As part of a large medical evacuation of injured children from Gaza to the United States, 11 children severely wounded in the war will now receive medical treatment, according to the U.S.-based nonprofit HEAL Palestine.
The group said on Sunday, two of those children arrived in North Texas through DFW Airport. They were greeted by community members with cheers and signs.
“Today we are expecting the arrival of Zuhair and Anwar, accompanied by their families, two children that have been evacuated, part of the largest evacuation, medical evacuation out of Gaza,” said Nisreen Hajaj, community outreach coordinator for HEAL Palestine.
Hajaj said Zuhair, who is 7 years old, was injured at the beginning of the war on Oct. 23, 2023. The group said he was playing in his front yard when an Israeli airstrike directly hit their building.
Zuhair’s arm was severely wounded, which led to a partial amputation. He’s had multiple surgeries.
Anwar, who is 14, has a lower limb amputation. According to HEAL Palestine, he was fleeing an airstrike.
After arriving at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Anwar’s mother became emotional, trying to fight back tears in disbelief that her son was finally in the United States. She said it was difficult for them to evacuate from Jordan.
She said 105 family members have been killed since the war started almost two years ago.
“As happy as she is that her son is able to come out and get medical attention, as sad as she is to leave family members back. She left her son, her daughter, and other family members that are again in Gaza that’s facing a genocide,” said Haneen with HEAL Palestine, who translated from Arabic to English for the family.
“They’re both going to be here getting treatment at our local hospitals,” explained Hajaj. “We’re going to show them exactly what Texas love is all about. Texas is loving, Texas is welcoming, and everything is big in Texas.”
Last year HEAL Palestine also helped evacuate then 9-year-old Adam to North Texas, who was fitted with a new leg prosthetic.
The nonprofit humanitarian aid group said it provides long-term support for Palestinian children and families who have been impacted by the war in Gaza, Palestinians in the West Bank and the refugee community.
Great Job Sophia Beausoleil & the Team @ NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth Source link for sharing this story.
