Washington – During a memorial ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral, celebrity chef Jose Andres referred to the seven charity workers killed in Gaza by Israeli troops on Thursday as “the best of humanity.” Hundreds of people attended the ceremony. The service was interspersed with tears and continued inquiries regarding the attack.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, claimed that during an airstrike earlier this month, Israel accidentally killed seven employees of Andres’ charity, World Central Kitchen (WCK). This led to international outrage and President Joe Biden’s demand that Israel facilitate aid entry into Gaza or face a change in US backing.
In an interview with Reuters earlier this month, Andres stated that they were the target of the Israeli attack “systematically, car by car.”
During an emotional speech at Thursday’s service, he frequently cracked his voice as he lauded each of the workers: Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, John Chapman, Jacob Flickinger, Lalzawmi Frankcom, James Henderson, James Kirby, and Damian Sobol.
“The seven souls we mourn today were there so that hungry people could eat,” he said, referring to residents of Gaza. “They risked everything to feed people they did not know.”
“They were the best of humanity. Their examples should inspire us to do better, to be better,” he said.
Andres stated that the official explanation was insufficient. Additionally, WCK would still like an investigation into the activities of the Israeli military against its employees.
“There is no excuse for these killings. None,” he declared.
Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed a musical homage during the ceremony. Additionally, the event featured readings and prayers from the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions.
According to a WCK spokeswoman, about 500 individuals came, including the victims’ families, WCK employees, American authorities, and diplomats from over 30 other nations.
While Biden was traveling in New York, the White House was represented by Vice President Kamala Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff.
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