7-year-old boy injured in Gaza brought to Chicago for medical treatment

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A young boy from Gaza, injured in Israel's war with Hamas, landed at O'Hare Airport on Sunday to receive medical care in Chicago.

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As soon 7-year-old Baraa was wheeled out of O'Hare's international terminal, the young boy from Gaza was met with a roaring welcome by a crowd of cheering supporters waiving Palestinian flags, welcome signs and balloons.

Baraa, together with his mother and 3-year-old sister, arrived in Chicago to a wealth of support from the Palestinian community. They will be staying with a host family in the Chicago area.

The 7-year-old was brought to Chicago by organization HEAL Palestine so he can get much-needed medical treatment after his home in Rafah was bombed, killing his father and grandmother.

Baraa lost his right foot and suffered significant injuries to his left leg and arm in the blast.

"What's happened to them should never happen to any child, and we're ready to take on the responsibility of healing this boy and his family," HEAL Palestine Executive Director and co-founder Steve Sosebee said.

His hometown, which is now in ruins, has been the focus of Israeli fighting over the past few months. Israel's Rafah offensive aimed at taking out Hamas militants, but scores of women and children were also killed in the attacks.

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Sosebee hopes Sunday starts a new chapter for Baraa and his family.

"We need to show these kids that they are not just numbers that they're not just victims, but they are truly loved and cared for," Sosebee said.

The crowd awaiting Baraa's arrival packed the terminal.

"When I hugged the mother, I just felt like I can't believe the trauma she's faced and she's probably feeling at this moment," said Urooj Ahmed from Orland Park.

Many brought gifts for the boy and his family but more importantly with compassion and a promise of unwavering support.

"Anything we can possibly do, we're here to do it, and we're not going to back down and we're not going to stop," said Chicago resident Abdul Razick, who is from Palestine.

Baraa is the second child from Gaza brought by HEAL Palestine to Chicago. The organization hopes to bring the boy's family exactly what their name stands for, healing.

"We're just excited to be able to do something positive," Sosebee said. "The kids in Gaza are suffering unimaginable hardship, and anything we can do to help even one child is something."