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#ChefMahmoud

#GazaSoupKitchen Update on May 26, 2025 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

#Gaza Soup Kitchen Update — Still Cooking, Still Standing

"Dear friends and heroes,

"Salam, Shalom, Hola, Hi, and Marhaba —

"All seven of our Gaza Soup Kitchens are still cooking. That alone is a miracle. It takes extraordinary grit, resilience, and heart to keep these fires going as food becomes even scarcer. The markets haven’t changed much — maybe a bit of flour trickling in, mostly for bakeries — but that's it. There’s still no sign of variety or abundance. And yes, some of that flour has been looted. Not out of greed, but out of raw desperation — families trying to survive.

"The best answer isn’t more policing. It’s more food. Flood Gaza with aid. Make a bag of flour cost $5 again — not $200. That’s the real path to dignity and stability.

"To put it in perspective: if the borders had stayed open, 46,000 trucks of aid could have made it in. Right now? We’re barely seeing 500 trucks per week. That’s not enough to feed Gaza for even seven days.

"The good news is that #UNRWA and the UN aid clusters are doing what they can. While Israel has yet to authorize direct flour distributions to families, we are hopeful that permission will come soon. Until then, we do what we’ve always done: cook, deliver, and show up.

"We’ve had to relocate five of our kitchens recently — moving southward as people flee bombardment and destruction in the north. Our current locations:

- Three kitchens in Al-Sheikh Radwan
- Two in Beach Camp
- One in the heart of Gaza City, on the edge of what was once the vibrant, prosperous Rimal neighborhood — now reduced to rubble and relying on food relief.
- And the flour power team of bakers are still working every day to deliver for the two hospitals

"The need remains overwhelming. But if aid boxes begin reaching families directly, we may finally see fewer people lining up in hunger. Fewer scuffles over bread. Fewer kids going to sleep with empty stomachs.

"We’re still delivering water — fewer trucks now (maybe eight a day instead of ten), but we’re pushing forward. Our medical point is also in the process of relocating, as its former location has become too dangerous. Reports of Israeli drones targeting nearby homes forced us to move for the safety of the team and those seeking care.

"And in case you missed it — the so-called #GazaHumanitarianFoundation has collapsed. This wasn’t a charity — it was a PR stunt. A cynical attempt to control #Palestinians by using food as leverage. I’ve been vocal about it online, and I encourage you to read and share. Humanitarian aid should never come in armored vehicles.

"To those fasting for Gaza — thank you. Your solidarity fills more than just stomachs. It lifts hearts. It reminds people they’re not forgotten.

"Over the past few days, I’ve had the chance to speak out for Gaza on CNN, BBC, and the IMEU podcast. I had to make the hard call to cancel my trip to Sarajevo — six days away felt like too much at this critical time. Instead, I went to Sarasota and Tampa, met with wonderful donors, and gave a few talks that I hope helped connect hearts to Gaza’s struggle.

"Thank you for being with us. Thank you for staying focused. Let’s keep pushing — for aid, for #justice, and for life.

"Let’s leave distractions and divisive theories at the door. This isn’t a moment for ego or infighting. This is about survival. About Gaza. About humanity.

"With love, resilience, and resolve,
Hani

"P.S. If you're in DC, I hope to see you at the Gaza 5K this Saturday. And if not, maybe I’ll catch you during the UNRWA USA Tour in late June — we’re scheduled to be in Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Minneapolis, and San Francisco. Let’s connect. Let’s keep showing up."

Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily

#NorthGaza #GazaAid #GazaFundraisers #FreePalestine #Fundraisers #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #GoFundMe #BeitLahiya #BaitLahiya #KhanYounes #Palestine #Genocide #Starvation #IsraeliWarCrimes #NorthernGaza
Remember #ChefMahmoud
#HumanRightsAreNeverWrong #IsraeliWarCrimes #BibiIsAWarCriminal

54 people killed in overnight airstrikes on southern #Gaza city, hospital says

By MOHAMMAD JAHJOUH and TIA GOLDENBERG
Updated 8:23 AM EDT, May 15, 2025

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — "Multiple airstrikes hit Gaza’s southern city of #KhanYounis overnight into Thursday, killing more than 50 people in a second consecutive night of heavy bombing, while another airstrike in the north of the #Palestinian territory left more than a dozen people dead, authorities said.

"The strikes come as U.S. President Donald Trump visits the Middle East, visiting Gulf states but not Israel. There had been widespread hope that Trump’s regional visit could usher in a ceasefire deal or renewal of humanitarian aid to Gaza. An Israeli blockade of the territory is now in its third month.

"An Associated Press cameraman in Khan Younis counted 10 airstrikes on the city overnight into Thursday, and saw numerous bodies taken to the morgue in the city’s Nasser Hospital. It took time to identify some of the bodies due to the extent of their injuries. The hospital’s morgue confirmed 54 people had been killed.

"The dead included a #journalist working for Qatari television network Al Araby TV, the network announced on social media, saying Hasan Samour had been killed along with 11 members of his family in one of the strikes in Khan Younis.

"The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the strikes.

"It was the second night of heavy bombing, after airstrikes Wednesday on northern and southern Gaza killed at least 70 people, including almost two dozen children.

"Another strike in #Jabaliya in northern Gaza hit a complex including a mosque and a small medical clinic, killing 13 people, said the Civil Defense, a first responder agency operating under Gaza’s Hamas-run government."

#NorthGaza #FreePalestine #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #BeitLahiya #BaitLahiya #KhanYounes #Palestine #Genocide #Starvation #IsraeliWarCrimes #NorthernGaza
Remember #ChefMahmoud
#HumanRightsAreNeverWrong #IsraeliWarCrimes #BibiIsAWarCriminal

#GazaSoupKitchen Update on May 14, 2025 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Overnight, #Israeli airstrikes killed at least 42 #Palestinians, bombing near #ChefFaten’s neighborhood. It shook us all—not just because we feared for her safety, but because we know and love so many in that community. Our grief is constant, our worry never-ending.

"On the ground, our seven soup kitchens continue to operate daily. But the situation is worse than ever. Food costs more, availability is scarce, and the number of people relying on us continues to grow. People cry when we can’t serve them—it’s not just hunger, it’s desperation. Our kitchens are often the last place with an open door, the only spot with boiling pots. It takes a toll on our team. They carry stories home, the kind that weigh on your spirit. This is life under a system of injustice, under intentional starvation. Even Israeli soldiers have reportedly begun admitting the severity of the crisis—privately, of course.

"We are literally keeping people alive. With every meal served, we’re not just feeding the hungry—we're preserving life. But when food isn’t enough, our team steps in with IV fluids at our medical point, helping patients who are too weak to eat or dangerously dehydrated. This is care at its most urgent, its most human.

