Completely devastated. This is how the Asturian chef feels after the cruel attack perpetrated in the Gaza Strip against the volunteers of his NGO, World Central Kitchen. José Andrés has expressed his enormous sadness about what happened in an article published this Wednesday in the Israeli newspaper ‘Yedioth Ahronoth’, one of the most important in the country: “The seven people who died in the World Central Kitchen (WCK) mission in “Gaza on Monday were the best of humanity. They risked everything for the most fundamental human activity: sharing our food with others.”
The cook names, one by one, the seven workers who have lost their lives under the Israeli bombs (Damian Sobol, Jacob Flickinger, Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, John Chapman, James Kirby, James Henderson) and says goodbye to one of them , ‘Zomi’ Frankcom, with a heartbreaking message: “I wish I had never met you. I wish I had never founded World Central Kitchen. You would be alive, smiling and making someone somewhere feel like the most loved person in the world. That’s right “as I always felt with you. Goodbye, friend. I will hug you again someday, and we will continue to feed the world together.” He also explains that his people were transporting 400 tons of food that they had just received to distribute throughout the area: “The reason why the team put their lives at risk was precisely because this food aid is very scarce and is desperately needed. “They would not have made the trip if there was enough food, traveling by truck overland, to feed the population of Gaza.”
José Andrés has also shared a video through social networks in which he claims the terrorists attacked “systematically car by car” and makes it clear that it was not a mistake, as those responsible have stated: “This was not just a situation bad luck where ‘oops’, we dropped the bomb in the wrong place. And he added: “This was over several kilometers, with a very defined humanitarian convoy that had signs at the top, on the roof, a very colorful logo of which we are obviously very proud. It is very clear who we are and what we make”.
The one from Mieres has flatly assured that his position in this war is absolutely neutral: “We do not ask what religion you belong to, we only ask how many rations of food you need. From day one, we have fed both Israelis and Palestinians.” He adds: “Across Israel, we have served more than 1.75 million hot meals. We have fed families displaced by Hezbollah rockets in the north. We have fed grieving families in the south. We deliver food to hospitals where hostages are “They were reunited with their families. We have consistently, repeatedly and passionately called for the release of all hostages. We have communicated extensively with Israeli military and civilian officials.” And he concludes: “We welcome the IDF and the government’s promise to conduct an investigation into how and why our World Central Kitchen family was murdered. That investigation must start from the top, not just from the bottom.”
From Biden to Pedro Sánchez
The terrible attacks against José Andrés’ NGO have horrified leaders, not only Spanish but also foreigners. The chef received a call from Joe Biden this Wednesday regretting what happened: “The president of the United States conveyed that he is grieving with the entire World Central Kitchen family,” White House press secretary Karine told reporters. Jean Pierre. “He felt it was important to recognize the tremendous contribution that World Central Kitchen has made to the people of Gaza and people around the world. The president conveyed that he will make it clear to Israel that humanitarian aid workers must be protected.”
A few hours earlier, Pedro Sánchez was “horrified” by what happened: “Your solidarity, altruism and commitment to those who need it most is a source of pride. The Government of Spain is with you.” Ayuso also conveyed his “heartfelt condolences” to the Spanish chef and his entire team. Just like the president of the popular formation, Núñez Feijóo, who personally sent José Andrés all his affection for the “irreparable loss.” WKC is “a brotherhood prepared to bring food where it is needed most, demonstrating bravery and generosity.”
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