People around the world rejoiced on the morning of October 9th, when Israel’s Cabinet approved a ceasefire deal for Gaza, proposed by the United States. After hundreds of thousands of deaths and a famine raging through the country, it seems like there is finally a moment of peace. However, the ceasefire alone will not bring peace; accountability from all sides will. Once the violence stopped, an even deeper suffering began, and it will continue to haunt the people of Gaza for the rest of their lives.
When Gaza was at war with Israel, nearly 100,000 tons of explosives were dropped on the strip over the two years, the equivalent of six Hiroshima bombs. And then, all of a sudden, it stopped, but it was too late. The damage was already done, with families being torn apart, homes destroyed, and more than 640,000 citizens of Gaza facing ICP Phase 5, the most severe level of famine that is fatal and often irreversible. Students and staff at Loyola remain sympathetic to the people of Gaza.
In an interview with Charles Blackburn ‘28, he stated, “There is an active attempt at genocide in Gaza, and people need to spread awareness because of how unfortunate it is. The Israeli Government is blocking aid that is trying to come in, which is necessary for that area.”
Theology teacher, Thomas Cendejas, spoke on the matter during an interview, saying, “Our current administration has misused the funds of taxpayers, and is giving it to a cause that not all Americans might agree with.”
But one man, one organization, and one culture have united and saved the lives of the hungry and neglected peoples of nearly 30 countries. The famous Spanish chef José Andrés founded the WCK, an organization that has been responsible for quick and reliable aid to disaster sites. However, he comes from somewhat humble beginnings.
Born in 1969 to a middle-class family, he learned to cook from his mother and father. From his mother, Andrés was able to learn that even the simplest of ingredients can change a whole dish. From his father, that even the most premium and sought-after components require balance for cohesion.
After climbing the ranks in various local restaurants, he was taken under the wing of the Executive Chef of El Bulli, one of the most famous and prized restaurants in the world. He then broke off into his own path forward, creating a culinary empire spanning across North America and Europe, blending traditional Spanish cuisine with local features and influences. His recent partner restaurant in L.A., Somni, recently earned the coveted 3 Michelin stars rating.
In 2010, Andrés decided it was time to make a true impact, a program meant simply to help. Help the poorest of the poor, help the outcast, help the diseased, and help the needy alike. In the same year, he founded the WCK. Their first mission was to Haiti, but the organization has since traveled to 6 continents and 30 countries.
The WCK, under the slogans of “Feed the world” and “Wherever there’s a fight, so hungry people may eat, we’ll be there,” has relentlessly provided nearly 500 million meals to the world—70 million of which were supplied to the famished and deprived people of Gaza.
Although they have ceased operation in the region due to increased hostilities, the impact and salvation they have given to the people of Gaza is immeasurable. No matter hardship, difficulty, or danger, the WCK continues foreign operations. Loyola students themselves can take after José Andrés’s personal motto: “Feed the people.”