British aid worker James Kirby, who tragically lost his life in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, is being remembered by his family as a compassionate individual and a military veteran.
Kirby's cousin, Adam McGuire, shared that Kirby was known for his selflessness and willingness to assist anyone in need.
As a member of the security team at World Central Kitchen, Kirby was among the seven aid workers who lost their lives in the Israel Defense Forces strike on Monday. Prior to his humanitarian work, Kirby had served in the British Armed Forces in conflict zones such as Afghanistan and Bosnia.
McGuire emphasized Kirby's dedication to helping others, stating, 'He knew the dangers, he was no fool in that regard, but he just knew he had to help people.' Despite warnings from friends about the risks involved, Kirby remained steadfast in his commitment to providing aid to those in need.
'This is one of the reasons he felt he had to go and work with World Central Kitchen. He knew he had to go, his friends were telling him this was probably a bad place to go, but he knew he had to go and help people and that was James all over, he just didn’t think of himself,' McGuire added.
James Kirby's legacy of compassion and service will continue to inspire those who knew him, as well as the broader humanitarian community. His unwavering dedication to assisting others in crisis situations serves as a testament to his remarkable character and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.