In a bold move, Chef José Andrés’s World Central Kitchen (WCK) announced the restart of aid operations in Gaza, four weeks after the tragic death of seven of its employees in an Israeli airstrike. The organization is prepared with 276 trucks filled with 8 million meals, ready to address the catastrophic hunger crisis affecting about 1.1 million people in Gaza, according to the U.N. WCK is also considering other options for expanding operations, including using the Israeli port of Ashdod and sending more trucks from neighboring Jordan.
WCK is not backing down in the face of adversity, as they continue to demonstrate their commitment to providing essential aid to those in need. The organization is building a new “high production kitchen” in the town of Mawasi, named “Damian’s Kitchen” after victim Damian Sobol. This initiative shows WCK’s determination to carry on their mission despite the challenges they have faced. Celebrity chef founder José Andrés shared a video of the workers building the facility in southern Gaza, highlighting their resilience and dedication to serving the community.
In addition to the new kitchen in Mawasi, WCK operates two other “high production” facilities in Rafah and Deir al-Balah, along with 68 community kitchens throughout Gaza. The restart of operations comes just three days after José Andrés delivered a heartfelt eulogy for the aid workers at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. During his speech, he praised the workers as “the best of humanity,” emphasizing their selfless dedication to helping others. This gesture reflects the deep impact of the tragedy on the WCK team and their determination to honor the memory of their fallen colleagues through their continued work.
The tragic incident on April 1, where seven WCK employees were killed in an Israeli airstrike near Deir al-Balah, sparked international outrage and condemnation, putting a spotlight on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Force claimed the strike was unintentional, attributing it to errors in decision-making and mistaken identification. However, WCK called for an independent investigation, questioning the credibility of the Israeli military to investigate itself effectively. CEO Erin Gore reiterated the organization’s call for transparency and accountability, stating that they continue to seek answers and advocate for change to better protect aid workers in conflict zones.
Despite the challenges and risks faced by WCK in Gaza, they remain steadfast in their mission to provide essential aid to those in need. The organization’s decision to continue feeding people during the humanitarian crisis demonstrates their unwavering commitment to their core values and principles. By keeping their operations running, WCK aims to show up for the community during tough times, highlighting the importance of humanitarian aid in alleviating suffering and building resilience. As they restart operations in Gaza, WCK reaffirms their dedication to serving the most vulnerable populations and making a positive impact in the face of adversity.
