We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kak Omar Halmat on Monday, December 14, 2020. Kak Omar was a true Kurdish patriot who served his nation with honor and dignity. He served on the Board of Directors for the Washington Kurdish Institute (WKI) and the Kurdish National Congress of North America. Kak Omar played an integral role in providing humanitarian relief to Kurdish refugees in 1991. He provided a platform for Kurds to project their voices throughout the world via Voice of America and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about issues facing his fellow Kurds across all four parts of Kurdistan. We send our deepest condolences to his wife Paiman, his children, friends and loved ones.
