World Central Kitchen worker injured in separate IDF strike on April 1
The IDF attack that killed seven World Central Kitchen heroes in central Gaza wasn’t the only devastating bombing that claimed lives and impacted our team on April 1. Just 15 minutes before our convoy was repeatedly hit, one of our brave Palestinian staff members was gravely injured in a reportedly deadly airstrike at al-Bashir Mosque in Deir al-Balah. Both April 1 airstrikes—within miles of each other—are flagrant reminders of the harrowing conditions humanitarian aid workers and Palestinian families continue to face every minute of every day.
Amro sustained serious head and hand injuries while he was off duty in a home close to the mosque in the area surrounding our warehouse and newly established kitchen in Deir al-Balah. When he was removed from beneath the rubble, Amro was brought to the same hospital that also received WCK’s fallen heroes. After spending some time in a coma, Amro was airlifted to another hospital where he is recovering, receiving treatment, and getting stronger every day.
Everywhere World Central Kitchen goes, we work shoulder-to-shoulder with the local community. WCK contracted more than 400 Palestinains in our fight to feed as many people as possible throughout Gaza. Thousands more Palestinians have volunteered. They show us the way, and we are so fortunate to learn from them. Saifeddin “Saif” Issam Ayad Abutaha, a translator, driver, and so much more, died in the attack on our convoy.
Amro joined the WCK team just after the start of the year. His family shares that he has felt honored to work to help and feed people who are suffering like he has been suffering. He has loved feeling a part of the team. You can always find a smile on his face, especially when he’s sharing meals with children who immediately love him. He was given rare opportunities to leave Gaza for Egypt several times, but he refused. He always says, “I am here serving people hot food every day. I will not leave my job and let them suffer.”
Before joining the WCK team, Amro was the warm and gracious owner of a sweet shop. Honey Bee was a beacon—a gathering place for neighbors to share embraces and stories over the treats that earned him fame in the hospitality industry. The shop was destroyed by bombing early in the war, causing Amro and his wife to flee south in search of safety like hundreds of thousands of their Palestinian brethren. They’ve always dreamed of becoming parents.
WCK honors and thanks Amro, Saif, and all Palestinians who have been vital to our operations in Gaza for their dedication and sacrifices.
