8 injured Gaza children arrive in Chicago for medical care

CHICAGO - Eight children injured in the Israel-Palestine conflict arrived at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on Monday, beginning their journey to recovery with critical medical care in the United States.

After a 12-hour flight, the children—ranging in age from 2 to 17—were greeted by dozens of supporters who welcomed them with posters, balloons, and Palestinian flags.

"Just to have an opportunity to come out to remind these children that they’re not forgotten, they’re not alone, that there’s an entire community here in Chicago that loves them," said Sarah Alrayyes, director of Chapters Operations for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.

Each child was accompanied by a guardian, who will stay with them during their time in America. The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) sponsored their travel to the U.S., where their medical expenses will be covered, too.

"We’re very lucky when we work with medical facilities, that they provide the treatment for free," said Alrayyes.

All eight children were hurt during bombings in Gaza, where they suffered traumatic internal wounds, skin burns, and limb loss. Despite the severity of their conditions—they still had smiles on their faces when they arrived at Terminal 5.

In addition to their physical injuries, all of them have endured a mental toll.

"Every single one of these children has PTSD," said Tareq Hailat, director of Global Patient Affairs with PCRF. "Every single one of them needs a professional mental therapist to be able to take care of them."

While two of the children will be treated at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Chicago, the others are headed to facilities in California, Kentucky, Missouri, Oregon, and South Carolina.

"It’s bittersweet I would say," Alrayyes said. "There are still thousands and thousands more that remain in need of treatment."

"For every child that we bring out, there’s about 50 that aren’t able to be pulled out," Hailat added.

During their time in the U.S., the young patients will receive the surgeries and rehabilitation they need. Some may require months of care and multiple procedures.

"When we found out there were eight kids coming, my mom said, ‘most definitely, we would love to open our doors to them.’ It’s the least we can do as Palestinians here in Chicago," said Dunyah Abulaban, host family member.

Each child will be placed with a generous host family who is welcoming then with open arms, including Abulaban and her parents, who were at O’Hare to greet a 14-year-old patient from Gaza.

"We’re really excited to get them adjusted and help them get really comfortable here in Chicago so that they know they have a family here with us," Abulaban said. "To go through a genocide, and then be able to make it out here, to actually be able to make it alive, knowing they all had to leave their families behind, it was an extremely emotional experience, I’m really proud of all these families."

Volunteers and supporters who welcomed the children and their companions at O’Hare also brought donations, including backpacks, hygiene essentials, and winter clothing.

PCRF is working to bring other children to the U.S. for treatment, too. To learn more about the nonprofit’s effort, click HERE.