Statement by Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, on World Central Kitchen Tragedy

Today, the world learned of another terrible tragedy: the death of seven members of the World Central Kitchen team on the ground responding to the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza. On behalf of everyone at The Rockefeller Foundation, our thoughts are with the families, friends, and colleagues of those lost.

For more than five years, The Rockefeller Foundation has worked with Chef José Andrés and the World Central Kitchen in Haiti, Afghanistan, Ukraine, the United States, and elsewhere. They take risks to do one of the most noble things anyone can do: help feed the most vulnerable people, at the most urgent times, in some of the most dangerous places on earth.

As that work continues, we recognize the hope, heroism, and humanity of those the world lost today. These seven individuals set a powerful example for all of us.

Dr. Rajiv J. Shah