Gaza boy injured in Israel-Hamas war comes to Chicago for medical treatment

A boy from Gaza received a hero’s welcome at O’Hare Airport on Sunday when he arrived in Chicago to receive medical treatment for injuries sustained in the war between Israel and Hamas.

Hundreds cheered as 7-year-old Baraa Hadi Abu Alroos, his 3-year-old sister Elaf and their mother Hanin entered the terminal. The family was showered with gifts, including flowers and teddy bears, which brought a big smile to Baraa’s face.

Baraa’s medical care and trip to Chicago were made possible by Heal Palestine, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to “transform the lives of Palestinian youth” by providing health care, educational support and humanitarian assistance, according to its website.

Steve Sosabee, director of Heal Palestine, said Baraa was seriously injured when his family’s home in Rafah was bombed. His right foot had to be amputated above the ankle, he suffered a fracture in his right arm and his left arm was also seriously injured.

Jim Vondruska/For the Sun-Times

Baraa’s father and grandmother were killed in the bombing, Sosabee said.

“This is unfortunately not an uncommon story in Gaza,” he added. “We as a community must stand up and do something for these children. Many of them die because they do not receive medical care or suffer permanent disabilities that will affect them for the rest of their lives.”

According to the Health Ministry, more than 38,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli bombings and ground offensives. The ministry makes no distinction between fighters and civilians in its count, but includes thousands of women and children.

Baraa is being treated at Shriners Children’s Chicago Hospital on the West Side, where he will be fitted with a prosthetic limb and undergo any necessary surgeries to treat his injuries.

The family is being hosted by members of the local Palestinian community during their stay in Chicago.

Sosabee said he was happy to see so many people waiting to greet the family when they arrived in Chicago.

“We have a great community in Chicago,” he said. “We are very honored that so many people want to help.”

Many of the welcoming guests wore Palestinian flags around their shoulders. Others brought balloons in the colors of the flag, red, green, white and black. Other balloons read “Get well soon” and “Welcome.”

One person held up a sign that read, “Welcome to Chicago,” and another sign read, “You are the soul of our soul.”

Fatima Shareef, 29, of Des Plaines, said she came to welcome Baraa and his family because children in Gaza have experienced a lot of turmoil in their lives and it is important for them to see that they have supporters.

“It’s important for us to show our support because these children have been through so much suffering and tragedy that we can’t even comprehend,” she said. “We just want to show them our love and support.”

Aimun Alavi, 29, who lives in Lincoln Park, said the overwhelming community turnout showed Baraa that he has a home in Chicago and that there is hope.

“There is so much blood being shed, but there is hope in this community,” Alavi said. “We want to give them a warm welcome and embrace them.”