On Sunday, a young Gaza boy who had been injured in the war between Hamas and Israel arrived at O’Hare Airport to receive medical treatment in Chicago.
Upon exiting the international terminal at O’Hare, Baraa, a 7-year-old boy from Gaza, was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of supporters. They waved Palestinian flags, held welcome signs, and released colorful balloons, all while cheering loudly to welcome him.
Upon their arrival in Chicago, Baraa, his mother, and 3-year-old sister were greeted with an outpouring of support from the Palestinian community. A host family in the Chicago area has generously offered to provide them with accommodations during their stay.
HEAL Palestine brought the 7-year-old to Chicago for essential medical treatment following the bombing of his home in Rafah, which resulted in the death of his father and grandmother.
It is heart-wrenching to witness the immense suffering that the children in Gaza are enduring. We must do everything in our power to alleviate even a fraction of their pain. Every effort to support and assist even one child can make a significant difference in their lives.
The explosion caused severe damage to Baraa’s left leg and arm, and he lost his right foot as a result.
Steve Sosebee, the Executive Director and co-founder of HEAL Palestine, expressed his readiness to take on the responsibility of healing the boy and his family, stating that no child should ever experience what they have gone through.
In the past few months, Israeli fighting has centered on his hometown, which unfortunately now lies in ruins. The main target of Israel’s Rafah offensive was to eliminate Hamas militants, however, the attacks resulted in the deaths of numerous innocent women and children.
Baraa and his family may begin a fresh chapter, according to Sosebee’s optimistic outlook for Sunday.
Sosebee emphasized the need to demonstrate to these children that they are not mere statistics or helpless casualties, but rather individuals who are genuinely valued and cherished.
As Baraa’s arrival drew close, the terminal became packed with eager onlookers. The crowd eagerly awaited his arrival.
Urooj Ahmed from Orland Park expressed her feelings after hugging the mother, saying that she couldn’t believe the trauma the mother has faced and how she must be feeling at the moment.
The boy and his family were showered with gifts, but what truly touched their hearts was the outpouring of compassion and the promise of steadfast support.
Abdul Razick, a resident of Chicago originally from Palestine, expressed his unwavering commitment by stating, “We are here to do anything possible, and we will not give up or surrender.”
HEAL Palestine has brought Baraa, the second child from Gaza, to Chicago with hopes of providing his family with the healing they need.
Sosebee expressed her excitement about being able to make a positive impact. She acknowledged the unimaginable hardships that children in Gaza are facing and emphasized the importance of any effort to help even one child.