Hani Almadhoun, Senior Director of Philanthropy at UNRWA USA and a passionate advocate for aid in Gaza, shares his gripping insights. He discusses the escalating humanitarian crisis, painting a vivid picture of the devastation in Beit Lahia. Personally affected by loss, Hani recalls how his brother was killed while providing meals to the hungry. The conversation delves into the critical role of UNRWA in supporting Palestinians, the urgent need for aid amidst political tensions, and the inspiring resilience of local communities striving to survive.
UNRWA's potential operational shutdown in 2025 could lead to a humanitarian crisis, severely impacting the daily lives of Gazans reliant on its services.
Heni and Mahmoud's establishment of soup kitchens amid escalating food shortages exemplifies grassroots resilience, addressing urgent needs despite logistical challenges and personal tragedy.
Deep dives
The Impact of UNRWA on Gaza
UNRWA plays a crucial role in supporting the majority of Gaza's population by providing essential services such as food, medical care, and education. Established in 1949, UNRWA has evolved into a vital relief agency, delivering aid to Palestinian refugees and managing the largest educational system in Gaza. Heni Al-Madhun emphasizes the agency's significance, noting that it is integral to daily life for many families, with services ranging from basic food assistance to medical vaccinations. The departure or reduction of UNRWA's operations could lead to severe humanitarian consequences, making it essential for the stability of Gaza's infrastructure and civil society.
Grassroots Aid Efforts Amid Crisis
In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Heni and his brother Mahmoud initiated a network of soup kitchens to address urgent food shortages. Following the dire conditions they witnessed, including reports of community members using animal feed to bake bread, they mobilized resources to provide meals for families in need. The soup kitchen grew rapidly, serving hundreds of families each day, but faced logistical challenges such as sourcing ingredients and managing crowds desperate for assistance. This grassroots effort highlights the resilience and determination of individuals to support their communities in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The Personal Toll of Conflict
Heni's personal narrative reveals the emotional and psychological struggles faced by those operating in conflict zones, particularly after the tragic loss of his brother Mahmoud, who was killed by an Israeli drone strike. Despite the overwhelming grief, Heni remains committed to continuing their humanitarian efforts, expanding their operations to serve more families. The broader implications of losing leaders in grassroots aid initiatives, coupled with increased violence against civilians and humanitarian workers, underscore the urgent need for attention to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The conditions for civilians continue to deteriorate, raising alarms about the long-term effects of this continued humanitarian neglect.
Dispensing aid in the Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly difficult. No one knows this better than Hani. On a professional level, his employer, UNRWA—the main supplier of food, water, and shelter to Gazans over the last year—is banned from operating come 2025. On a personal note, his brother Mahmoud was killed in what Hani believes to have been a targeted strike while operating a soup kitchen for hungry neighbors.
Guest: Hani Almadhoun, senior director of philanthropy at UNRWA USA.
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Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther.