CHICAGO — A 7-year-old boy who was injured when his home in Rafah was bombed made the journey to Chicago on Sunday for medical treatment.
Bara Hadi Abu Alroos is just 7, but he has already seen more heartache than many will see in a lifetime.
Bara is one of the thousands of children caught up in the Israel-Hamas war, which has cost him several loved ones and part of his leg as well.
On Sunday evening, the young boy, along with his mother and 3-year-old sister, arrived at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, where he was greeted by a welcome party.
The bombing of his home in Rafah killed his father and grandmother while also taking part of his leg and injuring one of his arms as well.
Bara is one of the 14 children who have been brought to America for medical treatment through the “Heal Palestine” organization.
One of the organization’s co-founders Steve Sosebee, said they are desperately working to get more kids out, adding that thousands are in the same situation as Bara.
“The borders are closed and there is no coordination to allow them to leave. So that’s the biggest challenge we face,” Sosebee said. We help any kid who needs help. We don’t care about politics, we don’t care about religion when it comes to helping these children. So our main goal is to identify kids who we can help and get them out so they can get the treatment they need and start the healing process.”
Shriners Hospital will also work with Bara to get a prosthetic fitted for him.
The young boy and his family will not be able to return to Gaza once he finishes treatment, so they will be hosted by Palestinian community members during their time in Chicago.
Visit the Heal Palestine website for more information on the organization or to volunteer.