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    • Honoring Our Heroes

    These World Central Kitchen team members existed at their very core to serve others, and lost their lives while supporting communities in need. They were from different corners of the world, but they were all humanitarians. They were also sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, fathers, mothers, partners, and so much more. We honor their contributions to the world they made brighter and to the mission of WCK to nourish people in their hardest moments.

    Gaza

    Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha

    Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom

    Damian Soból

    Jacob Flickinger

    James (Jim) Henderson

    James Kirby

    John Chapman

    Nadi Salem Awad Salout

    Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha

    Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, known as Saif to friends, was a deeply valued member of World Central Kitchen’s team in Gaza and had been since the beginning of the war. The 25-year-old Palestinian not only played critical roles that made our operation possible—translating and serving as a trusted and protective driver—he was also family. As colleagues, the Gaza team all ate together, laughed together, and shared stories that bonded them as they worked to provide millions of meals in the most difficult conditions. 

    Saif graduated from Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates, where he lived for some time. He returned to his birthplace of Gaza to work with his father at the Great Arab Mills Company. Father and son were talented businessmen, but when the war began Saif stepped up to join the World Central Kitchen team. Saif worked tirelessly until his very last moments when he was behind the wheel of one of the cars in the convoy. His family says their hearts are heavy with pain over the loss of Saif and his team members.

    Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom

    When a volcano erupted in Guatemala in 2018, Zomi Frankcom joined the World Central Kitchen team as a volunteer. For the first time, the colleagues she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with in the field felt the embrace of the warm energy she radiated even after the longest of days meeting the mission. She was both the heart and the heartbeat of the organization, according to the colleagues she worked closely with during her almost six years on WCK’s Relief Team.

    Zomi was one of the most cheerful humanitarians—she always found time to dance, sing, and play with children. In the quiet or chaotic moments during a crisis, even laughter and smiles were possible if Zomi was present. One team member recounts the goofy “salad dance” Zomi would perform when delivering freshly made salads to children. She had one for oranges too.

    Though her latest post as the Senior Manager, Asia Operations was based in Bangkok—a place her friends say brought her so much joy—Zomi has traversed the globe bringing her WCK backpack and a selfless dedication to providing aid and compassion with an infectious Australian accent. Travel was her engine, and the people she met, her fuel. She was curious and inquisitive about other cultures and nourished the spirits she served.

    The 43-year-old from Sydney, Australia brought hope and comfort to people following flooding in Pakistan and Bangladesh, earthquakes in remote mountains of  Morocco, Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas, wildfires in Californias, and Covid-19 in the Navajo Nation. Zomi was particularly inspired by WCK’s work in Venezuela when poverty and political instability caused food shortages resulting in widespread malnutrition and a catastrophic refugee crisis.

    You knew Zomi lived in the details because when she told stories, she would describe colors, smells, and tastes vividly. Her life was just as vivid and that’s how she will be remembered after her final mission bringing desperately needed meals to Palestinians facing famine in Gaza by land, sea, and air.

    Her family shared: “We are deeply mourning the news that our brave and beloved Zomi has been killed doing the work she loves delivering food to the people of Gaza. She was a kind, selfless, and outstanding human being that has traveled the world helping others in their time of need. She will leave behind a legacy of compassion, bravery, and love for all those in her orbit. 

    To the World Central Kitchen family and the many aid workers like her out there now, we thank you for the bottom of our hearts for tireless work and for giving Zomi a family away from her home here in Sydney. She loved and respected you all so much. You all need to be protected and championed.”

    Damian Soból

    Whether Damian Soból was picking you up at the airport and meeting you for the first time or you were a close friend having a cry, he made you feel like family. That’s how the colleagues who worked most closely with the Polish humanitarian remember him. Damian always knew how to relieve the tension in the room after an exhausting day of providing aid around the world, with a little joke or one of his famous hugs. 

    Damian was from Przemyśl, Poland where on day one of the Russian invasion of Ukraine he was volunteering to support refugees arriving at the train station. When World Central Kitchen established its Relief Kitchen in Przemyśl, Damian quickly became an integral member of the WCK team. Colleagues remember countless people dropping by daily to give Damian, Przemyśl’s seemingly unofficial mayor, a hug and a hello. Damian’s connection to the community and his insatiable drive to serve was irreplaceable in Poland, Ukraine, and numerous other WCK responses. 

    His friends say he was very proud to be both Polish and a true global citizen. Damian’s work with World Central Kitchen took him to Greece following wildfires, and to Morocco and Türkiye after devastating earthquakes. His expertise in construction, logistics, and connecting with people made him a natural leader. 

    No matter where he was in the world, Damian could find or fix whatever was necessary—even if he had to build something from scratch. “We don’t have problems, we have solutions,” was his most common refrain. He was the builder, plumber, welder, electrician, engineer, boss, confidant, friend, and teammate.  Nearly anyone he worked with would tell you he’s the closest thing to a superhero.

