World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés honours the “best of humanity” lost in Gaza airstrike; demands further investigation

Celebrity chef and humanitarian, José Andrés, addressed a sombre gathering at Washington National Cathedral, where he commemorated seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed by an Israeli airstrike earlier this month. The victims, hailing from diverse nations, were remembered for their selfless dedication to aiding those in crisis.

Andrés, visibly emotional, emphasized the inexcusability of the incident and called for a comprehensive investigation into the airstrikes that claimed the lives of these volunteers on April 1. The workers were returning from a food distribution site in Gaza when their convoy was struck.

Each aid worker left behind a legacy of courage and altruism, detailed movingly by Andrés. From John Chapman’s protective nature to Jacob Flickinger’s critical problem-solving in disaster zones, and Lalzawmi Frankcom’s joyous spirit, Andrés painted a picture of individuals who lived to serve others. He highlighted James Henderson’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and Damiam Sobol’s significant impact in Turkey, where a street was named in his honour.

The ceremony also addressed the broader context of the tragedy, within the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict that has seen significant casualties among humanitarian workers. According to the United Nations, over 220 humanitarian workers have been killed since the conflict escalated last October.

An investigation by Israeli military officials acknowledged a failure in their targeting procedures, leading to disciplinary action against those involved. However, Andrés and many others have expressed dissatisfaction with these measures, calling for more significant accountability and changes in operational tactics to protect civilians and aid workers in conflict zones.

The memorial service was attended by prominent figures, including Douglas Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, and numerous international diplomats, highlighting the global concern over the incident. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen echoed the sentiment of many by urging the U.S. to consider conditioning military aid on the safeguarding of humanitarian workers and Palestinian civilians.

As the international community continues to grapple with the repercussions of the attack, Andrés’s poignant tribute serves as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for compassion and justice in times of war