World Central Kitchen (WCK) is honoring the seven aid workers who were tragically killed in Gaza while delivering food to civilians in need. The interfaith Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday at 11 a.m. and will be live-streamed for the public to join.
The memorial service will pay tribute to Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha of Palestine, John Chapman of Britain, Jacob Flickinger of the U.S. and Canada, Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom of Australia, James Henderson of Britain, James Kirby of Britain, and Damian Soból of Poland. Celebrity Chef José Andrés, the founder of WCK, is expected to speak at the event, where people of all faiths will come together to honor the fallen heroes.
Acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma will perform at the service, and a letter from President Joe Biden will be read. Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff will also be in attendance. The tragic incident occurred following a two-week raid on Shifa Hospital by Israeli troops, during which the workers were killed. Aid volunteers in Gaza have been tirelessly providing aid to Palestinians who have been facing food shortages due to Israeli blockades established after a Hamas attack.
Since the crisis began in 2007, approximately 200 volunteers have lost their lives while working in Gaza due to risks such as rocket attacks and military operations conducted by Israeli forces. The Israeli military has stated that they are conducting a review to understand the circumstances of the incident and how it can prevent similar occurrences from happening again in future incidents like this one