War between Israel and Hamas: HEAL Palestine brings 7-year-old boy injured in Gaza to Chicago for medical treatment

CHICAGO (WLS) — A young boy from Gaza who was injured in Israel’s war against Hamas landed at O’Hare Airport on Sunday to receive medical treatment in Chicago.

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As soon as seven-year-old Baraa was pushed out of O’Hare Airport’s international terminal, he was greeted by a crowd of cheering supporters waving Palestinian flags, welcome signs and balloons.

Baraa arrived in Chicago with his mother and three-year-old sister and received a lot of support from the Palestinian community. They will live with a host family in the Chicago area.

The seven-year-old was brought to Chicago by the organization HEAL Palestine so he could receive much-needed medical treatment after his home in Rafah was bombed, killing his father and grandmother.

Baraa lost his right foot in the explosion and suffered significant injuries to his left leg and arm.

“What happened to them should never happen to any child, and we are ready to take responsibility for healing this boy and his family,” said Steve Sosebee, executive director and co-founder of HEAL Palestine.

His hometown, now in ruins, has been at the center of Israeli fighting in recent months. Israel’s Rafah offensive was aimed at eliminating Hamas militias, but the attacks also killed numerous women and children.

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Sosebee hopes that Sunday will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Baraa and his family.

“We need to show these children that they are not just numbers, that they are not just victims, but that they are truly loved and that someone cares about them,” Sosebee said.

The terminal was full of people waiting for Baraa’s arrival.

“When I hugged the mother, I just couldn’t believe the trauma she has been through and is probably feeling right now,” said Urooj Ahmed of Orland Park.

Many brought gifts to the boy and his family, but more importantly, compassion and the promise of unwavering support.

“We are here to do everything in our power and we will not give up and we will not stop,” said Abdul Razick, a Palestinian native who lives in Chicago.

Baraa is the second child from Gaza that HEAL Palestine has brought to Chicago. The organization hopes to bring the boy’s family exactly what its name stands for: healing.

“We are just happy to be able to do something positive,” said Sosebee. “The children in Gaza are suffering unimaginably and anything we can do to help even one child is something.”