Food Justice: Honoring the Heroes

On April 1, 2024, seven members of World Central Kitchen’s humanitarian food aid program in Gaza were killed by Israeli air strikes. Although their convoy of clearly marked vehicles had been coordinated in advance, allowing them to safely deliver food to a warehouse, the IDF has acknowledged its responsibility and the fatal errors that lead to this deadly attack. “It’s not enough to simply try to avoid further humanitarian deaths, which have now approached close to 200,” said WCK founder José Andrés. “All civilians need to be protected, and all innocent people in Gaza need to be fed and safe. And all hostages must be released.”

A celebration of life honoring the victims was held on April 25 at the National Cathedral in Washington DC. You can watch Andrés honor the victims in a moving and powerful eulogy here; skip ahead to the 1 hour-19 minute mark to hear the eulogy. His speech is followed by a beautiful cello piece performed by Yo-Yo Ma. This week, Andrés announced that World Central Kitchen would return to the front line in Gaza. “The need is so great. We cannot stand by while so many people are so desperate for the essentials of life.”The Food Justice Team seeks to make congregants aware of food related social justice issues, all over the globe. For more information, contact foodjustice@uuaa.org.