During the COVID-19 pandemic, Israfil Demir, Vice Chair of the Turkish American National Steering Committee (TASC), played a crucial role in addressing pressing needs within U.S. communities. His initiatives provided life-saving supplies and food support to vulnerable populations, illustrating the power of collaboration and philanthropy in challenging times.
One of the notable efforts in Demir’s response was his support for Eva’s Village in Paterson, New Jersey. Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr., who commended Demir’s contributions, noted, “We do not need talk; we need action, and I want to commend the Turkish American Community for thinking about the total of Paterson.” Demir’s food donations to Eva’s Village served as a critical resource for struggling families, providing relief during especially difficult times and highlighting the lasting impact of community-focused philanthropy.
At the beginning of the pandemic, as hospitals faced severe shortages of essential protective equipment, Demir spearheaded an initiative to distribute a combination of PPE and hazmat suits across multiple states. His goal was to alleviate the strain on healthcare workers and ensure safer conditions for medical staff as they treated patients in critical need.
One of the most impactful moments came at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, where the head nurse expressed her feelings with tears, sharing the hospital’s dire situation. They had run out of hazmat suits and had none left for the following day. This emotional plea underscored the urgency and desperate need for protective equipment. In response, Demir coordinated with Representative Bill Pascrell to quickly supply Saint Joseph’s with 10,000 units of PPE and hazmat suits, providing crucial relief for frontline workers facing mounting risks.
Similar efforts saw Demir organizing the delivery of another 10,000 units to Capital Health Hospital in Trenton through a collaboration with Mayor Reed Gusciora. In Brooklyn, Kings County Hospital received protective supplies with support from Representative Yvette Clarke, and Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island was likewise fortified with 10,000 PPE units.
The protective equipment proved vital in sustaining healthcare facilities under immense pressure, providing relief to frontline workers and supporting the broader health infrastructure during a time of unprecedented demand. Charles D. Fall, Assistant Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly, praised Demir’s contributions, describing them as a “lifeline” for healthcare workers, especially in Staten Island, where resources were urgently needed.
In addition to medical supplies, Israfil Demir extended his efforts to address food insecurity, another critical issue that worsened as economic challenges mounted during the pandemic. Understanding the need for consistent support, Demir launched a series of monthly food distribution campaigns, each intended to sustain families for an entire month. His efforts were enhanced through collaborations with various public officials, community leaders, and organizations that helped ensure effective distribution across New Jersey and New York. One such collaboration included Oasis – A Haven for Women and Children in Paterson, where Demir coordinated efforts with Democratic Party Chairman John Currie, Passaic County Under-Sheriff Nart Hapatsha, and Patricia Quispe of the Paterson Board of Education PTO. These partnerships enabled the distribution of food to families facing economic hardship.
Similar efforts in Paterson saw Demir working with Representative Pascrell, Senior Director of Government Affairs Assad Akhter, and Mayor Andre Sayegh to bring critical food support to local households. In Brooklyn, he collaborated once again with Representative Clarke to expand the reach of food and PPE donations. Through additional alliances with officials such as New York State Senators Shirley Turner and Andrew Gounardes, Demir’s initiatives provided essential food resources to struggling families across New York City, including New Rochelle with Congressman Jamaal Bowman and Long Island with Congressman Lee Zeldin.
Israfil Demir’s pandemic response serves as a powerful example of the transformative role that coordinated, community-focused efforts can play in times of crisis. Through dedicated philanthropy, Demir’s initiatives highlight how mobilized resources, partnerships with officials, and a commitment to addressing urgent needs can alleviate the burdens of poverty and health risks, even in the most challenging circumstances.
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