An Inspiring Scene Unfolds at O’Hare International Airport as Children from Gaza Arrive for Medical Treatment
A New Chapter for Young Survivors
An inspiring scene unfolded at O’Hare International Airport on Monday as a massive crowd welcomed several children who were injured in Gaza. The group of young Palestinian survivors was brought to the U.S. as part of the largest medical evacuation of kids from Gaza.
A Lifesaving Mission
Eight children, each accompanied by a family member, arrived for lifesaving surgeries and medical equipment at Shriner’s Hospitals in the U.S. The mission was organized by the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, which has been working to bring medical attention to those in need.
A Drop in the Ocean
“This is a drop in the ocean,” said Tareq Hailat, of the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund. “There are thousands of children that need medical care and there needs to be a better system to allow us to take these children out.” Some have waited months – others for over a year.
The Stories of the Children
Hailat shared the story of one family, whose 3-year-old son was mute and unable to speak after witnessing the death of his sister in an air strike. “I was told by his mother that she saw her own daughter killed in front of her,” he said. “The youngest son saw the incident and now he’s mute. Cannot say a single word, and she had to leave them behind to receive the medical treatment the complexities that go with – should I take my children to receive medical treatment?”
Jood’s Journey
One child who has already received medical care is 3-year-old Jood, who has been in the U.S. with his father and host family since March. On Monday, they came to welcome the new children at O’Hare’s Terminal 5. “Seeing him now, he got the right medical care he needed,” said Belal Muhammad, the host father and a UFC welterweight champion. “It’s the least we could do, right? For these families, where they’re coming from, this is heaven to them.”
A Call to Action
Belal, like so many others, hopes to help more. “This is the life a kid should have, we all should be living,” he said. “All should be experiencing… this.” While some children are staying with their host families in Chicago, others will go to cities such as Portland and Sacramento.
Conclusion
The arrival of these children at O’Hare International Airport marks a new chapter in their lives. As they begin their journey to receive medical treatment, they will be provided with the care they need to heal and recover. The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund and other organizations working tirelessly to bring attention to the crisis in Gaza hope to continue making a difference in the lives of children like these.
FAQs
* What is the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund?
The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund is a non-profit organization working to bring medical attention to children injured in Gaza.
* How many children were brought to the U.S. for medical treatment?
Eight children, each accompanied by a family member, arrived for lifesaving surgeries and medical equipment.
* Where will the children receive medical treatment?
The children will receive treatment at Shriner’s Hospitals in the U.S., as well as cities such as Portland and Sacramento.
* How many children are waiting for medical care?
There are thousands of children who need medical care, according to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund.
