Azim Khamisa
on TED WOMEN 2017

In 1995, Azim’s life took an unimaginable turn when his son, Tariq, was tragically lost to a gang-related incident. Grief could have easily consumed him, but Azim embarked on a remarkable path – one of forgiveness and transformation. He channeled his pain into positive action and a life of purpose, founding the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF) in his son’s memory. This organization became a beacon of hope, fostering safer schools and communities by instilling in youth the powerful principles of forgiveness, restorative justice, and compassion.

Azim’s story resonated deeply, transcending personal tragedy to become a message of universal relevance. He and Ples Felix, the grandfather of the young man who took Tariq’s life, forged an extraordinary bond, sharing their journey of shared loss and forgiveness with millions through TKF’s Peacemaker Assembly. Their impact stretched far and wide, touching now over 2 million individuals and demonstrating the transformative power of understanding, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Azim’s unwavering commitment to social change has earned him over 80 prestigious awards, including recognition from esteemed figures like Attorney General Janet Reno. He has engaged in dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and collaborated with global icons like Desmond Tutu and Muhammad Ali. His TED Talk, viewed by over a million people, continues to inspire hope and courage, echoing his message of healing and personal growth. Through five poignant books on redemption, forgiveness, and leadership, Azim shares his wisdom, solidifying his role as a leading voice for positive societal change.

Azim’s vision extends beyond TKF’s invaluable work. He has embarked on a bold initiative called the “Peace Thru Forgiveness” Project (PTF), driven by a transformative vision – a world united by forgiveness and bathed in the radiant glow of global peace. This audacious pursuit, born from inspiration manifested during his meditation practice over ten years ago, seeks to ignite the spark of forgiveness within each individual, aiming to weave a tapestry of world peace one heart at a time. In Azim’s words, “TKF is Tariq’s legacy; PTF is mine.” His story showcases the extraordinary power of human resilience and the transformative potential of choosing forgiveness even amidst unimaginable pain. He stands as a testament to the possibility of healing, growth, and creating a better world – a world where forgiveness becomes the bridge to a future brimming with hope and peace.