Heartbreaking News …

Posted on by under Economic issues, Global Issues, Social commentary

I woke this morning to the devastating news that 7 members of Chef José Andrés World Central Kitchen were killed in Gaza overnight.  These were people who left the comfort of their homes, left their families, to travel to Gaza to help feed the hungry … and for that they were killed.  The workers were leaving a warehouse in Gaza in two armored cars — branded with the WCK logo — when they were hit by the airstrike.

I have written a few times about Chef José Andrés and his group who founded World Central Kitchen (WCK).  Whenever there is a disaster and people need food, WCK is there, preparing and providing hot meals to exhausted firefighters, victims of hurricanes, and more recently in places like Ukraine and Gaza where people suddenly find themselves with no food, no water, and even no home.

My most recent post about WCK was last December when I shared with you this letter by Chef Andrés …

Friends –

 In the worst moments, the very best of humanity shows up. I see it over and over again after disasters, in the middle of war… I have just returned from being in Gaza where I was with the World Central Kitchen team and our partners in the most difficult and dire circumstances. Everywhere I went from kitchens to camps where families are now having to be living, I saw people do everything they can to help family, neighbors, total strangers. Every time a crisis hits, people they immediately become like superheroes. So while the situations WCK works in are challenging, emotional, and often angering, time and again we witness hope, through the actions of the many, above all.  

 WCK only works because of these superheroes—someone in a small Ukrainian village near the Russian border cooking for seniors unable to leave, a community in Morocco collectively carrying injured individuals to safety after an earthquake, farmers on Maui who didn’t wait for help to arrive before distributing their produce following a devastating fire, and in Gaza where we’re working with an incredible woman lovingly referred to as “Power Mama” who’s opened her home to as many people displaced as will fit inside. This endless care for humanity is what makes the world work. It’s what keeps us going—when the feelings of despair inevitably creep in, the light of humanity shines through and turns into hope for a better future.

 So, as the year comes to a close, we want to thank you for being with us, for believing in humanity. It’s your support and trust that means World Central Kitchen can be there—this year alone serving 100 million meals in 18 countries—with the everyday superheroes, whenever we’re needed.

 With gratitude,

José Andrés

From the World Central Kitchen website today …

“This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organizations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war. This is unforgivable,” said World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore.

The seven killed are from Australia, Poland, United Kingdom, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, and Palestine.

“I am heartbroken and appalled that we—World Central Kitchen and the world—lost beautiful lives today because of a targeted attack by the IDF. The love they had for feeding people, the determination they embodied to show that humanity rises above all, and the impact they made in countless lives will forever be remembered and cherished,” said Erin.

World Central Kitchen is pausing our operations immediately in the region. We will be making decisions about the future of our work soon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims it was an ‘unintentional strike’.  Yeah, sure, Benji.  Like all the strikes that have led to 32,845 Palestinians, mostly women and children, being killed in Gaza.

All the deaths in Gaza and around the world are tragic, but somehow the deaths of these 7 people who gave their very lives to help others survive in this crazy world … they hit home the hardest.  Good people doing good things for humanity, and for that they were killed.  R.I.P. Lalzawmi ‘Zomi’ Frankcom, Seif Issam Abu Taha, Damian Soból, and the four others whose names I do not yet know.

Australian World Central Kitchen aid worker Zomi Frankcom was confirmed among the seven WCK workers killed [World Central Kitchen via Reuters]

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54 thoughts on “Heartbreaking News …”

  3. I almost didn’t hit the Like button, but since there are no other options….it’s okay, the button is back to normal. Unintentional fire, Friendly fire, whatever they want to call it, there is nothing friendly or unintentional about a bullet entering a body. And once that gun has been fired you can’t take it back. Someone, usually an innocent person, is going to be dead. If world leaders want war they should be the ones on the battlefield. Let the leaders choose their weapons,, pace off the required number of feet, turn and fire at will. But only at each other! Leave the innocent ones who always end up as the victims alone!
    If only!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • I just think of the ‘like’ button as more of an acknowledgment of having read the piece rather than necessarily liking the theme or even the writing. It is hard to do sometimes, though.

      There was no ‘mistake’ here … it was very much a targeted killing, no doubt ordered by Netanyahu in his effort to keep humanitarian aid out of Gaza so he can continue with his genocidal actions. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr …. I agree with you … let those who call the shots be the ones on the front lines! But mostly I’m sick and tired of the innocent being targeted … women, children, aid workers, medical professionals, teachers, etc. Sigh.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Same here. But how do we make the leaders do the fighting and leave the innocent alone? The person who comes up with an answer to that might be the next Nobel Peace winner. Should be anyway!

        Like

        • That, my friend, is the age-old question and the answer, at least in our lifetimes, is that we don’t, we can’t, for our power is nil. Someday, maybe. But we won’t see it. Sigh.

          Like

  4. This one lost Israel a lot of friends here in Australia, and the spectre of genocide is growing stronger by the day. How could a nation born from the Holocaust countenance doing the same thing to an entire people – just because of the actions of a few? Hate is hate is hate.

