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
