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PATERSON, NJ — October 5, 2026 — Turkish American community activist and philanthropist Israfil Demir played an active role in mobilizing food assistance and protective supplies for communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, working through community partnerships and his leadership role with the Turkish American National Steering Committee (TASC).During the pandemic, Demir focused on a simple principle: when communities are facing an emergency, action matters. His efforts brought together Turkish American community resources, public officials, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and local leaders to respond to urgent needs in New Jersey and New York.
One documented example of this work was Demir’s collaboration with Oasis – A Haven for Women and Children in Paterson, New Jersey. According to a letter from Jennifer Brady, Executive Director of Oasis, Demir recognized the crisis facing families during the pandemic and rallied TASC to donate and help distribute 350 packages of shelf-stable food.
The effort involved coordination with Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik and Chairman John Currie to help ensure that families experiencing hardship received food assistance. Brady wrote that the initiative helped alleviate “the burden of poverty and fear” during a period of significant uncertainty.
Demir’s pandemic response extended beyond food assistance. He also worked to help address shortages of personal protective equipment and other protective supplies at a time when healthcare workers across the country faced unprecedented challenges.
His community-based approach emphasized partnerships rather than working alone. By connecting Turkish American volunteers and resources with elected officials, nonprofit organizations, healthcare institutions, and local community leaders, Demir helped direct assistance toward communities facing immediate needs.
“During a crisis, communities need people who are willing to step forward and help,” said Israfil Demir. “The pandemic showed what is possible when people put differences aside, work together, and focus on helping families, healthcare workers, and vulnerable members of our communities.”
Demir’s philanthropic work reflects a broader commitment to community service. As a Turkish American activist, he has worked to strengthen connections between Turkish Americans and the wider American community while encouraging civic engagement, charitable giving, cultural understanding, and cooperation.
His pandemic response is part of a larger record of grassroots community involvement focused on helping people in moments of need. The experience also demonstrated the ability of community organizations and individual activists to mobilize resources quickly when traditional systems are under extraordinary pressure.
For Demir, philanthropy is not simply about making a donation. It is about identifying a need, bringing people together, and helping turn available resources into meaningful assistance for those who need it most.
About Israfil Demir
Israfil Demir is a Turkish American community activist and philanthropist whose work has focused on community service, civic engagement, cultural exchange, and humanitarian assistance. He has been involved in Turkish American community organizations and initiatives designed to strengthen relationships between Turkish Americans and the broader American community.
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Israfil Demir
Turkish American Community Activist & Philanthropist