Just Announced: April 25 Service for World Central Kitchen Humanitarians

The Cathedral will open its doors to the world next week to mourn the loss -- and celebrate the humanitarian spirit -- of the seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen who were killed in Gaza earlier this month.

The interfaith Celebration of Life will honor 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. 

Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith and Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde are expected to lead the service, which will also feature clergy from the Jewish and Muslim traditions. Chef Jose Andres, the founder of World Central Kitchen, will be one of the speakers.

From the press release:

“People of all faiths, all gods, together under one roof will be able to hold our heroes in their hearts at the National Cathedral,” Andres said. “Saif, Zomi, Damian, Jacob, John, Jim, James, your families are far away from D.C., but we are sending our love and respect to all corners of the world.” 

World Central Kitchen is a humanitarian nonprofit founded in 2010 by Andrés to provide food relief in response to humanitarian, climate and community crises. The organization has provided more than 350 million meals worldwide.

World Central Kitchen is one of the few aid organizations that was able to deliver food in Gaza during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, providing more than 43 million meals, sending in more than 1,700 supply trucks and opening 68 community kitchens.

Due to security and capacity concerns, the service will be invitation-only, but the public is invited to join the service by 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 Dean Hollerith. “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.”