At a memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, April 25, celebrity chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, gave an emotional tribute to seven aid workers killed in a Gaza airstrike by the Israel Defense Forces earlier this month. Israeli military officials acknowledged the airstrike was a mistake and have disciplined those involved.
Andrés has called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
He expressed hope that World Central Kitchen will continue its global humanitarian efforts, honoring the spirit and dedication of the lost aid workers. The service highlighted the personal stories of the workers and their commitment to helping communities in crisis.
“In the worst moments, the best of humanity shows up. Saif, John, Jacob, Zomi, Jim, James and Damian, they were the best of humanity,” Andrés, speaking at the event, said. “Their examples should inspire us to do better, to be better.”
“Our losses might seem as small in number compared to the almost 200 humanitarian aid workers killed in Gaza,” Andrés added. “The 34,000 Palestinians killed by IDF and the 1,200 Israelis killed by Hamas. But each of these people leave behind loved ones who will always have them in their hearts. When disaster strikes it’s easy to see the dark and never the light. But the reality is this, the light will always shine through.”
President Joe Biden sent a private letter of condolence to José Andrés, who then read it aloud to the families of the deceased aid workers, according to a National Security Council spokesperson. Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who attended the memorial service, also met privately with the families to offer his condolences, the spokesperson added.
