CHICAGO (WLS) — There was a warm welcome at O’Hare Airport in Chicago on Sunday for four Palestinian children in need of urgent medical care.
The organization HEAL Palestine brought the children to the U.S. to receive treatment as war rages on in the Gaza strip.
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The organization’s goal is to provide them the healthcare that they couldn’t access in war-torn Gaza.
It was a welcome that they will never forget. Community members cheered on the four Palestinian children after arriving at O’Hare Sunday afternoon.
They will now be calling the U.S. their temporary home amid ongoing unrest in the Middle East.
“Many of the children we bring have experienced traumatic injuries, such as bombings and gunshot wounds,” mentioned Steve Sosebee, Executive Director of HEAL Palestine. “Our fieldworkers identify the children and assess their medical needs. While some may have injuries that are untreatable, for those who can be helped, we locate hospitals in the United States willing to provide care.”
Three of the children will receive treatment in Chicago, and one will get medical care in Cleveland.
HEAL Palestine, a non-profit organization, assists in securing visas for the children, arranges for their accommodation with host families, and ensures they receive the necessary medical attention. Additionally, the children are enrolled in local schools to continue their education.
Yazan, age 16, is in Chicago for a prosthetics fitting. He spoke to ABC7 through a translator.
“He’s a big soccer fan, so he wants to play soccer, and run, and walk…. be a normal kid,” the translator said.
Bara Abu Alrous, age 8, has been receiving treatment in Chicago for about a year. He came to welcome the new children and had one message for them.
“They’re going to be okay,” he said.
HEAL Palestine said they have accepted more than 30 Palestinian children across the U.S., and the plan is to help more.
“We are stepping up and helping heal these children and show them that they are not forgotten and their life is not disposable,” Sosebee said.
Depending on the severity of the injuries, the children could be stay in the U.S. for six months or even more.
Local hospitals will be donating any healthcare and procedures that the children need, ABC7 was told.
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