John Flickinger, the father of Jacob Flickinger, a humanitarian worker killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, received a call from Secretary of State Antony Blinken offering condolences. During the conversation, Flickinger expressed his belief that the United States must use its power and leverage over Israel to end the killings in Gaza by threatening to suspend aid. Flickinger felt that if the United States had taken a strong stance, his son may still be alive today.
Blinken did not promise any new policy actions, but he acknowledged that the Biden administration had conveyed a message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the relationship between the two countries could change if more care is not shown for the civilians in Gaza. Flickinger, hopeful that this tragedy will lead to meaningful action, is advocating for a suspension of aid to Israel to pressure them to change their conduct in the war.
Jacob Flickinger was described by his father as a dedicated humanitarian who was larger than life, a loving father and companion, and adventurous in his outdoor pursuits. Jacob, a dual US and Canadian citizen, had served in the Canadian Armed Forces and had volunteered to go to Gaza to help those in need. He knew the risks involved but was committed to serving and helping others, ultimately losing his life in the line of duty.
Following the tragic incident, World Central Kitchen, the organization Jacob was working for, has stopped food deliveries in Gaza. Israeli officials have acknowledged that the drone strikes that killed Jacob and six other humanitarian workers were a mistake, with military personnel facing consequences for mishandling critical information. However, John Flickinger believes that the strike was deliberate and intended to intimidate aid workers and disrupt the flow of humanitarian aid.
The Canadian government has been in contact with the Flickinger family and is providing financial support to help Jacob’s partner, Sandy Leclerc, and their young son return to Quebec from Costa Rica. Plans are being made to transport Jacob’s remains from Cairo to Quebec once a death certificate is issued by Palestinian authorities. The family is mourning the loss of a dedicated humanitarian, a passionate advocate for serving others, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of his beliefs.
John Flickinger is advocating for the suspension of aid to Israel in response to the deaths of his son and the other humanitarian workers in Gaza, believing that this tragic event should be the catalyst for meaningful change in Israel’s conduct. The humanitarian community has expressed concern over the situation, with World Central Kitchen ceasing food deliveries in response. Jacob Flickinger’s legacy as a compassionate servant and dedicated father lives on, as his family navigates the painful process of bringing him home to rest in Quebec.
