Jacob Flickinger, a 33-year-old American-Canadian aid worker, was tragically killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. He leaves behind his partner Sandy and their 1-year-old son in Costa Rica. Flickinger was working with the World Central Kitchen and was about to leave Gaza to reassess safety concerns in the territory when his truck was struck. His death, along with six colleagues, has left the nonprofit devastated, calling the attack “unforgivable” and “targetted,” while Israel claims it was a mistake.
Flickinger had recently moved to Costa Rica with his family to start a new life. He was the sole financial provider for his family, and friends are now raising money for his partner and child. Flickinger, who had been volunteering in Gaza since early March, was part of a team that had just delivered over 100 tons of food to northern Gaza, an area facing a major famine. He was killed alongside six other aid workers, including Lalzawmi Frankcom from Australia and Damian Sobol from Poland.
Flickinger, who had served in the Canadian military in Afghanistan, was a dual citizen of Canada and the US. He had been working various jobs to provide for his family, including as a personal trainer, coach, and wilderness guide. He was dedicated to the mission of the World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides food to people in need following disasters or wars. Flickinger had previously volunteered with the charity in Mexico after a hurricane.
Israel has claimed responsibility for the attack on the convoy, stating it was a result of misidentification at night, and they have apologized for the killings. However, the leaders of World Central Kitchen believe the attack was targeted. The convoy, consisting of three clearly marked vehicles, was struck by missiles in succession while traveling in a deconflicted zone in coordination with the Israel Defense Forces. The nonprofit has suspended all operations in Gaza since the deaths.
Flickinger was planning to leave Gaza and reassess the situation just days before he was killed. His family is working to have his body flown back home. His father described him as a loving husband, father, and friend, highlighting his dedication to his family and his work. Flickinger was passionate about being a dad and had moved to Costa Rica with his family to start a new life there. His death has left his loved ones and colleagues devastated.
The loss of Flickinger and his colleagues has been deeply felt by the World Central Kitchen community. CEO Erin Gore expressed heartbreak and devastation over the targeted attack that resulted in the deaths of the aid workers. The organization, which was a major supplier of food in Gaza, has suspended all operations in the region following the tragic incident. The impact that Flickinger and his team had on the lives of those they served will be forever remembered and cherished.