    Liked by 2 people

    • I suspect it’s lost them a lot of friends ’round the globe! It certainly drew a lot of attention, as it should! Like you, I wonder how people who have been victims of genocide can then turn around and commit the same atrocities. But, I don’t think that most of the Jewish people in Israel condone what Netanyahu is doing … I think it is he and his greedy friends. But now is the time for the people of Israel to rise up and oust Netanyahu in whatever way they can, before the entire world turns against Israel the nation.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I agree, Jill. The vast majority of Israelis just want the hostages brought home, and the war to end. Unfortunately, the Israeli government is a perfect example of what happens when a coalition of rabid right wingers get into power.
        I believe Netanyahu and his backers are prolonging the war to cover up their own incompetence. Israel is supposed to have one of the best intelligence services in the world. How on earth could Hamas plan and execute an attack so huge without some hint leaking out?
        Anyway, I suspect the dirty laundry will be aired eventually. I just hope the Palestinian people get some help from the rest of the world before then. 😦

        Liked by 1 person

        • You’re so right, Andrea. You make an excellent point about Israel supposedly having one of the best intel services on the planet, and I have read that Israeli officials obtained Hamas’s battle plan for the Oct. 7 attack more than a year before it happened, but did nothing. Incompetence? Oh yeah, for sure. Like you, I just hope for peace … peace for everyone … Ukraine, Israel, Gaza … why can’t we all just live and let live? Why must everyone want what somebody else has? Sigh.

          Liked by 1 person

          • Ah hah! I was just guessing about the intel because it seemed logical. Now I have to wonder /why/ that intel was ignored? If I were a conspiracy theorist, I’d wonder if the Israeli government decided to have some sacrificial lambs slaughtered so it would have an excuse to do what it’s doing now? A ‘final solution’ for Gaza? Lucky I’m not a conspiracy theorist. 😦

            Liked by 1 person

            • If I had to guess, I’d guess that they didn’t believe the intel was credible and so ignored it. Is it possible there was a deeper, darker reason? Sure, of course it’s possible that Netanyahu decided to wait and let Hamas make the first strike so he could justify wiping the Palestinians off the map. And I wouldn’t put it past him, for he has no concern nor care for human lives, just as Putin, Trump, Orban, and others don’t. But, until there is some evidence of that, I have to try to believe it was an honest oversight. Don’t I?

              Liked by 1 person

  5. There’s just one song that comes to my mind at moments such as this and in fact every time Gaza, Ukraine, Yemen or any other war is mentioned, and that is “Universal Soldier” by Buffy Saint-Mārie. I particularly endorse her comments in her introduction: we are all to blame.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. I maintain that this was a deliberate attack intended to disrupt food supplies to civilians in Gaza and to discourage all NGOs and volunteers from operating in the region. Callous, calculated, and cynical in the extreme. Israel should be excluded from all world trade, and any international committees and agreements.

    Best wishes, Pete.

    Liked by 3 people

    • The more I read abut it, the more convinced I am that you are quite right. This makes nearly 200 humanitarian aid workers who have been killed in Gaza. Coincidence? I think NOT! It is time for Netanyahu to GO and to pay the price for his horrible actions.

      Liked by 2 people

  7. Netanyahu has allowed indiscriminate offensive military action, this proves it. UN Secretary-General Guterres says the Israeli attack that killed seven World Central Kitchen staff brings the number of aid workers killed in Gaza to 196 – including more than 175 members of UN staff.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Yes, I read last night that this made almost 200 humanitarian workers that had been killed in Gaza. I think there can be no doubt this was an intentional attack, especially given that the WCK workers had communicated their location to the IDF, for that was supposed to keep them safe!

      Liked by 1 person

      • WCK had even built a pier (or begun building it?) so that supplies could get in via water, which has/had been a problem. Hard to know what has/will happen to that, now, also. But it’s not a matter of bad management on Israel’s part; their military is finely honed and organized. It’s difficult to believe the word “mistake” as a descriptive for any of their work in this action. Netanyahu is just trying to keep himself out of prison. Israelis, too, will be paying for this through more terrorism, thanks to bad leadership all the way around. I wish there was a way for the UN to be more assertive.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Agreed that this was no ‘mistake’ but a very specifically targeted attack with the purpose of stopping humanitarian groups like WCK from providing aid and relief to Gaza. Netanyahu truly wants to wipe out the Palestinians and he doesn’t want any interference.

          Liked by 1 person

    • Me too, Polly. I have long hoped that humans would someday find a way to resolve their differences peacefully, but of late I’ve given up that hope. I hate war, hate what it does to innocent people, and hate weapons of all sorts. Eventually, someone will get trigger happy and start a nuclear war and that will be curtains for the human species, I believe.

      Liked by 4 people

  11. That’s a powerful tribute, Jill, and what a beautiful letter from Jose Andres. The tragedy of the lost lives will be compounded if World Central Kitchen pull out of working in Gaza. Another crime that Benjamin Netanyahu should be charged with.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Thank you, Anne. Yes, the tragedy will be compounded if WCK pulls out of Gaza, but also because no doubt other humanitarian agencies are rethinking their efforts tonight. Netanyahu is guilty of murder and of crimes against humanity and deserves a war crimes trial similar to the ones after the end of WWII in Nuremberg. (Obviously I’m still angry … and oh so saddened.)

