https://arab.news/5mcbc
- One of Henderson’s brothers, Matt, said that the aid worker had achieved “so much in his life in a short period of time”
- “To lose someone of James’ extraordinary character and decency overshadows the pain,” cousin said
LONDON: The funeral of a British aid worker killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza has taken place in Cornwall, England, the BBC reported on Wednesday.
Jim Henderson, 33, was among seven World Central Kitchen workers who died in the Israeli attack in April.
WCK founder Jose Andres accused Israel of targeting his workers “systematically, car by car” after the attack, claims that were dismissed as “nonsense” by Israeli Minister of Economy Nir Barkat in comments to BBC News.
The killings drew widespread international condemnation and US President Joe Biden accused Israel of not doing enough to protect aid workers and civilians.
An Israeli investigation into the attack blamed a series of “grave errors” by Israel Defense Forces officers, and WCK rejected the investigation as lacking credibility.
One of Henderson’s brothers, Matt, said that the aid worker had achieved “so much in his life in a short period of time,” the BBC said.
His cousin, Helen Moran, spoke on behalf of Henderson’s parents and thanked the people who gathered to pay their respects at Truro Cathedral. About 700 people attended the funeral.
“The family has been deeply moved by the outpouring of support during this difficult time,” Moran said.
“This support has been a source of comfort and a reminder of the impact Jim had upon so many people.
“A son, a fiance, a brother and a friend leaving us at such a young age is always a tragedy.
“To lose someone of James’ extraordinary character and decency overshadows the pain,” she said.
Henderson’s other brother, Dan, said: “I don’t really think we knew how wide a scope of Jim’s friends and people that he had real connections with until something like this happens ... it makes us very proud.”
The grieving family had asked people who wanted to pay their respects to line the route and join them in the cathedral.
Bishop Hugh Nelson said that the service marked a farewell and “the celebration of a good life well-lived.”
Henderson’s role was to ensure the WCK aid convoy traveling in Gaza followed safety procedures and remained on the correct route. The former Royal Marine had been in the territory for just over a week when he was killed.