Living Through Loss: Hani Almadhoun on Gaza, Building Community, and Survival

In this inspiring episode of the Sumud Podcast, we sit down with Hani Almadhoun, a Palestinian American humanitarian and Senior Director of Philanthropy at UNRWA USA. Hani shares his deeply personal journey growing up between Gaza and the UAE, living in the US, his work in philanthropy, and the unimaginable losses his family has endured due to Israel’s ongoing assaults on Gaza.

Hani’s story is one of resilience and unwavering commitment to his community. In 2024, he co-founded the Gaza Soup Kitchen to provide meals for displaced families in Gaza. Amid personal tragedy—including the loss of over 150 family members and the targeted killing of his brother—Hani continues to fight for humanitarian aid and Palestinian dignity.

Together, we explore:

➡️ The impact of the Nakba and intergenerational displacement

➡️ How Hani’s upbringing shaped his dedication to philanthropy and humanitarian work

➡️ The importance of community-led solutions like the Gaza Soup Kitchen

➡️ The role of UNRWA in supporting Palestinian refugees and why it's under attack

➡️ How the land itself becomes a source of survival and resilience during siege

This episode is a tribute to the resilience of Gaza’s people and a reminder that, even amid devastation, community care and global solidarity can make a difference.

🎧 Listen and watch the full episode: https://sumudpod.com/

🔗 Learn more & support:

🍲 Gaza Soup Kitchen: https://gazasoupkitchen.com/

🌍 UNRWA USA: https://www.unrwausa.org/

Follow Hani Almadhoun:

🌐 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanifundraiser/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alkabeer.alhani/

📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhanitizer/?hl=en

🎙️ Follow our host: https://www.instagram.com/dredhasan/ 

 🙏 Special thanks to @ZeinaAshrawi

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:59 Family background: From Palestine to UAE 

08:56 Moving back from UAE to Gaza and all that it entailed 

14:04 The roots of Hani’s activism 

17:41 Moving to the US to study 

211:32 From Gaza to Utah, the cultural shock

31:33 The difference between UNRWA USA and UNRWA in general 

37:48 The impact of Israel’s opposition to UNRWA

40:16 Hani’s work in light of the current administration 

45:24 Hani’s family targeted during the genocide in Gaza

52:19 Opening the Gaza Soup Kitchen

01:14:30 Ways to advocate for Palestine 

#SumudPodcast #HaniAlmadhoun #Gaza #Palestine #HumanitarianAid #UNRWA #GazaSoupKitchen #PalestineSolidarity #CommunityResilience

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