The tragic death of Jacob Flickinger, a humanitarian worker killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, has sparked a call for action from his grieving father, John Flickinger. In a heartfelt conversation with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Flickinger urged the United States to use its power to end the killings in the Hamas-run territory.
Jacob Flickinger, a dual U.S. and Canadian citizen, was among the seven humanitarian workers killed in the drone strikes on April 1. His father believes that if the U.S. threatened to suspend aid to Israel, his son might still be alive today.
While Blinken did not pledge any new policy actions, he assured Flickinger that the Biden administration had sent a strong message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Flickinger remains hopeful that the U.S. will take meaningful action to leverage change in Israel’s conduct of the war.
Described as “larger than life,” Jacob Flickinger was a devoted father, partner, and humanitarian. He volunteered in Gaza to help Palestinians facing imminent famine, a risk he knew was present but was willing to take to serve others.
The tragic incident has led to World Central Kitchen ceasing food deliveries in Gaza, with Flickinger accusing Israel of using food as a weapon. The Canadian government is offering support to Jacob’s partner, Sandy Leclerc, and their young son, Jasper, to move back to Quebec to be closer to family.
As the family awaits the issuance of a death certificate by Palestinian authorities, they have made arrangements to transport Jacob’s remains to Quebec for a final farewell. The legacy of Jacob Flickinger, a true humanitarian, will live on in the hearts of those he touched with his selfless service.