"We also deliver hot meals daily to two hospitals—without fail. Patients and exhausted medical staff know they can count on us. On you and me. In a place where nearly everything has collapsed, that consistency is a miracle.

"And no, we don’t say that because we want applause. It’s miraculous because we’re still open for business—still cooking, still delivering, still healing—despite everything that’s happening to us in Gaza. Despite the bombs, the starvation, the displacement, and the heartbreak. We haven’t stopped.

"That’s the power of solidarity.

"Our water trucks deliver life itself.
Every day, we get water to nine locations, rotating between neighborhoods in the north and middle of Gaza. Women and elderly people often go thirsty, waiting. Still, we show up. And it’s only possible because you continue to show up for us.

"Our medical point sees 70 to 100 patients a day. We care for wounds, fevers, infections. We source medications from shuttered pharmacies, destroyed hospitals, and whatever small NGOs can share. Diapers and baby formula are now treasures—some families have resorted to plastic bags. The world is watching and condemning, but it’s not enough. Condemnation doesn’t heal children.

"And our flexible initiatives? They're still going strong. Yesterday we delivered fresh produce—cabbage, eggplant, peppers—to displaced families. Last week it was children's clothing. Every small gesture matters. Every pack makes a difference for one child, one mother, one family. While we might give away thirty produce packs, we could use a thousand more. People are stunned that we’re still able to source anything at all. They call, hoping to get one. These small packs are rarer than UFOs.

"Let’s be clear: #Israel owns this madness. And one day, it will be held accountable. May it happen before the afterlife.

"You keep us going. You keep the lights on. You give our team confidence that the world hasn't turned its back. I’m tired. I’m removed from the genocide. But I know our frontliners are beyond exhausted. What keeps them going is faith—and the tiny distractions that service brings. They are choosing others, in the face of destruction."

Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily

#GazaSoupKitchen Update on April 28th, 2025 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Salam and hello from Seattle — racing to return my rental and catch the shuttle to the airport!

I was here to meet with our #UNRWA USA supporters and gear up for the inaugural Seattle Gaza 5K on August 3rd.
But my heart is back in Gaza.

Last week, we added a 7th soup kitchen location because things are desperate.
Now, heartbreakingly, we may have to open an 8th.

The need keeps growing while the food keeps shrinking.
Everyone is exhausted.
You see the videos.
Our family and crew are living it — seeing the bodies in the streets, in hospitals, at every delivery site.
This is their daily reality.
No words can soften it.

The sliver of good news?
American public opinion is shifting.
Israeli policies and practices are now about as popular as COVID-19 in 2020 — overwhelming, wrong, criminal.
There’s no "but." It’s just the truth.

One of our kitchens — where Chef Faten leads — has become the most photographed soup kitchen in history.
Every day for the past month, a reporter comes to capture it:
The endless lines.
The incredible crew — women and men — cooking under brutal conditions to feed their neighbors.
We fear for their safety, and she knows the risks of speaking out.

Friends send me clips from news sites — but none of it stops the nightmare.
People need us now.
And we keep showing up.

Even the reporters, who might have money and resources, leave after filming with a meal — because they, too, are food insecure.
That’s how widespread the hunger is.
This program speaks for the hungry.

Right now, we have about 2-3 weeks of food left — that's it. ⏳
Sourcing anything is already a massive struggle.

Our last move?
We sent a team south to try to find rice and pasta and bring it north.
Carts are banned. Rickshaws and livestock-pulled carts are all we have.
Nothing new has entered Gaza for almost two months.
People are starving.
Pause and really think about that.
It’s indefensible.

Still, we hold on.

We deliver water daily.
We run small projects — slushies for kids ❄️, bread, kids' clothes, haircuts ✂️ — whatever we can manage to give them a glimmer of normalcy.
Small joys matter.
In a place where kids are being killed and wounded every day, a cold slushie is a glimpse of childhood again.

At our medical point, nurses and doctors are seeing 70-100 patients daily.
We keep restocking supplies when we can.
The nurses are the true healers. ❤️‍

As for us?
We will not stop.
Maybe an 8th location this week.
Maybe another hospital next.
Whatever it takes.

Please:
Keep speaking out.
Keep believing in collective liberation.
Stay loud for Palestine.
They have suffered enough.
2023. 2024. 2025.
Let’s make sure this ends yesterday, not tomorrow.

In prayers and persistence,
Hani

P.S. For those who asked: my parents are alive (Alhamdulillah), leaning on their faith but tired, insecure, and worried for the grandkids they now have to raise while in their seventies. But it has also given them new purpose — and I know many Palestinians now find themselves in the same boat."

Donate:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily

#GazaSoupKitchen Update on April 10th, 2025 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Dear friends,

Thank you, as always, for being with us. We hope you’re doing okay—these are uncertain, overwhelming, and often heartbreaking times, and your continued support means the world to us and to Gaza.

This past week, our team had a serious conversation: Should we scale back our work because food has become incredibly expensive, harder to find, and money transfer fees have skyrocketed? Or should we dig deeper? We already have the staff and the ability to send funds (we did have a hiccup earlier this week that we were able to resolve)

We chose to dig deeper.
We agreed that this is not the time to hold back—it’s the time to do more. The community needs us now. Many larger humanitarian actors are parked at the border, waiting for access. We’re one of the few nimble efforts still moving—still showing up, still cooking, still delivering water, still caring.

So here’s what your support made possible this week:

We added a sixth permanent Gaza Soup Kitchen location—this one serves families east of #Jabalia refugee camp. Our pop-up kitchens continue to operate in central #Gaza when possible.

We’re feeding 1,500 families daily, plus preparing 300 meals for two hospitals: the Indonesian Hospital and the Arab Baptist Hospital. Staff at the Indonesian Hospital even honored our crew with a certificate of appreciation—a moment of light in very dark days.

Ten water trucks continue to deliver water every day, reaching 20,000 people across various neighborhoods. Five teams run this effort—each team gets two trucks and heads to two different areas. Water is life, and we do our best to keep it flowing.

Our medical point is growing. We added a private room for patients and doctors, and we now care for about 80 patients a day. We hunt down medications when they’re nowhere to be found. It shouldn’t be heroic to find basic meds—but right now, it is. Still, we keep trying.

And in #BeitLahia, our incredible women-led team organized a special day for mothers. They distributed scarves and a hard-to-find beauty product, and served cold slushies to women and their children. It was a moment of joy, normalcy, and love. It cost us just $400 and lifted a whole town.

We are so proud of our team. But we’re also tired. Every day, we see news about #humanitarian workers and #SoupKitchens being targeted. We read it with heavy hearts, knowing it could be any of us. The toll of this work is real. But so is our promise:

We will be the last door to close.
The last pot to stop boiling.