    In Gaza, Damian worked tirelessly to make the impossible possible through innovation. Among countless feats, he helped install a water filtration system on the roof of one of our largest kitchens and supported the team in serving millions of Palestinians in search of safety and a warm meal. 

    Outside of his humanitarian work, Damian was a talented soccer player, successful business owner, and beloved partner, son, stepson, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and nephew. He was wise beyond his years at just 35 and put everyone at ease with his kindness, patience, and laughter. He was pure joy, with the best smile. If he saw anyone in need of love or comfort, it simply poured out of him.

    Jacob Flickinger

    Jacob Flickinger, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, deeply believed in World Central Kitchen’s mission of providing humanitarian aid. He saw it as a meaningful way to use his skills and talents to make the world better. He first joined WCK in Mexico following Hurricane Otis and most recently he was an integral member of the team in Gaza. 

    Jacob had an interest in getting more involved in the organization, and was never short on ideas and recommendations he regularly shared with the colleagues he cherished. Those who worked with the 33-year-old respected his intellect and creativity, which made conversations fascinating. He was cautious and disciplined and accustomed to finding solutions in chaotic environments thanks to his service in the Canadian Army. This made him invaluable to the WCK team.

    Outwardly, a strong man, but inside he was someone kind and concerned for his team. His friends describe him as a genuine person whose main motive was helping others. While in Mexico, he became known as “Tío Jacob” to the children in Acapulco. He brought them endless smiles. He and his partner have a young son and the entire family is grieving his tremendous loss.

    James (Jim) Henderson

    Jim Henderson from Falmouth, Cornwall in the United Kingdom was first and foremost a kind, honest, and compassionate family man and fiancé. The 33-year-old was also a proud former member of the Royal Marines, where for seven years he found his true calling and passion—serving his country. Jim’s work always gravitated around helping people—he was involved in numerous projects around the world including teaching first aid to civilians in Ukraine and training people in trauma response.

    In recent years, Jim provided vital security support for humanitarian missions like his final assignment in Gaza. His family says he was so proud to be a part of incredible projects like his work with World Central Kitchen. They know how passionate he was about doing good and, although many of his projects were dangerous, his family felt they couldn’t stop him from showing up for people in dire need thousands of miles away from home. Family and friends who knew Jim will never forget him. His family extends their love and thoughts to the other families suffering from this terrible tragedy.

    World Central Kitchen is honored to work with world-class security personnel who have been deeply dedicated to keeping our humanitarian staff safe in Ukraine following the Russian invasion, Türkiye after devastating earthquakes, and most recently in Gaza. Three brave members of the security team lost their lives helping WCK meet its mission of bringing meals to people facing famine with diligence that was expected and extraordinary compassion that was a gift.

    James Kirby

    James Kirby was always willing to lend a helping hand, even in the face of senseless violence. His family says he understood the dangers of venturing into Gaza as a veteran of the British Armed Forces where he bravely served tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan. Despite the risks, his compassionate nature drove him to offer assistance to those in dire need. Meeting James, you quickly learn that he was kind, funny, and loved by anyone he met. The 47-year-old from Bristol, England, fondly known as “Kirbs,” will be remembered as a hero and a genuine gentleman by his family and friends.

    World Central Kitchen is honored to work with world-class security personnel who have been deeply dedicated to keeping our humanitarian staff safe in Ukraine following the Russian invasion, Türkiye after devastating earthquakes, and most recently in Gaza. Three brave members of the security team lost their lives helping WCK meet its mission of bringing meals to people facing famine with diligence that was expected and extraordinary compassion that was a gift.

    John Chapman

    John Chapman’s driving force was his family. The 57-year-old beloved husband, son, brother, and father of three from Poole, England will forever be cherished. On every mission, John was brave, selfless, and never missed the opportunity to tell his wife and children how much he loved them—especially during his time in Gaza. His devotion was unconditional throughout his entire life. 

    John inspired so many around him with his passion for life and adventure, his discipline, selflessness, strength, and his remarkable sense of humor. Whatever John put his mind to he would achieve. Using his years of experience and skills obtained while serving in the Royal Marines Commandos and Special Boat Service, he was able to help people in dire need. His family says he was taken far too soon, but died doing important work that made him proud. They will forever admire the strength he was able to give to the world. He never failed to make those around him feel loved, protected, and worthy. 

    World Central Kitchen is honored to work with world-class security personnel who have been deeply dedicated to keeping our humanitarian staff safe in Ukraine following the Russian invasion, Türkiye after devastating earthquakes, and most recently in Gaza. Three brave members of the security team lost their lives helping WCK meet its mission of bringing meals to people facing famine with diligence that was expected and extraordinary compassion that was a gift.

