World Central Kitchen  (2010)

World Central Kitchen celebrates lives of their heroes

World Central Kitchen held an interfaith Celebration of Life to honor its heroes killed in Gaza last spring. The memorial service was held at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC on Thursday, April 25. 

The service honored Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha of Palestine, John Chapman of Britain, Jacob Flickinger of the U.S. and Canada, Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom of Australia, James Henderson of Britain, James Kirby of Britain, and Damian Soból of Poland.

Author: newsletter
Date Published: April 21st, 2024
Originally published on:

“People of all faiths, all gods, together under one roof will be able to hold our heroes in their hearts at the National Cathedral,” said chef José Andrés, founder of WCK.

A public livestream was available on WCK’s website, as well as the Cathedral’s website and YouTube channel. The service was by invitation only. The public was invited to join the service via livestream.

“Our Scriptures tell us there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends or for those in need,” said The Very Rev. Randy Hollerith, Dean of the Cathedral. “We are honored to open the doors of this Cathedral so the world can come together to honor the sacrifice of these seven brave souls and pray for an end to the war that took their lives.”

In addition to remarks by José Andrés, the service included a live performance by Yo-Yo Ma. Prominent faith leaders, including Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, Cardinal Wilton Gregory of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, Rabbi Susan N. Shankman of Washington Hebrew Congregation, and Imam Talib M. Shareef of Masjid Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque, also participated.

WCK wrote, "As we come together to remember the lives and legacies of our colleagues, we invite you to learn more about the lasting impact of these exemplary humanitarians here."

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