We say this not with bravado—but with faith, grit, and deep responsibility. Your support makes this possible. And we are so, so grateful.

Please continue to share, donate, and keep Gaza in your hearts.

With love and determination,
The Gaza Soup Kitchen Team"

Donate:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily

Holding the Line in #Gaza – A Personal Update (March 9, 2025)

by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer of the #GazaSoupKitchen

"Hey Friends,

Wanted to check in with an update on what’s happening in Gaza and what we’ve been up to at the Gaza Soup Kitchen. Things are still unbelievably tough, but we’re keeping the fire going—literally and figuratively.

Food and Supplies – It’s Only Getting Harder

Food isn’t being allowed in, and essentials like vegetables and meat are nearly impossible to find. Many people haven’t seen fresh produce or protein in weeks. Restaurants are shutting down because they simply don’t have ingredients to cook with, and the exchange rate is climbing again, making everything even more expensive for people who have nothing left.

Even with all that, we’re still cooking every day. We’ve managed to keep going, and right now, we have enough food supplies to last about two more weeks. After that? We’ll figure it out, just like we always do. We may have to scale back food parcels, but we’re determined to keep meals coming. Chicken is likely off the menu—without widespread refrigeration, there’s no way to store it safely.

Here’s what we did just today:
✅ Cooked at all five of our locations
✅ Delivered 75 food boxes to struggling families
✅ Sent 150 meals to hospitals
✅ Distributed 10 containers of drinking water

Life for Displaced Families – No Relief in Sight

Nothing is improving for displaced families. They’re still living in tents that don’t protect them from the rain or the heat. Supplies are drying up, medicine is scarce, and hospitals are barely functioning. It’s a grinding crisis. People are resilient, but you can feel the exhaustion setting in.

I know that for many outside, Gaza isn’t in the headlines like it was before. People move on, news cycles shift, attention fades. But the suffering hasn’t stopped—#Palestinians are still being targeted, families are still struggling, and there’s no real ceasefire in place. We can’t afford to look away.

The Money Talk – Spending More Than We’re Bringing In

My displaced Palestinian accountant (yes, really) sent me a message after going through our February bank statement. His exact words? 'Hani, you’re spending way more than you brought in. Maybe slow it down?'

I told him straight up — 'Not happening.' The community doesn’t need us to slow down; they need us to keep going. We’re not reckless, but we’re preparing for Ramadan—stocking up food, keeping locations ready, and making sure we can feed as many people as possible in the weeks ahead.

What’s Next?

We need:
✔️ More aid to get through
✔️ Access to essential supplies
✔️ Rebuilding materials to be allowed in

Until that happens, we’ll keep cooking. We’re not stopping.

Thanks for standing with us—this is only possible because of you. Your support means the world, and I hope you know that. More soon.

Hani

P.S. Please know that I hate talking about money—I’d much rather focus on the impact we’re making. But just to give you a sense of how far your support goes:

$30 buys a food box for a family in need

$200 delivers drinking water to 200 families

$8 provides a nourishing meal to someone who hasn't eaten in days

$200 runs our medical point for an entire day, providing care and comfort to 70+ people

Every dollar counts and makes a real difference in the lives of those we’re trying to help. Your generosity is what keeps us going."

Donate:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily
#NorthGaza #GazaAid #GazaFundraisers #FreePalestine #Fundraisers #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #GoFundMe #BeitLahiya #BaitLahiya #KhanYounes #Palestine #Genocide #Starvation #IsraeliWarCrimes #NorthernGaza
Remember #ChefMahmoud
#HumanRightsAreNeverWrong

#GazaSoupKitchen: Update on March 2, 2025 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Dear comrade,

#Ramadan is here, and all hands are on deck for the people of #Gaza.

Today:

✨ Five different locations that you support are serving hot meals, each offering at least two dishes and feeding 300+ families.

✨ We’ve been averaging 150 food boxes packed with essentials and groceries. I’ve been telling the team: buy what you can while you can—because sure enough, the Israelis announced they’re shutting the crossings and denying aid to Gaza. Prices shot up immediately, supplies are running low, and without refrigerators, fresh food like chicken and produce will spoil. Aid is free, but when it's denied, people will search for it.

Our team has stocked enough food for about ten days to sustain operations, meaning we’ll distribute even more food boxes until the market stabilizes. This morning, we dropped off 320 food boxes in #Jabalia. Tomorrow, we’ll do more. This kind of planning only happens because you rally around us.

A well-staffed medical point is serving up to 100 patients daily, offering primary care, dental care, baby and elderly support, and physiotherapy—all working hand in hand to bring comfort in these incredibly difficult times. The clinic also provides essentials like baby formula and diapers for children, as well as free basic medicine for those who need it most.

Eight to ten water trucks are reaching different neighborhoods in North Gaza. Remember: no aid means no fuel, and no fuel means it’s harder to pump water from the ground.

60 care packages distributed daily to little kids, sometimes tjese jabe snacks, other times essential like cheeses and jams.

140 hot meals are being delivered daily to hospitals, nourishing both patients and the medical staff keeping people alive.

Our team is expanding, giving us more mobility to take on bigger tasks at lightning speed. Just yesterday, we secured 350 blankets and delivered them to tent communities within hours. We did the same with food boxes. The faster we move, the more people we reach.

But what truly weighs on me is the relentless scrutiny from voices—trolls, really—who comment on the food we serve as if a meal somehow erases the suffering. Every plate we prepare is a battle—to secure funds, to find ingredients, to cook in a place where even the basics are scarce. And yet, when we share a meal prepared with love, some use it as an excuse to deny the reality of Gaza.

We are more than our suffering, but our suffering is real. No amount of bad-faith arguments will change that.

None of this happens without your love, support, and generosity. You are part of this movement, and together, we are making a difference—one meal, one blanket, one act of care at a time. Thank you for standing with Gaza. ✨

P. S. This week Sumud Podcast started sharing different segments of a two hour recording sessions I had with the hosts three weeks ago, I hope you get a chance to listen in."

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily
#Ceasefire #Hope #NorthGaza #GazaAid #GazaFundraisers #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #GoFundMe #BeitLahiya #BaitLahiya #KhanYounes #Palestine #HumanRightsAreNeverWrong #NorthernGaza
Remember #ChefMahmoud

#GazaSoupKitchen: Update on January 28, 2025 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Hi, Salaam, and hello everyone,

Thank you for your patience—I know I’m a few days late with this update, and I truly appreciate your understanding. It’s been an emotional roller coaster of a week, but off we go.

