Honor Chef Mahmoud’s Legacy: Aid for His Grieving Family

With shattered hearts, we mourn alongside our UNRWA USA colleague, Hani Almadhoun, as he and his family face another devastating loss. On Saturday morning, November 30th, Hani’s brother, Mahmoud, was targeted and killed by the Israeli military in Gaza as he was preparing to serve food to thousands in need.

Chef Mahmoud, as he came to be known by the thousands he served daily over the last year, was a lifeline for his community. In addition to cooking wholesome meals for his community in their hour of greatest need, he also supplied critical aid to doctors, hospital staff, and patients at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza.

This devastating loss comes on the heels of the one-year anniversary of the tragic killing of Hani’s younger brother, Majed, his sister-in-law, and four of their children, all killed by an Israeli airstrike on their family home in Gaza last November. Mahmoud’s death deepens the immense grief that Hani and his family have already endured. This senseless loss is also part of the broader, devastating toll of what experts know to be an ongoing genocide against Palestinian civilians, including the more than 249 UNRWA humanitarian aid workers who have been killed at the hands of the Israeli military.

At UNRWA USA, we mourn this loss and honor Mahmoud’s legacy of service, resilience, and love for his people. His life was taken, but his impact endures. We remain committed to our mission to support Palestine refugees, honoring Mahmoud and Majed’s memories.

Our deepest condolences go to the Almadhoun family and all those grieving in these unimaginable times. Rest in power and in light of our collective love for you and your family, Mahmoud. May your memory be eternal.

Please consider donating to support Chef Mahmoud’s family in Gaza. Your generosity will help his wife and seven children rebuild their lives under these devastating conditions.