Remembering Our Colleagues: WCK Marks Solemn Anniversary
Today marks one year since Israeli military airstrikes in Gaza killed seven of our World Central Kitchen colleagues: Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, John Chapman, Jacob Flickinger, Zomi Frankcom, Jim Henderson, James Kirby, and Damian Soból.
This anniversary is a solemn reminder of the deep and lasting grief we carry – not just today, but every day. The loss of our seven brave, selfless friends and colleagues is immeasurable. The pain cuts deep.
Through our heartbreak, we stand strong in our commitment to the mission they believed in: to feed the hungry, to show up in the hardest places, and to lead with compassion. We honor their legacy by continuing to serve people in crisis around the world – and by working toward a future where humanity triumphs over division.
The April 1 airstrikes were a direct attack on our clearly marked vehicles whose movements were known to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). While the IDF has acknowledged responsibility for the strike and admitted grave errors, they have not yet completed the investigation being led by the Military Advocate General (MAG). We urge the MAG to conduct a thorough investigation that is as transparent as possible. We think it is critical that those responsible are held to account and such a tragedy never happens again.
We will not stop pressing for justice.
“In the face of unimaginable loss, we hold fast to hope: hope for an end to hostilities, where no innocent Palestinian civilians and children are hurt, the release of all Israeli hostages, and a future where no humanitarian – whether a local volunteer, international aid worker, healthcare provider, or journalist – faces violence while serving others,” said WCK Founder José Andrés.
We carry our seven heroes with us – in our hearts, in our work, and in our unwavering belief that humanity must always come first.
Erin Gore
WCK CEO
Read their stories
