Hani Almadhoun, Senior Director of Philanthropy at UNRWA USA, shares his heart-wrenching journey as both a humanitarian and a brother—a loss that hits close to home. He discusses the increasing challenges of delivering aid in Gaza, especially as UNRWA faces potential operational bans by 2025. Hani also reflects on his childhood memories, the pivotal role of UNRWA for the community, and how grassroots efforts, like soup kitchens, are vital amid the chaos. It's a poignant look at resilience in the face of relentless adversity.
Hani Almadhoun emphasizes that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency is vital for Gazans, providing essential services amid escalating humanitarian crises.
The personal tragedy of Hani's brother, killed while aiding the community, highlights the dangers faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
Deep dives
Hometown Memories and Current Destruction
Henni Al-Madhun describes his hometown of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza as a close-knit community surrounded by lush landscapes, where events like weddings and funerals are occasions for communal gathering and support. However, the town has been irrevocably transformed by recent conflicts, resembling a devastated war zone rather than the vibrant area of his childhood memories. The impact of prolonged conflict has not only ravaged the physical landscape but has also inflicted deep emotional scars on its inhabitants, stripping away a sense of normalcy and safety. Henni's personal journey reflects this change, as he has since moved to the U.S. while remaining deeply connected to the plight of those still living in Gaza.
The Vital Role of UNRWA in Gaza
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is crucial for the majority of Gaza's population, providing essential services such as food, medical care, education, and infrastructure support. Henni highlights that the organization is woven into the daily lives of Gazans, as many families depend on its aid for survival, with traditionally high rates of vaccination and educational access compared to other regions. Despite facing hostility, particularly from the Israeli government, UNRWA's function has become increasingly indispensable amid rising humanitarian crises and the threat of legislation that could ban its operations. The potential shutdown of UNRWA would leave millions without support, exacerbating already dire living conditions and stripping away one of the last pillars of social stability in Gaza.
Grassroots Efforts Amidst Crisis
In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, Henni and his brother Mahmoud established soup kitchens to provide food for those in need after witnessing the severe deprivation faced by families in Gaza. Their initial efforts quickly expanded, operating multiple kitchens and providing meals for hundreds of families, demonstrating the power of community action even in a conflict-ridden environment. Mahmoud's tragic death at the hands of an Israeli drone strike underscores the risks humanitarian workers face while trying to aid those affected by the conflict. Despite this personal loss, Henni continues the mission to provide food and support to those still suffering, reflecting resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity.
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.
Want more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next and all your other favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the What Next show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.
Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther.