A Jew in Gaza
My new book A Jew in Gaza is now released and available in different formats worldwide on Amazon as well as the platforms of many other booksellers including Barnes & Noble. It includes a candid view inside Gaza and a frank discussion of the current conflict and international humanitarian law.
By Allan J. “Alonzo” Wind
This book offers an exclusive 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. Mr. Wind lived through multiple escalations and Israeli counterstrikes. His narrative precedes, includes and goes beyond the October 7 attack and the current war. Leading a $10 million health and humanitarian assistance program there, Mr. Wind shares insights about the realities and paradoxes of Gaza and providing humanitarian assistance in the face of conflict and the dangers to innocent civilians.
This war did not start on 10/7, however murderous and brutal the Hamas terror attack. There is a long history behind it, with death and violence on both sides that have blinded leaders to the needs and rights of the innocents. This book testifies to violations of international humanitarian law as well as the corruption and dangers from extremist groups.
No partisan or ideological polemic here; he brings to bear a balanced perspective and a call for action in terms of reconciling hated enemies, honoring the long burden of dispossession and exile of the Palestinians and coming to grips with the long-term safety, security and future of both peoples in this tormented land.
NOW AT MANY BOOKSELLERS INCLUDING B&N, APPLE, AMAZON, AUDIBLE AND ITUNES!
Andean Adventures
An Unexpected Search for Meaning, Purpose and Discovery Across Three Countries
By Allan J. “Alonzo” Wind
Life is all about Lessons.
Shot at, arrested, threatened and endangered – Author Allan J. Wind survived incredible and unexpected dangers as a global humanitarian volunteer and lived to share the powerful lessons he learned on his travels in this first of a series.
If you’re struggling to find inspiration and motivation because of the challenging events going on in the world, this book is a reminder that there are many remarkable stories of people out there who do care and whose generosity is changing the world.
Service is a calling.
NOW ON AUDIBLE, AMAZON AND ITUNES!
At your favorite booksellers!
Global Development Executive and Strategist
Allan J. “Alonzo” Wind
Allan J. “Alonzo” Wind served from February 2022 – December 2023 as the International Medical Corps Mission Director in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), supervising a staff of seven expats of different nationalities and over 75 local Palestinian staff, in Gaza and Bethlehem. He was elected in 2022 to the Executive Committee of the Association for International Development Agencies (AIDA) and asked to serve on the UN OCHA Humanitarian Fund Advisory Board. Mr. Wind was resident in both Gaza and East Jerusalem for nearly two years, and in a unique position in Gaza as a senior Jewish American INGO leader, also connected with the Baha’i Community. Mr. Wind is a retired Senior Foreign Service Officer from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), having worked for 22 years on diplomatic assignments with USAID primarily overseas in Peru, Nicaragua, Angola, Nigeria, Iraq, Afghanistan and South Africa. He is a Senior Advisor and Scholar for the Foundation for Law and International Affairs (FLIA).
Mr. Wind previously worked for fifteen years for different nonprofit private voluntary organizations in Ecuador, Bolivia, Dominican Republic and the UK among others, also serving as the Global Programme Coordinator of the International Save the Children Alliance Secretariat. He began his career as a Public Health Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador, and his experiences described here led to his lifelong vocation for global service and international development, living in over a dozen countries and familiar with at least fifty more in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Europe and Asia.
He graduated from the University of Chicago. He and his wife reside in Fairfax County Virginia, and their daughter lives and works in Berlin. Mr. Wind also serves on the Boards of Directors of different NGOs, including Hunger Relief International, supporting their efforts with the neediest in Guatemala and Haiti.
Published Books
Best Sellers
intrigued Readers
Testimonials
Kris Organ
Service Employees International Union Organizer, retired
“I had no idea, when Allan was driving me around in his Brown Bomber apparently trying to kill us all, that he would find genuine and faith-inspired ways of improving the world for ordinary people. His transformation into Alonzo, an international development activist, stirs the imagination for us, young and old.”
Dr. Zahra Shah
“This [new] book (A JEW IN GAZA) is an enthralling account of a true humanitarian working against all odds. Compassionate, passionate and addictive. A deep insight into how the humanitarian field works and an excellent read for anyone curious about the intricacies of the region.”
Michael Hirsh
“I just finished reading your book. ¡Felicitaciones! It’s very well done. A lot of reflecting on the role and structure of foreign assistance, on religion, and on other topics we all spend time questioning and dealing with, and it’s good to see that you came out well on all aspects. Having lived in all three of those countries, for a total of 14 years, I enjoyed your anecdotes. They brought back many memories.”
Todd Krim aka “Mr. Charity”
President & CEO TKG |THE KRIM GROUP
“I had the opportunity to meet Alonzo Wind in action in South Africa and appreciated what USAID under his lead was doing to address HIV AIDS there. This narrative from the beginning of his career is a fun window into his early experiences on another continent. I find inspiring his message about encouraging national service in arenas like the Peace Corps, once it is re-established again. As someone who encourages people to do all they can to promote the social good, this is a rewarding and positive read.”
“As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.”
Nelson Mandela
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