In a devastating turn of events, Jacob Flickinger, a dual US-Canadian citizen, was among the seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen (WCK) who lost their lives in an IDF airstrike while attempting to deliver vital food supplies to the people of Gaza. The tragedy occurred on Tuesday when the convoy they were traveling in was struck.

WCK, an organization that provides food to those living in disaster zones, including the conflict-ridden Gaza region, expressed their grief and admiration for the fallen workers, referring to them as "heroes" and "beautiful souls". The aid workers were tragically killed while returning from a full day's mission.

Jacob Flickinger, a 33-year-old father to a one-year-old baby boy, had been dedicating his time to volunteering in Gaza since early March. A GoFundMe page has been created to support his family with funeral arrangements, highlighting his role as the sole financial provider. Flickinger's partner, Sandy, is left to mourn his loss.

Prior to his work in Gaza, Flickinger had also volunteered with WCK in Mexico. A tribute from Restaurantes en Acapulco on Facebook remembered Flickinger's kindness and commitment to providing food assistance. The group shared a heartwarming video showing Flickinger distributing bottles of water and sharing smiles with locals in Acapulco.

Flickinger's father, John Flickinger, expressed his deep sorrow on Facebook, emphasizing that his son died while doing what he loved – serving others through his work with WCK. Friends and acquaintances echoed similar sentiments, recounting Flickinger's passion for helping those in need. Some mentioned his involvement in rehabilitating injured veterans, showcasing his dedication to assisting others.

The Canadian Department of National Defence confirmed that Flickinger had served with the Canadian Army for over a decade. He had been deployed to Afghanistan as a Rifleman and later joined the Royal 22e Regiment in Quebec, QC. The department extended their sincere condolences to Flickinger's family, friends, and former colleagues.

World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore strongly condemned the attack on the aid workers, labeling it "unforgivable". She stressed that this incident not only targeted WCK but all humanitarian organizations that step forward during times of crisis, where food is being weaponized. In an op-ed in the New York Times, WCK founder and celebrity chef José Andrés praised the fallen workers, emphasizing their selflessness and calling them "the best of humanity".

President Joe Biden expressed his outrage and heartbreak over the deaths of the seven humanitarian workers, including one American. He highlighted their bravery and selflessness, deeming their deaths a tragic loss. White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby called for improved deconfliction processes by the IDF to safeguard the lives of civilians and aid workers.

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly expressed horror at the reports of the IDF strike and demanded full accountability for the killings. She emphasized that attacks on humanitarian personnel are unequivocally unacceptable. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the tragic incident and pledged to thoroughly investigate to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The loss of Jacob Flickinger and his fellow aid workers has deeply affected the humanitarian community. Their dedication to providing food assistance and their sacrifice while performing their duties is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those attempting to alleviate suffering in conflict zones.