When America’s top diplomat called to offer condolences for the killing of John Flickinger’s son in Israeli airstrikes against a World Central Kitchen aid convoy in Gaza, Flickinger knew what he meant.
The grieving father told Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the killings committed by Israel in Hamas-controlled territory must end, and that the United States needs to use its power and influence over its closest ally in the Middle East to make that happen.
Flickinger’s son, Jacob Flickinger, 33, a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen from Quebec, was among seven aid workers killed in the April 1 drone strikes.
“If the United States threatened to cut off aid to Israel, maybe my son would be alive today,” John Flickinger told The Associated Press, describing his 30-minute conversation Saturday with Blinken.
Flickinger said Blinken did not promise any new political action, but said the Biden administration had sent a strong message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the relationship between the United States and Israel may change if the Israel Defense Forces are not They worry more about destiny. of civilians in Gaza.
“I am hopeful that this will be the last straw, that the United States will suspend aid and take meaningful steps to spur change in the way Israel is conducting this war,” said John Flickinger.
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Flickinger said Blinken also spoke with his son’s partner, Sandy Leclerc, who is left caring for their 1-year-old son, Jasper.
In addition to Jacob Flickinger, three British citizens, an Australian, a Pole and a Palestinian were killed in the attacks.
John Flickinger described his son as “larger than life,” a “loving son, a devoted father, and a very loving new father and companion to his life partner.”
Jacob Flickinger was remembered as a lover of the outdoors who organized survival training retreats and participated in mountaineering, rock climbing and other adventure activities. He spent about 11 years serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, including eight months in Afghanistan.
Flickinger’s father said his son knew going to Gaza was risky, but he discussed it with family members and volunteered in hopes of helping Palestinians in Gaza who aid groups say are facing famine. imminent.
“He died doing what he loved, which was serving and helping others,” said Flickinger, whose own nonprofit, Breakthrough Miami, exposes underrepresented students to academic opportunities and prepares them for college.
World Central Kitchen representatives have said they informed the Israeli military about their movements and the presence of their convoy.
Israeli officials have called the drone strikes a mistake, and on Friday the military said it fired two officers and reprimanded three others for their roles. The officers mishandled critical information and violated rules of engagement, the military said.
But John Flickinger said that in his opinion the strike “was a deliberate attempt to intimidate aid workers and stop the flow of humanitarian aid.”
World Central Kitchen has since ceased food deliveries in Gaza, Flickinger noted, saying it appears Israel is “using food as a weapon.”
The Canadian government has been communicating with the family and is offering financial support to move Leclerc and Jasper from Costa Rica, where the family lives, back to Quebec to be closer to the family, Flickinger said.
Flickinger said his son’s remains are in Cairo awaiting Palestinian authorities to issue a death certificate. Once that happens, the family has made arrangements for them to be transported to the province.
© 2024 The Canadian Press