Despite the unbearable reality in Gaza, this week has given us rare moments of joy. We’ve seen heartwarming reunions—families hugging for the first time in 15 months, children embracing their parents, grandparents holding their grandkids. It’s a lot to process, but these moments remind us why we keep going.

At the same time, the harsh truth remains: most people returning to the north are finding their homes damaged or destroyed. Nine out of ten families come back to rubble, and yet, they return because Gaza is home. That’s why we’re shifting our operations northward, where traditionally 65% of Gaza’s population lived.

We’ve closed our two kitchens in the south, but in their place, we’ve distributed food parcels, snack packs, fresh produce, and meal kits—allowing families to cook for themselves. It’s been a meaningful way to serve, but our focus now is on the three operational soup kitchens in Gaza City.

1️⃣ #BeachCamp: Originally planned for just another week, but the need is too great to close. Many of our crew members lost their homes in #BeitLahia and #Jabalia, and they’re staying near the kitchen to serve their community. We’re keeping it open to provide meals for up to 400 families daily.

2️⃣ #AlNasr: Quickly becoming a central hub, serving up to 300 families daily. Our team is working hard to manage the crowd and ensure meals reach as many as possible.

3️⃣ #ArabBaptistHospital: This kitchen has been delivering not just meals but dignity—serving items like kebabs, rice, and fresh sandwiches. The hospital even gave us a certificate of appreciation, a gesture that meant so much to our team.

Beyond food, water is critical. Without it, people can’t clean up, rebuild, or even stay in their neighborhoods. We’ve been delivering four water trucks a day to #NorthGaza, and tomorrow will be our biggest push yet—aiming for 10 trucks. We’re urging all humanitarian actors to prioritize water delivery, especially to hard-to-reach areas like Jabalia.

We’re also working to establish a larger, permanent soup kitchen, likely in #Mashrua, Beit Lahia. The only thing holding us back is logistics—our kitchen equipment is stuck in the south, and we haven’t yet found a way to transport it north. But we’ll get there.

And as always, we’re dreaming bigger. Maybe we can revive the school #ChefMahmoud started. Maybe we can expand our support for orphans. But for now, we’re focused on the essentials—food, water, shelter, and clothing.

None of this would be possible without you. You have given so much to Gaza, and you deserve a moment of joy, of celebration. Every meal served, every drop of water delivered, every family supported—it’s because of your generosity. So please, take a deep breath and know that your kindness is making a real, tangible difference.

Additionally, I had the chance to speak with #NPR's local affiliate about what gives me, as a Palestinian, a sense of community. It was such an uplifting conversation, and the Gaza Soup Kitchen took center stage—because of all of you and the incredible things we’ve accomplished together. Every step of the way, every smile, every bite, and every drop of water has been a testament to our collective effort.

With gratitude and appreciation,
Hani"

Hot meals 4 Starved #Palestinian Kids in #NorthGaza

Update on January 3, 2025 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Thank you for being here with us and standing in solidarity. It's deeply troubling that, in 2025, we are still needed, and even more devastating that #Gaza remains under relentless military assault. Just yesterday, 69 defenseless #Palestinians lost their lives to Israeli violence. Yet, we press on, because giving up is not an option.

"Our winterization efforts are expanding across Gaza through several initiatives. In #NorthGaza, we are distributing heavy blankets—updates on this will be shared later today on social media. Yesterday in #KhanYounes, we handed out hats and gloves to the students in our classroom led by Ms. Fatma. These small but crucial interventions are aimed at helping families cope with the brutal winter. Still, the images of people drenched and freezing in the rain are heart-wrenching, especially knowing that at least seven babies have succumbed to the cold. It’s overwhelming, but we refuse to stop. In addition to cooking daily meals—stews and soups—we’re challenging ourselves to find new ways to keep people warm. While we wish we could provide tents or tarps to shelter those most vulnerable, for now, we are focused on winter clothes and blankets. Each blanket costs about $40, and we’ve sourced the heaviest kind available. We also hope to find sleeping bags soon.

"Before diving into more updates, I want to share some exciting news. Slate Magazine just published a podcast interview with me, where I talk about #UNRWA, the #GazaSoupKitchen, and #ChefMahmoud’s inspiring contributions. I hope you get a chance to give it a listen—it’s a glimpse into the work we’re doing and the people behind it."

Hot meals 4 Starved #Palestinian Kids in #NorthGaza

Update on December 5, 2024 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

Donor Update: Honoring #ChefMahmoud’s Legacy and Pressing On

"Dear Friends,

"This is my saddest update to date, but first, if you're new here—welcome. I’m so glad you’ve joined us, even during what has been an unimaginably difficult week for my family and me.

"Our Commitment to Gaza

"Let me begin by saying this: we are not going anywhere. Our kitchens remain fully operational, with three locations in North Gaza and two in the south. Every day, we serve thousands of families in need, and we are determined to continue this vital work.

"A Tragic Loss

"On Saturday, around 9:00 a.m. local time in Palestine, an Israeli drone targeted and assassinated my brother, Chef Muhammad. It’s almost unfathomable. A man whose only mission was to help others—a chef—was taken by an instrument of death. He wasn’t just a chef; he was a hero.

"At just 33 years old, Muhammad dedicated his life to supporting the people of North Gaza. He refused to leave despite immense danger, providing food, water, and essential supplies to his community. He loved and appreciated his life, honored his parents, was a good dad to his kids. Mahmoud even supported local hospitals with enough resources to sustain them for weeks. The things he has done has been already been acknowledged by the local community. Instead of awards and recognitions which he didn't seek, he got a missile meant tk kill bad guys not humanitarians like Mahmoud.

"He was detained multiple times by the Israeli army and always released immediately because he was a civilian, a humanitarian. So why was he targeted? Why was a chef deemed a threat? The loss is heartbreaking and senseless. But Muhammad died a hero, and we are incredibly proud of him.

"Media Efforts

"This week, I’ve done countless media interviews to share Muhammad’s story. While exhausting, it is a privilege to bring awareness to his legacy and the ongoing #genocide in Gaza. We’ve spoken about him on platforms like #DemocracyNow, Fox 5 DC, CNN, PBS, AJ+, and many more. These stories won’t bring him back, but they hold the Israeli army morally accountable and offer comfort to those who loved him. Also, special shout out to Chris and Janeen from IMEU for helping me and so many Palestinians to be present in the US and Global media.

"Muhammad now joins our brother Majed, who was killed exactly a year earlier. The pain of losing two brothers is immeasurable, but we march on—not because we seek grand statements, but because supporting our people is the only way we know how."

