At the Halle aux Poissons in Le Havre, the 11 Ukrainian trainees brilliantly showcased their skills to around sixty participants, project partners, and local residents. It was a moment rich in sharing and commitment centered around gastronomy.
For the occasion, Thierry Marx, renowned chef, came specially to meet our trainees and to interact with the people of Le Havre present at lunchtime. An engaged chef and former soldier, Thierry Marx perfectly embodies the values of humanity and solidarity, especially towards the Ukrainian people.
During his speech, Thierry Marx emphasized that he did not hesitate for a moment to support this project. For him, cuisine goes far beyond mere culinary art: it is a fundamental element of a people’s cultural identity. Through gastronomy, an entire history, traditions, and values are passed on.
All dictatorships have understood this well: attacking culture is targeting the very heart of collective identity. Gastronomy is not just a meal; it is a moment of trust, a gesture of silent diplomacy based on sharing. As Thierry Marx rightly reminds us, “protecting culture is protecting the identity of a people.” By preserving their culinary heritage, Ukrainians defend their history, traditions, and dignity in the face of oppression.
Cuisine thus becomes a form of resistance, a living link to one’s roots, and a powerful symbol of resilience.
We warmly thank Thierry Marx for his inspiring presence and constant support, as well as all the trainees and partners who bring this meaningful project to life.
A big thank you to the City of Le Havre and the city of Mariupol, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Ukraine in France, Cuisine Mode d’Emploi-S, and the Jules Le Cesne Hotel and Services Vocational High School for their commitment and support.
Many thanks also to the everyday actors without whom this project could not have come to fruition: Caroline Leclercq, Corinne La Marra, Véronique Carrion, Leila Blondeau, Xavier Levassort, and Olga Sansone for their unwavering support and dedication.
Together, let us continue building a future that is solidary and culturally vibrant, here in Le Havre, Mariupol, and everywhere else.