    Nadi Salem Awad Salout

    One of our Palestinian colleagues, Nadi Salem Awad Salout, was killed by an Israeli airstrike on August 7 near Deir al-Balah, Gaza. He was an integral member of our WCK team from the early days of our response and a humanitarian at his very core. At age 37, Nadi was a husband and a father of four young children.

    We are still gathering information and learning more about this tragedy. What we know in these early hours from witness accounts is that Nadi was fatally injured by shrapnel from an Israeli airstrike that used seven missiles to target multiple buildings. He was alone in his vehicle on his way home after work in one of our WCK warehouses.

    Nadi joined the World Central Kitchen team in January, 2024 when he immediately played a crucial role in setting up our kitchen warehouse in Rafah. He put systems in place that made the operation more efficient so our teams could provide as many nourishing meals as possible throughout Gaza. He later transferred to our warehouse located in Deir al-Balah. He worked around the clock, often staying after hours to receive trucks full of desperately needed supplies. 

    WCK colleagues who worked shoulder to shoulder with Nadi remember him as a honest, dedicated, and diligent teammate whose humor brought joy to everyone around him, even in the darkest of circumstances. They describe his approach to providing humanitarian aid, despite innumerable obstacles, as full of hope and optimism. Nadi’s closest colleagues and the entire WCK family are mourning this tremendous loss. 

    WCK CEO Erin Gore shares, “Our thoughts and support are with our colleagues working in unimaginable circumstances and grieving the loss of an amazing human.”

    Celebration of Life for WCK Heroes in Gaza

    World Central Kitchen held an interfaith Celebration of Life to honor our heroes killed in Gaza. The memorial service was held at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC on Thursday, April 25.  

    The memorial service honored 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.

    We invite you to watch the full service below. You can also watch José’s remarks here and Yo-Yo Ma’s performance here.

    Ukraine

    Sardor Khakimov

    Viktoriia Misharina

    Ihor Hrechko

    Vitaliy Yushko

    Olha Ochkas

    Tеtyana Pugach 

    Iryna Kovalenko

    Sardor Khakimov

    When you met Sardor Khakimov you could feel his profound love for his family, especially his four children. He died in a Russian rocket attack on Chuhuiv on July 25, 2022 while sheltering in the basement of the district’s House of Culture alongside fellow humanitarian Viktoriia Misharina. Sardor’s brother, Mansur Khakimov, survived the attack and emerged from the rubble. He has vowed to carry out the family’s charitable work in the region. Mansur was the first member of the Khakimov family to migrate from Uzbekistan to Ukraine. Sardor followed, first living in Donetsk and eventually launching an Uzbek cafeteria and spice store in the Kharkiv region. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and epitomized readiness to aid others, regardless of mounting challenges. Following Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine, Sardor was actively engaged in humanitarian efforts in Chuhuiv, diligently preparing and distributing nourishing meals while offering shelter to locals. What started as a small, humble feeding initiative grew into an operation that could prepare up to 2,000 free meals a day often using ingredients and supplies from World Central Kitchen. There was a mix of Uzbek and traditional Ukrainian dishes on the menu. Sardor kept serving his neighbors despite the dangerous conditions. He received a shrapnel wound about a month before the attack that killed him, but he didn’t give up despite his brother’s pleas to return to Uzbekistan. He felt called to continue helping alongside fellow volunteers. His selfless dedication and compassion remained indelible, reflecting his invaluable support to families in distress. The entire WCK community remembers these volunteers as true beacons of light, bravery, and hope in Ukraine. Sardor was 36 years old.

    Viktoriia Misharina

    Viktoriia Misharina was a humanitarian and a mother of two. She died in a Russian rocket attack on Chuhuiv on July 25, 2022 while sheltering in the basement of the district’s House of Culture alongside fellow humanitarian Sardor Khakimov. She assisted Sardor with humanitarian endeavors, including operating a community kitchen that made up to 2,000 meals a day using supplies often provided by World Central Kitchen. She shared his deep commitment to helping the community. When the war broke out, Viktoriia evacuated her children to a village in the Kharkiv region while she worked and volunteered in Chuhuiv. She juggled helping local volunteers prepare food for neighbors in need until late at night and working in a local market early in the morning to provide for her daughters. Before the war, Viktoriia worked in a banking institution and was known for being sympathetic and kind. Her friends persuaded her to leave the city, but she stayed to serve families in need. The entire WCK community remembers these volunteers as true beacons of light, bravery, and hope in Ukraine. Viktoriia was 38 years old.

