US-based Zakat Foundation hosts iftar dinner at Georgetown University

March 13, 2025

The Chicago-based Zakat Foundation of America hosted an iftar dinner Wednesday for students at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

The non-profit charity provided meals for nearly 200 students, offering them a taste of Turkish cuisine at Leo J. O’Donovan Dining Hall.

In his message to the guests, the charity’s executive director, Halil Demir, expressed his delight in hosting students at one of the world’s leading universities.

“Not only today, but also at Columbia University, Stanford University and in dozens of states across the US, we sponsor iftar gatherings, bringing together tens of thousands of young people,” said Demir.

Besides providing humanitarian aid to those in need, the charity also offers scholarships for students, distributes school supplies and runs support programs for orphans and vulnerable children to help them access education.

Qadir Khan, 19, a student at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown, told Anadolu that he felt happy seeing the iftar event organized by the charity.

“It feels like home in this environment,” he said.

Eda Toprak, a Turkish student, said she was eager to break her fast with friends at an event offering Turkish food.

“When we gather with more people and enjoy our iftar together, it feels so good. Thanks to the organization that arranged this iftar program,” she added.

Imam Yahya Hendi, the Muslim chaplain at Georgetown University, emphasized that the event fostered unity and should continue to provide food and support for those in need.

During the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, a section of the dining hall serves as a venue for iftar meals, a tradition that has continued for years.