Israel's war in Gaza: 4 Palestinian children in need of medical care arrive at O'Hare Airport in Chicago
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — There was a warm welcome at O’Hare Airport in Chicago on Sunday for four Palestinian children in need of urgent medical care.

The organization HEAL Palestine brought the children to the U.S. to receive treatment as war rages on in the Gaza strip.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The organization’s goal is to provide them the healthcare that they couldn’t access in war-torn Gaza.

It was a welcome that they will never forget. Community members cheered on the four Palestinian children after arriving at O’Hare Sunday afternoon.

They will now be calling the U.S. their temporary home amid ongoing unrest in the Middle East.

“Most of the kids we bring have suffered from traumatic injuries, bombings and gunshot injuries,” HEAL Palestine Executive Director Steve Sosebee said. “Our fieldworkers identify the kids and based on what their medical condition is… some cannot be treated , but for those can be treated we identify hospitals in the U.S. that will accept them.”

Three of the children will receive treatment in Chicago, and one will get medical care in Cleveland.

HEAL Palestine, a non-profit, helps with their visas, they arrange for the children to stay with host families and connect them with the healthcare they need. The children also enroll in school.

SEE ALSO | Palestinian death toll in Gaza’s war passes 50,000 as Israel expands new airstrikes

Yazan, age 16, is in Chicago for a prosthetics fitting. He spoke to ABC7 through a translator.

“He’s a big soccer fan, so he wants to play soccer, and run, and walk…. be a normal kid,” the translator said.

Bara Abu Alrous, age 8, has been receiving treatment in Chicago for about a year. He came to welcome the new children and had one message for them.

“They’re going to be okay,” he said.

HEAL Palestine said they have accepted more than 30 Palestinian children across the U.S., and the plan is to help more.

“We are stepping up and helping heal these children and show them that they are not forgotten and their life is not disposable,” Sosebee said.

Depending on the severity of the injuries, the children could be stay in the U.S. for six months or even more.

Local hospitals will be donating any healthcare and procedures that the children need, ABC7 was told.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Donald Trump goes scorched earth on Minnesota's Somali fraud scandal

Trump Unleashes Fiery Critique on Minnesota’s Somali Fraud Allegations

Donald Trump recently addressed the unfolding migrant fraud scandal in Minnesota, suggesting…
Ukrainian beauty queen melts the ice between Trump and Zelensky

Ukrainian Beauty Queen Plays Key Role in Easing Tensions Between Trump and Zelensky

Volodymyr Zelensky managed to win favor with Donald Trump by connecting over…
US intel says Ukraine did not target Putin's home with drones

US Intelligence Confirms Ukraine Not Behind Drone Incident at Putin’s Residence

U.S. intelligence agencies have dismissed Vladimir Putin’s assertions regarding an alleged Ukrainian…
Nikki Bella's WWE appearance fuels Cooper DeJean romance rumors

Is Love in the Ring? Nikki Bella’s WWE Return Sparks Cooper DeJean Romance Buzz

Nikki Bella stoked the flames of romance speculation with Cooper DeJean by…
What to know about Trump administration freezing federal child care funds

Key Insights on the Trump Administration’s Halt on Federal Child Care Funding

The Trump administration has decided to halt child care funding for all…
Trump WITHDRAWS National Guard troops from three Democratic cities

Trump Orders Withdrawal of National Guard Troops from Three Major Cities

Donald Trump has officially pulled the National Guard troops out of the…
No fireworks this New Year's Eve in Baker County amid burn ban, officials say

Baker County Cancels New Year’s Eve Fireworks Due to Burn Ban

In Baker County, officials have announced a strict prohibition on all forms…
$400K in lobster meat destined for Costco stores in Illinois, Minnesota stolen by a fraudulent trucking company: broker

$400K Worth of Lobster Meat Vanishes En Route to Midwest Costco Locations in Suspected Trucking Scam

CONCORD, N.H. — Picture a lavish seafood spread gone awry. In a…