Chaker Khazaal

Chaker Khazaal, born in Lebanon in 1987, is a Palestinian-Canadian reporter, speaker, and author. Escaping a refugee camp, he immigrated to Toronto, Canada. In 2009 he graduated from York University with a BA. Focusing on International Affairs, Khazaal became an advocate for refugees and young writers, giving those with no voice a say. An engaging communicator, he is a sought after speaker at global events.
 
Named Esquire’s Middle East Man of the Year 2015 and 2016, he was ranked 1st by Arabian Business Magazine in the 100 Most Powerful Arabs Under 40 and presented with the Mentor Arabia Award the same year. In 2017 he was awarded the prestigious Global Trailblazer by NGO Bridges of Understanding. His acclaimed trilogy Confessions of a War Child, Lia, and Sahara, was followed by the anticipated release of Tale of Tala.
 
With the COVID-19 global lockdown, Chaker launched the Candle of Hope app to ignite a universal flame through a digital candle. The platform continues to spread hope globally as the world counts lit candles, not pandemic statistics. Witnessing the blast at the port of Beirut, Khazaal penned his 5th novel OUCH! a memoir with a twist in 17 days. An intense journey of pain and psychological conflict, the release date is October 17, 2020.