US Veterans Support Humanitarian Efforts in Gaza
American veterans collaborating with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) are working to provide firsthand insights into the ongoing situation in Gaza, nearly two years into the conflict. Jason Murray, Scott Weimer, and Brandon Zielinski, all veterans of the US military, are dedicated to ensuring that Palestinians receive essential food supplies.
In conversations with various news outlets, the trio expressed their pride in their humanitarian efforts. Murray likened the complex situation to “building a plane while flying,” emphasizing the unpredictability of their mission.
The GHF, established in May 2025—over 18 months after the war began—has been influenced by Murray’s military background, which proved helpful for his work in Gaza’s challenging environment.
Weimer described joining GHF as a “natural fit,” feeling it matched his eagerness to contribute meaningfully. He noted that, similar to his military experience, he was able to identify individuals with the necessary skills for the mission.
Zielinski shared his experience of facing language barriers during his service, saying that this skill helped him engage effectively with the Israeli Defence Force (IDF), which collaborates with GHF.
All three veterans spoke of the dire conditions faced by Palestinians as they struggle to secure food, while also noting that some individuals exploit this dire situation, including Hamas operatives and local gang members disrupting aid efforts.
Murray provided insight into how the IDF and GHF work together to identify and mitigate threats, emphasizing that their primary goal is to deliver assistance safely amid the troubling presence of Hamas.
Weimer echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the looming presence of Hamas but stating that their main focus remains on delivering aid to those who need it. He praised Zielinski’s team for successfully thwarting attempts by troublemakers to derail their efforts.
The sheer volume of people in need can be overwhelming, especially in such a tense environment, and Zielinski mentioned that their team receives security briefings from the IDF prior to deploying to distribution sites. He recounted instances of encountering weapons in the field and stressed the importance of vigilance in monitoring for suspicious activities.
When asked what Americans should know about Gaza’s realities, the veterans urged others to do their research, expressing frustration with media portrayals that they feel are misleading. Weimer commented, “I don’t believe in the hype,” calling attention to the complexity and the genuine suffering observed during their work.
Zielinski highlighted the dedication of the GHF volunteers, stating that they are striving to do everything possible to help civilians in need. Since its launch, GHF claims to have provided over 160 million meals to Palestinians. Despite challenges such as terrorist threats and international scrutiny, the organization continues to appeal for support from the global community, believing in the importance of their mission.
“Everyone wants to help, and everyone sees the reward for doing so… we all enjoy it,” Zielinski remarked, reflecting the collective commitment of volunteers to their humanitarian cause.