#NorthGaza #IsraeliWarCrimes #Starvation #GazaAid #GazaFundraisers #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #GoFundMe #IsraelHumanRightsViolations
#StopArmingIsrael #WorldWarBibi #BeitLahiya #BaitLahiya #BibiIsAWarCriminal #Genocide #GoFundMe #KhanYounes #Palestine #HumanRightsAreNeverWrong #NorthernGaza #Gaza #AlZawaydah #KamalAdwan #KamalAdwanHospital

@toddbohannon And #ChefMahmoud, brother of #HaniAlmadhoun and co-founder of the #GazaSoupKitchen. 😭

😭 Some of #DemocracyNow's interview with #HaniAlmadhoun, after the assassination of his brother, #ChefMahmoud -- just a day after Dr. Ahmed al-Kahlout was killed.

"AMY GOODMAN: That’s Dr. Ahmed al-Kahlout, who was killed this weekend, head of Kamal Adwan’s intensive care unit. Hani?

HANI ALMADHOUN: Yes, rest in peace, Dr. Ahmed al-Kahlout. He’s a friend of the family. He’s our neighbor. He was killed exactly a day before Mahmoud. In fact, he gave my — he was able to give my brother painkillers, because my dad, who’s 72 years old, was hurt two weeks ago by Israeli quadcopter, and we couldn’t find painkillers. The doctor said he didn’t want anything. He asked if Mahmoud can do him a favor and get him tomato paste. Can you imagine this hero saving lives and can’t find tomato paste? And Mahmoud said, “I’ll find it for you.” And he went to the hospital, and boom, that day, the guy was assassinated. He’s the head of the intensive care unit.

Mahmoud has developed a friendship with Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the hero doctor, solving problems for him. In fact, 10 days before Mahmoud’s assassination, he delivered filtered water for the hospital for their dialysis unit. Can you imagine a civilian figuring out how to deliver filtered water for the hospital, not just for drinking, but also to run the dialysis unit? You can’t imagine how important Mahmoud was for the hospital. The hospital already sent their condolences. They’re worried about lack of his support. In fact, yesterday the shipment of produce that Mahmoud ordered just got to the hospital. You know, they are out of fresh food. They’re eating pasta and rice that’s delivered by UNRWA and the World Health Organization.

But yesterday I was in a conference call with Dr. Hussam, and he said, “Out of the 50 items we need, these organizations are able to deliver six or seven,” and he’s frustrated because he’s not getting the help he needs. And, you know, I’ve met the doctors. They’re not seasoned by any measure. They’re just fresh out of medical school, trying their best, doing things that — even nurses in Gaza are doing operations now, because there’s nobody else to do these things. And it’s unfortunate we continue to do this.

And the cruelty, Amy, my brother survived this genocide for 420 days, and then he’s killed. And he was telling me the day before, “Hani, there might be good news. They’re talking about a ceasefire.” It’s one thing to be killed early in the war and not suffer as much, but he was killed toward, I hope, to be the tail end of it.

He does not deserve to be killed. And I inquire and I challenge the Israelis to publicly say why they targeted my brother. We have full confidence that he is the person we know. He’s a civilian dad who wanted to help his neighbors, and everybody knows him and supported him, and we pray for him.

But also, we want to make sure people there, you know, they can still do things. You know, why are they banning UNRWA? Why is the U.S. defunding the U.N. agency? This is no longer about October 7th and the horrors. This is about ethnically cleansing north of Gaza. The south is also facing starvations. We run a soup kitchen there. And we went from a $1,000 budget to $5,000 daily budget just to get people some rice, because food is not available. But we want to respond. Despite our pain, my cousins and nephews and sister-in-law is cooking for people in four out of the five soup kitchens we continue to run. We’re not going to close, because this is our family, this is our commitment. We don’t cook for people, we don’t eat ourselves.

This is not — and this is risky. You know, it should not be risky. It should not be an heroic act to get water to the hospital. And that’s why I remember the 230 UNRWA staff who were killed, and not just UNRWA. You’ve mentioned the Save the Children. You’ve mentioned other organizations who have lost their staff. And —

AMY GOODMAN: World Central Kitchen.

HANI ALMADHOUN: Yes, correct. And unfortunately that sometimes, you know, Israeli accusations run in the media as a fact, and that’s — nobody challenges whatever allegations are made, because, “OK, it’s good enough for me.” Nobody’s going to push back. And in the case of my brother, we’re pushing back as much as we can.

AMY GOODMAN: Finally, of course, you are not the only one who’s accusing Israel of ethnic cleansing. Israel’s former Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon has accused Israel of ethnic cleansing and committing war crimes in Gaza. He served as Netanyahu’s defense minister from 2013 to '16, made the accusations several times over television, including on one of Israel's biggest TV channels. This is what he said, and we’re going to end with your comment after this.

MOSHE YA’ALON: [translated] To occupy, to annex, to cleanse, ethnic cleansing, look at the northern Gaza Strip and settle a Jewish settlement. That’s the point. … There is no Beit Lahia. There is no Beit Hanoun. They are operating in Jabaliya and are essentially clearing the area of Arabs.

AMY GOODMAN: That’s Israel’s former Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon. Your final comments, Hani?

HANI ALMADHOUN: This is our reality. This is the horrors my family faced. We’ve lost our brother last November. He is a full-time civilian, and they killed our brother. This is the price to pay for standing where we were raised. This is the memory of the Nakba. We learned our lesson from our grandparents who were ethnically cleansed. And now we refuse to do the same. But unfortunately, when they kill so many of our family members, our family relocated still in north Gaza, standing by, hoping that somebody watching, somebody listening, somebody from our government will definitely develop a conscience and try to save our people. This is no longer a war against terror. This is a war against the civilians in Palestine, including Gaza. Thank you so much."

Full transcript / listen / watch:
https://www.democracynow.org/2024/12/2/gaza_soup_kitchen

#UNRWA #NorthGaza #IsraeliWarCrimes #Starvation #GazaAid #GazaFundraisers #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #IsraelHumanRightsViolations
#StopArmingIsrael #WorldWarBibi #BeitLahiya #BaitLahiya #BibiIsAWarCriminal #Genocide #KhanYounes #Palestine #HumanRightsAreNeverWrong #NorthernGaza #Gaza #Assassination #Genocide #KamalAdwan #KamalAdwanHospital #ViewerSupportedNews #SaveTheChildren

An update from #HaniAlmadhoun!

Hot meals 4 Starved Palestinian Kids in #NorthGaza

Update on November 1, 2024 by Hani Almadhoun, Organizer

"Salam, Hola and hello,

"Greetings from Utah, where my alma mater is located ! I’m here giving talks, lectures, and events, sharing my experiences with #UNRWA USA and the #GazaSoupKitchen in #Gaza. To my surprise, I found a lot of support, empathy, and understanding. The highlight so far has been meeting with Arab students , many of whom felt invisible on campus regarding the issue of Gaza. It was heartwarming for all of us .

