Palestinian Girl Wounded in Gaza Bombing Arrives in Chicago for Surgery

Local Community Welcomes Sally and Her Mother

In April, 5-year-old Sally and her family were seeking refuge under a tent in Gaza when a bomb went off. Sally survived, but the blast left her with a severe head injury. Part of her skull is missing and needs to be covered with a titanium shield to protect her vulnerable brain.

On Tuesday, Sally and her mother touched down at O’Hare Airport so the 5-year-old can receive that critical treatment.

Healing and Support in Chicago

Sally and her mother will be staying with Dalal Yassin and her family in the south suburbs during their time in the Chicago area.

“We’re very excited,” Yassin said of hosting Sally and her mother. “This is the least we can do, we feel, so we’re very blessed to have this opportunity.”

A Warm Welcome

Yassin, her husband and their three children were joined by about two dozen supporters who greeted Sally and her mother as they emerged from the customs section at Terminal 5. Sally was showered with pink flower petals. Some greeters held pink balloons, others carried signs that read “welcome to Chicago.”

Meeting Other Survivors

Among those in the welcome party were two children who can relate to Sally’s difficult journey.

Khaleel Abu Shaban, 13, and Baraa Hadi Abu Alroos, 7, who both survived bombings in Gaza and arrived in Chicago for treatment earlier this year, were there to welcome Sally with flowers and balloons.

Sally’s Treatment

Sally will undergo surgery for her head injury at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where neurosurgeons will plate a titanium shield over her skull to protect her brain.

A Community of Support

“We’re all staying with local families who are housing them and taking care of all their needs, so it’s just amazing how people come forward and are treating them like their own kids,” Steve Sosabee, director of Heal Palestine, said. “We’re so blessed to have this community.”

Global Impact

At least 20 children from Gaza have been brought to the U.S. for free medical treatment since January, Sosabee said.

A Message of Hope

Yassin, 32, said one of her boys is about Sally’s age, and she looks forward to the two becoming fast friends.

“We feel like this is the only way we can give back to a situation like this,” Yassin said. “Seeing my brothers and sisters being in the midst of a genocide is truly heartbreaking while the whole world watches.”

Conclusion

As Sally undergoes treatment and begins to heal, the community surrounding her will continue to support her and her family. The story of Sally’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of conflict on innocent children and the importance of humanitarian aid and support.

FAQs

Q: How many children from Gaza have been brought to the U.S. for free medical treatment since January?
A: At least 20 children.

Q: Where will Sally undergo surgery for her head injury?
A: Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

Q: Who will be hosting Sally and her mother during their stay in the Chicago area?
A: Dalal Yassin and her family.

Q: How many children from Gaza are estimated to have died in the conflict?
A: More than 14,000.