Dear Supporter,
Assalaamu Alaykum.
When the earthquake struck Haiti killing over 230,000 people, I led
a ZF team to Haiti the next day. The destruction and human tragedy
that occurred cannot be explained. Millions of people were homeless.
Everyone was in the streets in fear of the earthquakes after shock.
There was no food, water, or medicine.
While we were distributing food in Port au Prince, Haiti’s capital, people
would surround the delivery trucks in thousands after hearing that
food and water was on its way. One of these trucks happened to be ours.
To avoid getting hurt, I thought that we should drive away and return
to the same location once the situation has calmed down. I said to the
driver, “Move! Move fast!” While I was trying to move out of the crowd
to get to the truck, a man held both of my hands and looked deep into my
eyes, crying and said “Sir, please sir do not drive away. My children are hungry. We have not had food for three
days!” For a moment my children came to my mind, and I imagined how it would feel if I could not feed them
for three days. I froze and became speechless! I looked at the thousands of hungry children around me. These
are moments that motivate us to do our utmost to serve those in need. By the grace of God and your generous
support, we are still feeding children in Haiti. Assisting others is not a job to us, it is a lifestyle.
Tragedy around the world is never ending. The war in Afghanistan; the flood in Pakistan; the occupation in
Palestine and in Kashmir; hunger, poverty, famine, droughts and wars in Africa. We are always there to help
remove tears and ease pain. You, the tens of thousands of donors, without the help of our Lord and your
support, we could not have done it. Thank you!
Please know that I am grateful for your trust. I am grateful for sharing our vision and I am grateful that you
understand that our zakat can and will make changes in the world.
I would like to inform you that we have just launched a new, three year strategic plan. This plan, Insha’Allah
(God willing) will strengthen our organization, so that we can impact more lives. I ask you kindly to please
help us implement this plan. I know, by the grace of Allah, our community will join us to make the world a
better place.
Peace and Blessings.
Khalil Demir
Executive Director