"At the Gaza Soup Kitchen’s makeshift location in #NorthGaza , the crew serves meals daily, mainly rice or pasta with canned meat to enhance the flavor. Every day, they provide meals to around 250 families and deliver water before cooking . They even deliver mini pizzas to another shelter to extend support as widely as possible . It’s meaningful to be able to help daily, and we thank you for powering our kitchens. Even in the face of bombs , we remain committed to this mission.

"#ChefMahmoud shared how challenging conditions remain. Just yesterday, 16 #Palestinians were killed on the same block as the soup kitchen️. During this tragic event, the medical point we established sprang into action, with two nurses pitching in to help. Injured community members were brought in for care, but the reality is harsh—most needed a hospital, and the only available one, #KamalAdwan, is critically low on #food, #medicine, and equipment. It was a heartbreaking day .

"We hope to reopen the kitchen soon and bring the staff and community together once more . Thank you for keeping them in your prayers .

"In Al Zawaydah, the kitchen continues to see hundreds of weary, war-torn people. We’re there for them, and they know it . They appreciate the variety of meals, the ingredients we use, and the humility in our service. Every morning, the crew heads to the souk, gathers what they can, and begins cooking—a family kitchen creating one perfect meal, repeated 400 times a day . Today, we served a seasonal local favorite, which was received with gratitude . If you look at the photos, you’ll see the smiles —but also, please don’t miss the desperate need in those crowds. Hundreds of families lining up is not normal . Thank you for standing with us.

"Moving south to #Khan"Younes, we now serve breakfast every morning . Some days, it’s rice pudding, other days mini pizzas, falafel wraps, or anything we can create to brighten the kids’ days . We center our response on the children and ensure they’re always a priority ❤️.

"In the same community, Ms. Fatima continues her morning classes ️. Every day, she shows up for her students. Today, they learned the letter 'C,' using toy cars as an example . The students’ excitement and eagerness to learn, even in such conditions, are truly moving .

"Thank you so much for being here and choosing to stand with the Gaza Soup Kitchen . This work is not easy, but your support and partnership make it bearable . You help bring light and hope in the darkest times ✨. Your engagement give us the power to do what we do.

"P.S. Due to the ongoing #genocide and scarcity, we’re paying more for food in the south and spending extra time sourcing ingredients in North Gaza. We hope soon to be able to provide more variety than rice and pasta . And remember UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian operation in Gaza, there is no substitute."

Read more, share, and donate:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily

#Starvation #GazaAid #GazaFundraisers #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #GoFundMe #IsraelHumanRightsViolations
#StopArmingIsrael #WorldWarBibi #BeitLahiya

Hot meals 4 Starved #Palestinian Kids in #NorthGaza

Update on September 21st, 2024 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Hello and salamat,

"A lot is happening, so please take a moment to sit down and, as always, thank you for being here and being invested in everything we do. Please take a moment of silence for all the victims of this #genocide that is now spreading to other countries while this heartless world watches on.

"New data has revealed the scale of aid obstruction, resulting in a drastic fall in aid entering #Gaza. This is driving a #humanitarian disaster, with the entire population of Gaza facing #hunger and #disease, and almost half a million at risk of #starvation.

"As #Israeli military attacks on Gaza intensify, lifesaving food, #medicine, medical supplies, #fuel, and tents have been systematically blocked from entering for almost a year.

"Firstly, I am honored to report that the #GazaSoupKitchen was featured again in an #AJ+ production about #FoodResistance in Palestine. You can see the video link below, where you will see Chef Mahmoud in action. All of you are mentioned there for your solidarity and support. Thank you. Anything we can do to alleviate the Palestinian voices on top of our #humanitarian work, we will do it and do it often.

"Regarding food, we continue to serve food and scale our operations. Remember, our food is home-cooked meals of quality, not large volume food made on the cheap for photos. This is a real issue where well-meaning folks cook things that people are wary of despite their hunger, leading to hospital visits. I salute everyone who serves food made for fellow humans with dignity and love. In #AlZawaydah, we now serve an additional 100 meals weekly on top of the 350 families we lovingly serve daily. These one hundred meals go to a makeshift refugee camp that has reached out for help and you have answered. We may expand that down the road. In Khan Younes, our teams have started doing something cool, delivering meal kits to displaced families. Like 55 families received onions, cooking oil, garlic, and animal protein today. Three days ago, they received a different meal kit with chicken. I know that my family, when they see these items, feel upset because none of these items are available to them. One single onion in North Gaza goes for 25 dollars, can you imagine? #ChefFaten and #ChefMahmoud still serve hot meals daily and continue to see increasing demand, as only 83 percent less aid was allowed into Gaza last month compared to 34% the month before.

"This week, we held two health days in Khan Younes, one dental day, and one for skin diseases in kids. Dr. Ibrahim led both days and helped about a hundred kids in total. This initiative was funded by a few friends in Ashville, North Carolina, under the Sumud Collective. We were happy to remove the hurdles and send a doctor to help in the heart of the displacement where folks don't need to worry about safety and transportation.

"You should also know that the #HealthClinic in North Gaza continues to work daily. Dr. Mohanned, nurses Fadia, and Ahmad serve 50 to 70 patients a day with love and excitement. Nurse Fadia, with her bubbly personality, is everyone's friend. When women need privacy, she meets with them and asks the males to leave the tent. We provide about 24-30 prescriptions a day, all free of charge, and we are happy to provide these as we purchase them. Our weekly budget for the clinic is 1000 dollars, and the total cost to set it up was 10k. The most expensive item was the energy solutions #batteries and #solar panels, which set us back 3500 dollars. The bulk of the cost for the clinic was shouldered by a Palestinian family living between the US and the Gulf. We are happy that you continue to support these ventures to ensure we have the resources we need to meet the needs every day.

"On the water front, we deliver at least four water trucks a day, two in Khan Younes, one in #AlZawaydah, and another in North Gaza. Each water truck costs about 200 dollars and serves 150 families or so based on how many containers each person brings. Another #Palestinian family stepped up to help us hook up a school that is sheltering 80 families to a nearby well. We provided the pipes, water tank, and a pump, which set us back a little over a thousand dollars. When we shared an update on this, another family stepped up and said count us in for two of these projects, so we are looking into making this impact in other places.

