A tribute to Saif
Saifeddin (Saif) Issam Ayad Abutaha
Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, known as Saif to friends, was a deeply valued member of World Central Kitchen’s team in Gaza and had been since the beginning of the war. The 25-year-old Palestinian not only played critical roles that made our operation possible—translating and serving as a trusted and protective driver—he was also family. As colleagues, the Gaza team all ate together, laughed together, and shared stories that bonded them as they worked to provide millions of meals in the most difficult conditions.
Saif graduated from Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates, where he lived for some time. He returned to his birthplace of Gaza to work with his father at the Great Arab Mills Company. Father and son were talented businessmen, but when the war began Saif stepped up to join the World Central Kitchen team. Saif worked tirelessly until his very last moments when he was behind the wheel of one of the cars in the convoy. His family says their hearts are heavy with pain over the loss of Saif and his team members.
