World Central Kitchen is Family

[View this email in your browser]( Statement from Assembly Member Catalina Cruz & Former Assembly Member Michael Blake on the seemingly Targeted Killing of Seven World Central Kitchen Humanitarian Aid Workers We learn a lot about people during times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of great crisis and uncertainty in our city, when thousands of people wondered each day where their next meal would come from, the selfless saints of [World Central Kitchen]( helped us in ways that are still difficult to fully appreciate. Our neighbors in The Bronx and Queens were comforted with meals, love and support in large part due to the WCK family. WCK spelled hope for students enduring remote learning and provided value for those unable to work. The magnitude of their giving, especially to our immigrant sisters and brothers, who didn't speak English or knew when their next paycheck would come, is perhaps the greatest demonstration of service we have ever seen. We came to see many of the folks on the WCK team as more than friends, they became family. To now learn that seven of our World Central Kitchen family members were senselessly killed in a seemingly targeted IDF attack in Gaza, is truly surreal to comprehend. Among those seven was Zomi Frankcom, who was part of the WCK team that in 2020 helped us set up our food pantries in Corona and the Bronx. Zomi and her beautiful smile were a bright light during the darkest of times, and with her she not only brought with her limitless compassion and care for all those around her, but she was dedicated to the betterment of humanity no matter what the condition. We, and the countless other lives she touched, are left greater people having known her. While any loss of life leaves a hole in the heart, this attack showed us that even humanitarian aid workers are not safe from the wrath of this war. To know that these selfless humans were killed as they were delivering meals to starving people makes it nearly impossible to process in light of this infinite and unnecessary bloodshed. To the families of the seven souls called home far too soon, may God provide you with a sense of comfort, peace and healing throughout this journey. To our Brother Jose Andres and sister Chef Grace, please know that we are here for you as you have always been here for us. We encourage everyone to continue supporting WCK in order to honor the lives of those who made and make the ultimate sacrifice to feed and care for all of humanity. KAIROS "a time when conditions are right for the accomplishment of a crucial action : the opportune and decisive MOMENT" "The right or critical MOMENT" [Facebook icon]( [Instagram icon]( [Website icon]( [YouTube icon]( [LinkedIn icon]( Copyright (C) 2024 Atlas Strategy Group. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Atlas Strategy Group 837 Washington Ave Bronx, NY 10451-4842 USA Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe]( [Logo]