"Lastly, on #education, our new school should be opening tomorrow, and with the school starting this Monday, this is important because to the best of our knowledge, no one else has opened an entire school in Gaza where we took over an abandoned souk and turned it into a full school with nine classrooms, restrooms, and an admin office. You should brag about this for eternity because it's so awesome and it solves a big problem for kids, their families, and the community. We have teachers ready and a school principal eager to start teaching the 270 students who will receive official transcripts for their education. It will be the first time the Ministry of Education approves such a program since the genocide started in Gaza. Please pray for their safety. And you want to know something even better? The school only cost us 30k, a very low cost for such an ambitious project. Take a look at where our costs are in the attached recipe (sorry it's in Arabic). We run a classroom in #KhanYounes with Ms. Fatma that meets three times a week, and kids need these steps towards normalcy. Many others are running similar programs on their own, but a formal school like we are putting together has not happened before, and I hope it won't be the last. I share these updates to inspire others to do the same. We have seen more #SoupKitchens open after ours did (a sad fact about the need). Our health clinic inspired others to launch their own clinic, and we hope this school will do the same.

"Thank you for your solidarity,
- Hani

"P.S. Remember, we are now a recognized US charity, and we would love for you to continue to share our updates and amplify our message because you know we both do this for our Palestinian siblings, and more people want to help. Nothing changes our commitment to doing the right thing without delay, and I hope you can join us."

#GoFundMe page:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily

Video:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAG63JixelP/?igsh=dDdrbGkzb3QwZTEw

#GazaAid #GazaFundraisers
#Palestinians #CeasefireNow #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #Starvation #GoFundMe #IsraelHumanRightsViolations

Hot meals 4 Starved #Palestinian Kids in #NorthGaza

Update on September 14th, 2024 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Hello and welcome,

"First, I want to express my deep gratitude to each of you. You and I both know the situation in #Gaza, as well as the #WestBank, has been nothing short of a nightmare. Every day, #Palestinians continue to bury their relatives, siblings, children, teachers, doctors, and friends. This reality is not sustainable, nor is it healthy—for anyone's mental well-being, especially for the Palestinians who have endured nearly a year of these relentless conditions. I thank you for staying engaged, for supporting the Palestinians, and for continuing to advocate for justice. Your support is vital.

"With that, I’d like to share some important updates, and I appreciate your patience as we navigate through them.

"I'm thrilled to announce that, starting yesterday, donations to our #GoFundMe page will now go directly into the #GazaSoupKitchen’s bank account, under our official American charity status. This is a significant step forward, eliminating the stress of having donations processed through my personal account. Now, we can continue providing meals, healing wounds, and caring for children through education and other small initiatives—all of which you'll hear more about shortly.

"One of our exciting projects is the creation of a new elementary school in #MashrouBaitLahia. We've transformed an abandoned souk into a functional space, and despite limited resources, we’re 80% done with construction. The biggest challenge right now is acquiring desks, but our team is exploring solutions. The local community is filled with excitement as they see this school taking shape, despite their ongoing struggles for safety. Once completed, the school will have eight classrooms, two bathrooms, and one administrative office. If you'd like to dedicate a classroom in memory or honor of a loved one, please reach out—no promises, but we’ll do our best. ❤️

"One of the most rewarding moments was organizing a health seminar outside our clinic, where we distributed diapers and formula to families with small children. About a dozen families attended, and it was incredibly moving to see their gratitude. Many of these families simply cannot afford formula or find it on the shelves. Thank you for making this possible—it restores faith in humanity and strengthens our community. #NurseFadia, who moved from the West Bank to Gaza 15 years ago, recorded a heartfelt video thanking all of you for your support. She highlighted the solidarity felt in helping families during this ongoing genocide. In addition to that event, our #HealthClinic served 70 patients with the help of two nurses and a doctor.

"Ms. Fatma, who runs a classroom for displaced children in #KhanYounes, continues her incredible work. ‍ This week, we sent Dr. Ibrahim, a #dentist, to teach the children about dental care and hygiene. He sent each child home with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap. Check out the photos on our social media for updates!

"In #NorthGaza, we've shifted from distributing food parcels to providing hygiene kits, including essentials like shampoo, wipes, sanitary pads, and body wash. People were growing tired of the canned food in the parcels, and hygiene products are a much-needed change. Once again, you came through for them.

"Our cooking efforts at both locations are in full swing. Hot, nutritious meals are being served daily with smiles and a lot of hard work. The #AlZawaydah location is now a cornerstone of the community in Gaza’s middle area, serving 300 regular families and seeing new faces every day. I’m proud of our team for preparing quality meals—some of them even gourmet—with the limited resources we have. A family of four in Gaza would spend at least $30 to prepare a meal, an unimaginable amount when daily wages in peacetime were just $8 to $10. Yet, our crew continues to rise to the challenge, serving their neighbors and fellow displaced Palestinians with love and dedication.

"#ChefFaten, my older sister, introduces new menu items every month, and the patrons truly appreciate our extra effort. ️ May we never have to live through another nightmare like this again. #ChefMahmoud continues to manage the kitchen and oversee our projects. Once the school is complete, we already have a principal and educator ready to take over its operations.

"All of this work requires funding, creativity, resources, and time. We give our time and talents freely, as we have done throughout this genocide. I ask that you ensure we have the resources to continue supporting our community whenever we see an opportunity. This is our culture, our work ethic, and our humanity. You have helped us carry through unimaginable hardship, and I hope you realize that this moment in history will inspire books, films, and countless stories of resilience. Thank you for standing with us through this devastation.

"Lastly, since we are now a tax-deductible charity in the U.S., you can ask your employer to match your donations. This will always remain a volunteer-run organization because we love serving our community. I have a day job that I love, which allows me to make a big impact for hundreds of thousands of people. Just last week, I had two media appearances to speak about the latest massacre at a school, which killed 18 Palestinians, including six UNRWA staff members.

"Thank you for your continued support and commitment to this cause. Together, we are making a difference. ✨"

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily

#GazaAid #GazaFundraisers
#Palestinians #CeasefireNow #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife #Starvation #GoFundMe #IsraelHumanRightsViolations

Hot meals 4 Starved #Palestinian Kids in #NorthGaza

Update on July 17th, 2024 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

Hello, Hi, Salam Alykom and welcome everyone, and to those who are new here welcome to our GoFundMe page! You have come to the right place. But first I hope your summers are going as planned.

Thank you for being here.

Please allow me to give you a quick update on our operations in the #GazaStrip. This week, we are aiming to start two new locations for the #GazaSoupKitchen. One additional location will be in Khan Younes, a city south of Gaza. We decided to open this location because a soup kitchen in an area that was heavily bombed was taken out, and, unfortunately, many Palestinians were killed in the massacre. The crew decided to open a pop-up soup kitchen near the massacre site, and they served the first meals yesterday. It was an emotional experience, but we wanted to send a message to the community that we will not leave them alone. The plans came together quickly, and we served 180 families on our first day. The plan is to operate the kitchen in #KhanYounes twice a week, near where we also do daily water deliveries with water trucks.

