#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.

#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.

#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.

#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"

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