The celebration of life was held at the Washington National Cathedral and was attended by faith leaders from various faiths.
WASHINGTON — Hundreds of people gathered at the Washington National Cathedral Thursday morning to celebrate the lives of seven World Central Kitchen workers killed while assisting in Gaza.
On April 2, the workers were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the area where they were on a food mission. They were later identified as Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha of Palestine. John Chapman from England. Jacob Flickinger in the United States and Canada; Australia's Lalzaumi “Zomi” Francome. James Henderson from England. James Kirby of England. and Damian Sobol from Poland.
“The seven souls we honor today were there to feed the hungry,” World Central Kitchen founder chef José Andrés said before reading out the names of the victims. ''.
The service included remarks from the Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, dean of the Washington National Cathedral. and other religious leaders. Additionally, a wide range of U.S. dignitaries and officials from each victim's home country were invited to attend.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, called the attack an “unintentional attack.”
Andres countered by claiming his team members were intentionally targeted.
World Central Kitchen has temporarily suspended operations since the deadly attack.
“A plate of food is a plate of hope. It's a message that someone, somewhere cares about you,” Andres said at the ceremony. He vowed to the families of the victims to respect the legacy of their loved ones, saying: “Food can never be a weapon of war. Humanitarian workers can never be targeted.” No,” he added.
Those in attendance included Vice President Kamala Harris' husband Douglas Emhoff and Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell.
Members of Congress who joined mourners during the ceremony included Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and his colleague Congressman Jamie Raskin.
The service also included a live performance by Yo-Yo Ma.
See next: Volunteers pay tribute to World Central Kitchen aid worker killed in Israeli airstrike
Do you have a news tip for this or other stories? We want to hear from you.Please email us newstips@wusa9.com.
Other ways to get WUSA9
Download the WUSA9 app
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News about Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News for Android
How to add the free WUSA9+ app to your streaming device
ROKU: Add channel from. ROKU store Or search for WUSA9.
On both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for “WUSA9” to find the free app and add it to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to use an app Delivered directly to your Fire TV Through Amazon.
Sign up to receive the WUSA9 newsletter
please subscribe Daily WUSA9 Newsletter Check out WUSA9's top stories handpicked daily just for you. Get unmissable stories, Commander content, weather and more content and information delivered straight to your inbox now.