      Liked by 3 people

  12. Jill, this is indeed a tragedy as has been the entire mess. I detest when innocent people are harmed by the forceful actions of others. When the “helpers” are hurt as well it is so unfortunate.

    I claim to be no expert, but letting the terrorist groups and strong arm folks like Netanyahu settle things has been a recipe for disaster. I have long thought a two state solution is part of a future peace settlement, but we need cooler heads to get involved to help settle things.

    Keith

    Liked by 5 people

    • Yes, this is a strike against all humanitarian workers providing aid in any of the hotspots around the globe. And I’m beginning to get the sense that it was no accident, but rather was very much intentional. A tragedy that will have far-reaching consequences, I fear.

      A two-state solution would be ideal, but I fear that like certain other things, it only works on paper. Once you introduce humans and their prejudices into the mix, it no longer works. I’m no expert, either, but all we have to do is look around at the world, starting right here in our own country, to know that peaceful solutions are hard to come by and don’t often last for long. Sigh.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. I immediately thought of your blog Jill as soon as I heard the news. The fact that we sort of new them made it personal, brought home how many brave people there are who could have stayed home in their safe countries, but went to help. As David says, it’s still a war crime, even if you are obeying your leaders’ orders.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Awww … thanks, Janet. Yes, I’ve written about WCK and their wonderful humanitarian work several times and this just breaks my heart. I’ve had tears leaking from my eyelids all day. It is as if we sort of new them, knew of their work, and it was personal. Yes, this was a war crime … a crime against humanity! Sigh.

      Liked by 2 people

      • I’m not much of one to contribute to “worthy causes,” but I have donated to WCK more than once. And IMO, anyone who would try and justify this callous and murderous action has their priorities TOTALLY screwed up!

        Liked by 2 people

        • Same here. We donate to a few worth causes when we can, which unfortunately is not often, but one we have donated to several times is WCK, and I plan to donate a small amount in honour of these 7 who gave their lives to feed the hungry. If Netanyahu’s goal was to stop humanitarian aid to Palestinians, he has at least temporarily succeeded, for I read tonight that WCK has sent a ship carrying tons of food back to Cairo. Hopefully they will find a way to start their operations in Gaza again soon, but meanwhile … people are starving.

          Liked by 1 person

  14. This is sheer madness. But I don’t think that they were killed for feeding the hungry. Just random madness. I cannot really take it in anymore, the entire world is going haywire and everybody blames each other. So much blindness, so much hate, can’t they see what they are doing?

    Liked by 3 people

    • Yes, it is sheer madness!!! I stated that poorly … I didn’t really mean that they were killed because they were handing out aid, but because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, because they were trying to do something humanitarian. But, the more I learn and the more I ponder, I wonder if that isn’t exactly why they were killed. They had just dropped off some 100 tons of food and aid to a warehouse. Funny that all three vehicles in their convoy were hit, even though one was a mile or more away from the other two, and they were hit by very precise technology. So, I’m beginning to wonder. Netanyahu says it was an accident, but I don’t believe that for one minute, either. Sigh. Like you, I cannot take it anymore. I’ve had tears leaking from my eyelids all day, thinking about these good people and the sheer brutality of their deaths. And knowing that this is by no means the end of the madness. When do humans actually wake up and become …. human???

      Liked by 3 people

  15. Someone I know made this callous remark: “Well that’s what happens when you go into a war zone.” Yes, I suppose it is. But these people were not there to take sides or to fight. And IMO, there is simply NO WAY that their deaths can be justified.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr … I’m glad I didn’t hear that remark firsthand, or I would have a broken hand right now from punching someone in the mouth! I am in complete agreement with you, Nan … there is NO WAY EVER that their deaths can be justified. Netanyahu and the IDF are murderers … cold-blooded murderers.

      Liked by 3 people

  16. Until all countries say to Israel,” this MUST stop as Genocide is never the answer”, Netanyahu will not stop the bombings, the raids, the killings. He is the one making ang giving the orders. NOT the Knesset.

    Liked by 3 people

  17. The IDF claim this was an accident. If so, does that mean they did not intend to release the missiles or that the targets were not intended? The accident from their p.o.v was that innocent civilians I.e. women and children were not hit. Time they also were charged with war crimes like their leader or they should refuse all future orders from him that could result in deaths of the innocent. Cwtch

    Liked by 5 people

    • I don’t believe that this was no “accident”. Nothing is done by IDF without Netanyahu’s orders, and I firmly believe that Netanyahu intentionally targeted the WCK convoy after they had just dropped of some 100 tons of food and aid at a warehouse. The only surprise is that the IDF didn’t also destroy the warehouse! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr … Yes, I fully agree with you … EVERYONE involved in this act against humanity is guilty of war crimes, of crimes against humanity, and should be tried as such. Including Netanyahu, who should be kept under lock and key until his trial. Cwtch

      Liked by 2 people

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