We look forward to seeing you all online!

A. J. “Alonzo” Wind will join us to discuss his recently published book, A Jew in Gaza: Humanitarian Assistance, Hubris and Horrors, a narrative/memoir discussing the two years he lived in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories leading up to, during and after the 2023 Oct 7 attack. During this time, Wind was Mission Director for International Medical Corps leading a $10 million health and humanitarian assistance program. His story provides a view into Gaza few have had, as an American Jew, as a Baha'i, as a humanitarian living under the threats of the interminable conflicts between Israel and Gaza. Wind drew upon skills honed as a retired Foreign Service Officer to negotiate between Israeli civil and military authorities and de facto authority in Gaza represented by Hamas to facilitate humanitarian assistance even in the face of military escalations. 

Our speaker will share his insights about the realities and paradoxes of Gaza and how America struggled to provide humanitarian assistance in the face of conflict and the dangers to innocent civilians. His unique perspective weaves a fine line between the shared legacy and claims of the Israelis and the Palestinians. Don’t look for a partisan or ideological polemic here. In his book, he highlights the frequent pattern of violation of international humanitarian law by Israel, as well as the corruption and dangers from Hamas, the Palestinian National Authority, and other extremist groups. His story highlights the Gordian Knot nature of Gaza, the Palestinians and Israel.

Wind is a retired Senior Foreign Service Officer and worked for 22 years on diplomatic assignments with USAID. He is a Senior Advisor and Scholar for the Foundation for Law and International Affairs. Mr. Wind has worked for fifteen years for different nonprofit private voluntary organizations. He began his career as a Public Health Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador, which began his lifelong vocation for global service and international development. He graduated from the University of Chicago. 

Registration: Advance registration is not required, and this free event is open to all. We enabled same-day registration for our Encore Learning Presents offerings on Zoom. This means when you join our Zoom webinars (always the same link), you will be asked for your name and email address. Please know that we don’t share your information, and we adhere to our Privacy Policy.

Connect to the presentation online via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84268052749

Or dial in by phone (for audio only): 301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 842 6805 2749

This program is presented in partnership with Encore Learning. Encore Learning is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2002. They offer a wide variety of college-level noncredit courses, clubs, special events and activities to help meet the continuing educational and social interests of anyone over age 50, regardless of residence location.

• Location campus
• Audience:
  • Good for Adults Age 55+
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