundation of America @ZakatUS]

Today, Executive Director @HalilDemirZFA joined our #Chicago team on the ground in bringing food and clothing to families in need at our Social Services Center in #Harvey! We’re always grateful for the chance to serve our local #communities with critical essentials and are so grateful to our staff, volunteers and donors for their heartfelt support.
#ZakatFoundationofAmerica #Zakat #HumanitarianRelief

[Zakat Foundation of America @ZakatUS]

We're honored to have our Executive Director, Mr. @HalilDemirZFA , recognized this coming Tuesday, 12/9, at the Arabian Best of Best Awards, hosted by the American Arab Chamber of Commerce. At the event, the Chamber will present #awards to 12 Arab American and non-Arab community leaders and elected officials to recognize their support for the Arab American community, as well as to community activists who have worked at their own expense to address #community needs. See details below:

Event: 4th Annual Dinner hosted by the American Arab Chamber of Commerce
Time: Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 at 5:00pm CST
Location: Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL 60462
Guest of Honor: Orland Park Mayor Mr. Jim Dodge

[Zakat Foundation of America @ZakatUS]

We're extremely grateful and excited to announce that we've received the prestigious 2025 GIFA Championship Award from @cambridgeifa for Zakat Collection and Distribution! This award recognizes our contributions in advancing the practice of #zakat as a transformative force in humanitarian relief efforts. Thank you to Cambridge IFA for their recognition, and to our wonderful staff, partners and volunteers for making our work happen worldwide. 
#Zakat #ZakatFoundationofAmerica #GIFA #GIFAAwards

[Zakat Foundation of America @ZakatUS]

We’re excited to announce that our Executive Director, @HalilDemirZFA , has been featured in the March 2025 edition of Turk Network Magazine! Swipe to see his deep dive into faith, philanthropy and social impact, as well as our exciting initiatives for #Ramadan2025, and download the original publication: https://t.co/cK99v8IoQa

[Zakat Foundation of America @ZakatUS]

The 2025 regular session of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations will be held from Jan. 20-24, Jan. 30-31, Feb. 3, and Feb. 11, 2025. ZFA Exec. Dir. @HalilDemirZFA presented our work on women’s empowerment projects at the UN ECOSOC session in New York.

[Halil Demir @HalilDemirZFA]

I am truly honored to accept the Global Islamic Finance Awards (GIFA) Excellence Award for Zakat Collection & Distribution on behalf of @ZakatUS & our incredible colleagues worldwide. This prestigious recognition celebrates the impact of institutions advancing Islamic finance.

[Halil Demir @HalilDemirZFA]

Nothing brings greater joy than seeing a child's smile light up despite hardships. In #Mali , children face malnutrition, security risks & limited education. With your support, @zakatus has been able to ensure they have bright futures. Thank you for providing hope in #humanity .

[Halil Demir @HalilDemirZFA]

Proud to share the impact of @zakatus ‘ Healthcare and Wellbeing program in #Mali, a country with high mortality and disease rates. I visited 1/5 clinics we sponsor and they've delivered 82 babies and provide daily care to 30-50 patients. Thank you for supporting #healthcare .

[Halil Demir @HalilDemirZFA]

Meet Djibril.

At the end of 2021, Djibril was diagnosed with nodule revealing cancer in his knee. Djibril underwent amputation in 2022 and your #orphancare charity was able to give him crucial #medical care he needed. Thank you for being his biggest support. #zakat #orphans

[Halil Demir @HalilDemirZFA]

Grateful to share some incredible news from #Mali! @ZakatUS has been awarded a Certificate of Recognition for our life-changing #humanitarian work, made possible by YOUR unwavering support. Thank you for helping bring positive change to #communities in need.

[Halil Demir @HalilDemirZFA]

I'm proud to share the incredible story of Maimouna from our #OrphanCare program. Only 9, she lost her arm in an accident in her locale in #Mali . With your charity, we covered a full prosthesis & she's now regained confidence & returned to school. Thank you for helping her.

[Halil Demir @HalilDemirZFA]

Excited to be on the ground in #Mali 🇲🇱 to meet our incredible partners & beneficiaries! From visiting orphans & handicapped communities to meeting with Minister of Health, Dr. (Colonel) Toure Assa Badiallo, I'm witnessing the impact of your support firsthand. Stay tuned 📰

[Halil Demir @HalilDemirZFA]

Yesterday, I hosted @ThePCRF 's President & Founder, Steve Sosebee & special guest Saleh.

Saleh lost his leg in the 2021 Gaza attacks & via the PCRF, is in the US for a new prosthetic.

I wish Saleh only the best of recovery. #zakat #pcrf #humanitarian