José Andrés, founder of the food charity World Central Kitchen, recently eulogized seven workers who were killed in the Gaza Strip while trying to deliver food aid to the region. The workers were killed by armed Israeli drones after unloading a barge of food aid in northern Gaza and heading to the southern city Rafah. Mr. Andrés expressed deep regret and anger over the deaths, but emphasized that the workers believed in the importance of showing up and feeding people in their darkest hours to provide hope and a sense of community. The service, held at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., was attended by world leaders, members of the victims’ families, and volunteers who had worked with the organization in various global crises.
The deaths of the World Central Kitchen workers in Gaza prompted global outrage, as more than 220 other aid workers have also been killed in the region. The organization, founded by José Andrés after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, focuses on quickly providing delicious and comforting food to people in need during disaster situations. With Mr. Andrés’ connections, charisma, and use of social media, World Central Kitchen has grown into a $550 million worldwide enterprise. The recent tragedy in Gaza marks the first casualties the organization has faced, but Mr. Andrés remains committed to continuing their humanitarian work worldwide.
Among the workers killed was Damian Sobol, a former hospitality student from Poland who had begun helping World Central Kitchen feed Ukrainian war refugees before heading to Gaza. Another victim, Jacob Flickinger, a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces, had also recently joined the organization to provide aid in various locations, including Gaza. The team in Gaza also included Saifeddin Abutaha, a Palestinian translator driving for the organization, as well as security team members from a British-based firm. The workers had been involved in unloading a barge of food aid from Cyprus and were en route to Rafah when they were struck by armed drones.
Mr. Andrés was visibly emotional as he eulogized the workers, describing them as the best of humanity who risked everything to help people in need. The memorial service at the National Cathedral included prayers and readings by leaders of various faiths, as well as a musical interlude by cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Attendees included world leaders, representatives from the victims’ families, and volunteers who had worked with the organization in other disaster zones. The deaths of the World Central Kitchen workers have prompted calls for an independent investigation into the actions of the Israeli military.
World Central Kitchen has temporarily paused its operations in Gaza following the deaths of its workers but is expected to announce its next steps in the region soon. Despite the tragedy, Mr. Andrés and the organization remain committed to their mission of providing food aid to communities facing crisis situations around the world. The message from Mr. Abutaha’s brother, expressing hope that World Central Kitchen will continue its humanitarian work, serves as a reminder of the resilience and spirit of the fallen workers and the communities they sought to help.
