This is a recent LinkedIn post by Hani Almadhoun, Senior Director of Philanthropy at UNRWA USA and co-founder of the Gaza Soup Kitchen followed by the video in question. The other co-founder is Mahmoud Almadhoun (“Chef Mahmoud”), Hani’s brother, who was murdered by an Israeli drone missile strike last November. The 1-minute 12-second video is linked at the bottom.

As I mentioned in two LinkedIn comments: “There is no limit to Israel’s depravity or perversion” and “Calculated, no doubt. I’m sure some IOF lackey received an Employee of the Month award for this perverse and despicable idea.”

Please consider making a donation to UNRWA USA and the Gaza Soup Kitchen, both of which provide lifesaving support to the people of Gaza, including food and healthcare.

Peace, MAA

Earlier today, I became aware of a video shared by the IDF—meant to brag about how much they’re supposedly doing to help Gaza “eat” and not starve.

The lies? Unfortunately, not surprising.

But what is shocking—they used footage from our Gaza Soup Kitchen. From our family. From the very people who have been risking their lives, day in and day out, to cook for their community because Israel is starving them.

There has been zero coordination with the Israeli army. We cut all communication with them back in November, after they chose to assassinate Chef Mahmoud—a man who was feeding the hungry when he was killed. A man who cooked where people lie on the ground, starving, with children in their arms.

And now they use his work to whitewash their crimes?

We don’t cook for them.
We cook despite them.
And they know it.

Here’s the press release that the Gaza Soup Kitchen posted on its Facebook account:

Gaza Soup Kitchen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Gaza Soup Kitchen

joinus@gazasoupkitchen.org

+1 202-539-7060

Gaza Soup Kitchen Condemns Unauthorized Use of Footage by Israeli Army

Washington, DC | July 29, 2025

The Gaza Soup Kitchen forcefully condemns the Israeli army’s unauthorized use of footage taken from our community kitchen in a recent propaganda video falsely portraying their so-called humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

Let us be absolutely clear:

We never authorized the use of our footage by the Israeli military.

The Israeli army has not contributed to our operations—directly or indirectly.

They assassinated our co-founder, Chef Mahmoud, while he was cooking for displaced families.

They bombed our kitchens—most recently destroying our bakery in May.

The footage in question shows members of our team and extended family. By featuring them in a video that falsely implies cooperation with an occupying force—one responsible for siege, starvation, genocide, and mass displacement—the Israeli army is not only spreading disinformation, but also endangering our loved ones.

This is not only unethical—it is dangerous.

And it is entirely false.

We have issued a formal cease and desist demand to the Israeli Defense Forces. No image, video, or content from the Gaza Soup Kitchen may be used to whitewash war crimes or disguise the suffering inflicted on the Palestinian people.

“We cook because our people are hungry—not because of those starving them,” said Abe Ajrami, a board member at the Gaza Soup Kitchen. “To use our work in this way is an insult to our grief, our resilience, and our truth. We hold the Israeli military fully accountable for any harm caused by this fabrication and unauthorized misuse of our content.”

We call on international media, human rights organizations, and the public to reject this manipulation and stand with the people of Gaza—who continue to feed one another under siege and bombardment.

Not because of Israel, but in spite of it.

We also stand in solidarity with fellow humanitarians in Gaza who have been vilified for refusing to let lies stand uncontested.

—

For media inquiries or interviews, please contact:

joinus@gazasoupkitchen.org