Motaz Azaiza never set out to become a global voice for Gaza but through his lens, he has done just that. From documenting everyday life in the Gaza Strip to bearing witness to unimaginable devastation, the 26-year-old photojournalist has become a powerful storyteller for Palestine. His 2025 Gaza Through My Lens tour with UNRWA USA brought thousands together across five US cities in a collective act of truth-telling, remembrance, and solidarity. This is a reflection on his journey and the responsibility we all share to keep the story of Gaza alive.

Amidst the ongoing sheer devastation in the Gaza Strip, World Refugee Day weighs heavily on our hearts. On June 20th, UNRWA USA supporters and allies gathered virtually to commemorate World Refugee Day and to honor the resilience and strength of refugees around the world. As we heard from our refugee panelists, all of whom grew up receiving direct assistance from UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, we were reminded of how critical it is for us Americans to come together to advocate and stand together as a community in support of refugees. This is especially important in Gaza, where the services of UNRWA are most in need.

In this Voices of UNRWA article, Hani Almadhoun, UNRWA USA Director of Philanthropy, shares a deeply personal reflection on his connection to Gaza.