    Ihor Hrechko

    Ihor Hrechko encountered World Central Kitchen in 2022 when our team first provided hot meals to his native village of Kivsharivka in the Kharkiv region. The meal distribution point, located near his house, was just a few miles away from fighting on the frontlines. He immediately offered his help with sincerity and an open heart. Ihor, who worked in transportation throughout his career, helped unload WCK trucks and deliver much needed food to his neighbors. Ihor died on June 2, 2023 during heavy Russian shelling in Kivsharivka.  His wife was also injured and remains bedridden. A true patriot, Ihor was always ready to help his fellow Ukrainians in need. His death is a great loss for our team of volunteers. The entire WCK community remembers these volunteers as true beacons of light, bravery, and hope in Ukraine. Ihor was 59 years old. 

    Vitaliy Yushko

    Vitaliy Yushko was a strong shoulder to lean on for anyone who needed advice, a true friend, and a loving husband. He was an excellent communicator and always made sure no one in need of a meal was forgotten. Vitaliy was one of four brave volunteers who tragically lost their lives on July 10, 2023 when a Russian missile struck a community center in Orikhiv in the Zaporizhia region. At the center, known as the “Invincibility Point,” people had the opportunity to wash up, eat, seek medical care, watch TV, charge their phones, talk, and receive humanitarian aid. Vitaliy and his colleagues, including his wife Ochkas Olha Ivanivna, worked day in and day out at the center to support their fellow Ukrainians. They distributed World Central Kitchen food kits to people who could cook at home and used the WCK ingredients to cook meals for anyone who couldn’t. The volunteer team was united and cheerful—it was an oasis amid all the destruction caused by war. Vitaliy and Olha raised two children together over the years. The entire WCK community remembers these volunteers as true beacons of light, bravery, and hope in Ukraine. Vitaliy was 47 years old. 

    Olha Ochkas

    Olha Ochkas was never afraid to speak her mind and yet said everything with kindness and a warm smile. Her colleagues recall her cheerfulness and the pies and pastries she made to brighten people’s days. She volunteered for World Central Kitchen alongside her beloved husband, Vitaliy Yushko. Olha and Vitaliy were among four brave volunteers who tragically lost their lives on July 10, 2023 when a Russian missile struck a community center in Orikhiv in the Zaporizhia region. At the center, known as the “Invincibility Point,” people had the opportunity to wash up, eat, receive medical care, watch TV, charge their phones, talk, and receive humanitarian aid. Day in and day out the center’s volunteers found ways to support their fellow Ukrainians. They distributed World Central Kitchen food kits to people who could cook at home and used the WCK ingredients to cook meals for anyone who couldn’t. The team was united and cheerful—it was an oasis amid the destruction caused by war. Vitaliy and Olha were both second generation railway workers and raised two children together over the years. The entire WCK community remembers these volunteers as true beacons of light, bravery, and hope in Ukraine. Olha was 44 years old.

    Tеtyana Pugach 

    Tеtyana Pugach was a mother and wife. She was also a janitor who worked alongside her husband, Ruslan, at a national utility company before the invasion. Tetyana was among four brave volunteers who tragically lost their lives on July 10, 2023 when a Russian missile struck the community center in Orikhiv in the Zaporizhia region where they volunteered. At the center, known as the “Invincibility Point,” people had the opportunity to wash up, eat, seek medical care, watch TV, charge their phones, talk, and receive humanitarian aid. Day in and day out the volunteers found ways to support their fellow Ukrainians. They distributed World Central Kitchen food kits to people who could cook at home and used the WCK ingredients to cook meals for anyone who couldn’t. Tetyana kept the premises spotless. The volunteer team was united and cheerful—the Invincibility Point was an oasis amid all the destruction caused by war. The entire WCK community remembers these volunteers as true beacons of light, bravery, and hope in Ukraine. Tetyana was 43 years old. 

    Iryna Kovalenko

    Iryna Kovalenko worked all her life as a pediatrician at a local hospital and was a loving wife and a mother to her daughter. Friends describe her as intelligent and friendly. It was hard to find a moment when there wasn’t a smile on her face. The retiree began volunteering at the “Invincibility Point” community center after the Russian invasion where she provided medical care and advice to people seeking humanitarian aid. Iryna was one of four brave volunteers who tragically lost their lives on July 10, 2023 when a Russian missile struck the center in Orikhiv in the Zaporizhia region. Day in and day out the volunteers found ways to support their fellow Ukrainians. They distributed World Central Kitchen food kits to people who could cook at home and used the WCK ingredients to cook meals for anyone who couldn’t. People at the center had the opportunity to wash up, eat, seek medical care, watch TV, charge their phones, talk, and receive humanitarian aid. The team was full of optimism. They consistently shared plans on how they would rebuild their city and make it better. The entire WCK community remembers these volunteers as true beacons of light, bravery, and hope in Ukraine. Iryna was 71 years old.