Before he became Executive Director of Zakat Foundation of America (Zakat Foundation of AmericaA), Mr. Halil Demir grew up in a small village in southeast Turkey. From a young age, Mr. Demir understood first-hand what it means to struggle with poverty and hunger. That is one of the reasons he has dedicated his life to helping those in need. Mr. Demir understands the significance of zakat, and how it can dramatically alter the lives of the less fortunate for the better.