In the north, we are about to open a new location for the Gaza Soup Kitchen, aiming to serve at least 200 families. This new location will be in the heart of #Jabalia refugee camp. The location was chosen because it is near six #UNRWA schools that have turned into shelters, leaving thousands of families without food. We will start providing hot meals at this new location on Friday with a new team. Stay tuned for an update. We are looking at cooking two dishes: rice and pasta.

In other news, we had a story published on #NPR this week. It came out as a strong profile of the soup kitchen and the operation side. It took about two months to get that story published, and they were quite pleased with the reporting and updates that were shared. There are a few corrections to the story, but overall, the author did a great job profiling our operation and talking about the situation. Here is the link.

https://www.npr.org/2024/07/16/nx-s1-5025629/a-palestinian-american-raises-more-than-1-million-to-feed-his-family-and-others-in-gaza

The soup kitchen in Deir el-Balah continues to turn out meals daily for at least 250 families. The crew works six days a week, and on the seventh day, they partially work to distribute food parcels to the community instead of cooking. This way, those who want to work can, and those who want to rest can rest. They distribute about thirty food parcels every day in that location. These parcels come in handy as the contents can last a small family for a week. This time, they were happy to include fresh eggs, something we have done in Khan Younes but don’t find in the north. I am loving the new rivalry between the two kitchens, where they try to copy each other’s menus and take better pictures to show off their food. This competition serves the community as each team tries to outdo the other in serving meals that they would love to eat themselves in a clean environment.

In the north, with #ChefMahmoud and #ChefFaten, they continue to whip up popular meals. Sometimes it’s rice, sometimes it’s pasta, and other times it’s a new dish like sumakia, a Palestinian dish. They always make sure to complement whatever meal they make with rice, bread, or pasta. They continue to attract regulars as well as new people who have moved nearby. You can see the pictures from today, where they made a new dish: a shawarma roll made from canned meat, seasoned, wrapped in fresh saj bread, grilled, and served with chocolate milk. People loved this dish and asked for it again, so the kitchen was happy to cook it for them. They told me they must have opened no less than 300 cans of meat. Keep in mind that canned meat is available in north Gaza and comes with the aid, which typically includes flour and a few canned goods.

We do #water distribution in three service areas daily now. We also deliver food parcels and helped one stranded family in a dangerous part of town relocate to a relatively safer place. A friend of ours started a GoFundMe page for our water operation in memory of her late father. You can find it if you look for it.

In addition, we hired two dentists who serve in two areas and provide kids with basic dental care and instructions. But our biggest impact, as you know, is at our kitchens. While we expand every day, we look forward to the day we can close down these kitchens because they are no longer needed.

Please know that my family and our neighbors send you their gratitude every day for your compassion and your association with this initiative. You give us confidence to always search for ways to help the folks who have suffered plenty. As I promise you, not a day goes by without the team hearing from me about the importance of kindness and patience but also being able to offer help with a smile. I can tell you that we take pride in our work and we want you to know you and us are making a difference every day in Gaza. For example earlier today I posted a video of a crew member celebrating together after finishing a long day, you may see it here.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/hanifundraiser_after-a-long-day-of-work-the-crew-in-north-activity-7219426243530629120-JmAk?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android

If the staff are happy the regulars will see it. ❤️✊

Hani

P.S. In the interest of transparency, if you would like more details about the cost of our operations, please message me. I would be happy to send you a PDF that gives you extra details about how much everything costs.

GoFundMeLink:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily

#GazaAid #GazaFundraisers
#Palestinians #CeasefireNow #FoodIsLife #WaterIsLife

Update on #Fundraiser: Hot meals 4 Starved #Palestinian Kids in north Gaza

Update, June 8th, 2024 by #HaniAlmadhoun, Organizer

"Today was a terrible day, and it hit me hard when I saw a video of a Palestinian man weeping over the little dead body of his boy, kissing him as he felt desperate and helpless. It broke me, and I felt so small. As a father, I kept thinking to myself, this is truly unfathomable, the injustices. I didn't want to do anything else for the day. My wife saw this and recognized what was going on, and she immediately asked me who was killed today. 'The innocent children,' I answered. But then I told myself that those who survive still need to eat, so I grabbed my phone to get updates from our teams.

"In Khan Younis, we are going strong on three weeks of free drinking water distribution. This spreads little doses of happiness on the faces of the families who find out the water is free for them and right outside their tent. They fetch their biggest jug and fill up. I don't know about you, but this gives me hope. It's so small, but to them, it gets them through the day and makes life a bit easier as they face a whole bunch of evil things happening to them.

"In the Deir el-Balah area in the heart of the Gaza Strip, our team refuses to take a day off and cooks every day. Today, they cooked under bombardment and got scared for their lives. They sent me a video from their tent kitchen, and not too far from where they are, a bomb came down. They cooked up Egyptian Koshari today, and it was well received—the rice, the pasta, the lentils, the tomato sauce, and the caramelized onions. The day before, they cooked a stew. The average age of our crew at the Gaza Soup Kitchen South is 23. You can imagine how much they have to live for.

"At the original Gaza Soup Kitchen in North Gaza, we baked a lot of pizzas and loaves, more than five thousand pieces to be exact, enough to provide for 700 people. Keep in mind we make good food, not just for photos. People take home these goods and show gratitude to all of you. I told #ChefMahmoud to double everything, spare no dime, hire more women to bake more. And they did. They added two new women to the staff, who baked all day and went home with filling baked treats that filled their stomachs and hearts. Chef Mahmoud does not really bake; he solves problems, buys what they need, and runs the operation. #ChefFaten preps the dough and prepares the baked goods, and they help bake it on three different ovens thanks to fire made by pallets that got chopped up and tossed in the oven. My siblings take pride in their food and show people a lot of respect and courtesy. Sometimes people get antsy or impatient, so we talk about ways to handle that and de-escalate. Things are looking better every day because our patrons know this is a family operation for their families—no gimmicks.

"Lastly, we also gave away packs of bread today in #NorthGaza but in a different neighborhood west of our family. This time, we went to a new shelter and sent them bread and your solidarity. They appreciated both.

"Today, I will try to share some photos, but they might not be as uplifting as the ones you have seen in the past. I hope these photos inspire you to take some action to help bring about better conditions in Gaza.

"In unity,
Hani

"P. S. We will keep our doors open, this is where we live and this is who we love. Even when it's unsafe to operate, we will pivot to helping in another way or serve another area. We are also working on some plans for the eid."

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily

#GazaAid #GazaFundraisers
#Palestinians #CeasefireNow

#ChefMahmoud

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