In a region marked by rampant corruption and violence, Sarah Awaidah, a 30-year-old woman from East Jerusalem, has emerged as a beacon of hope amid despair in northern Gaza. Recognizing that traditional aid routes were compromised by organizations like Hamas, Awaidah collaborated with Mena Aid, a coalition connected to the Multifaith Alliance (MFA), to develop a new humanitarian system. This initiative successfully moved hundreds of trucks filled with food and essential supplies into Gaza, reaching over 100,000 families in dire need. Awaidah operates from a safe house in Israel, aware of the risks involved in her mission, which she describes as potentially life-threatening.
From September 2024 to February 2025, her initiative managed to deliver 346 trucks of aid to families who had been struggling with hunger. Awaidah’s innovative logistics approach involved a trusted company that transported goods from Ashdod to the Gaza crossings, allowing her team to closely monitor each shipment in real time. This efficiency meant that aid could be delivered to families in only a few days. By creating a reliable route, Awaidah could reach parts of northern Gaza that had not received essential supplies for months, filling a critical gap in humanitarian assistance.
However, her success unveiled a grim reality: hunger had become an economic commodity. Many businessmen connected to Hamas exploited the shortage of goods by hoarding aid and selling it at inflated prices. Awaidah’s team disrupted this dynamic by providing free food to families, which not only helped alleviate hunger but also forced down prices. Her actions threatened those profiting from scarcity, making her initiative a target for attacks from individuals and entities who saw their livelihoods diminished.
As a result, Awaidah began receiving death threats, not only from people in Gaza but also from the West Bank, including individuals who were once close to her. The betrayal from those she trusted deeply added a personal dimension to the already formidable challenges she faced. Despite these threats and the attempts to undermine her work, Awaidah remained resolute, vowing to protect the integrity of the humanitarian effort and refusing to allow private interests to commandeer the aid intended for suffering families.
Determined to maintain fair access to food, Awaidah implemented a distribution strategy that emphasized dignity and organization. By validating beneficiary lists and employing ID checks, her team ensured that aid reached those genuinely in need. The calm and patience displayed by the people waiting for food starkly contrasts with their chaotic reality—an aspect often overlooked by the media. Despite amplifying risks, including an increasing number of trucks filled with aid en route, Awaidah draws strength from the families she serves, reinforcing her commitment to continue her work.
For Awaidah, the enduring threats are a testament to the impact of her initiative. She has transformed the narrative around aid distribution in Gaza, proving that access to food can be equitable, devoid of corruption or exploitation. While the personal costs of her mission are high, especially given the betrayal she faced, Awaidah remains unyielding. Her promise to deliver aid to those in need, no matter the personal risks, stands as a powerful reminder of resilience and hope amid enduring adversity.
