Jacob Flickinger, a dual US-Canadian citizen and one of the seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen killed in an IDF airstrike, was tragically just days away from leaving Gaza when he died, as his father revealed. Jacob, 33, was part of a team delivering much-needed food to Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing campaign.
John Flickinger, Jacob’s father, recounted the last conversation he had with his son, who was planning to head to Cairo, Egypt, at the end of the week to reassess the situation on the ground. The escalating tensions, with Israel threatening to attack Rafah, added urgency to their mission.
Sadly, Jacob never made it out of Gaza.
He, along with his colleagues, was travelling in a convoy to deliver food when it was struck by an Israeli airstrike, claiming the lives of all seven workers. Jacob is remembered as a loving husband and a new father, based in Costa Rica with his partner Sandy and their one-year-old baby.
Before his work in Gaza, Jacob dedicated his time to the World Central Kitchen, also volunteering in Mexico. He had a diverse background, working as a personal trainer, coach, wilderness guide, and serving in Afghanistan with the Canadian military.
Since becoming a parent, Jacob had become very focused on raising his son and starting a new life in Costa Rica. His father described him as the best friend anyone could ever have.
Jacob hesitated to go to Gaza, but he believed in the World Central Kitchen's mission and felt compelled by the urgent need for help.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a tragic unintended strike and promised a thorough investigation to prevent such incidents in the future.
However, World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore condemned the attack as unforgivable, stating that it targeted humanitarian organizations providing aid in dire situations where food is being used as a weapon of war.
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