Child from Gaza arrives in DFW for medical treatment

Twelve-year-old Adam and his mother received a heartfelt welcome at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on Friday, greeted with cheers, applause, and chants by dozens of people.

For several months, the nonprofit humanitarian organization HEAL Palestine had been working tirelessly to bring Adam out of Gaza for medical treatment. Adam lost his leg after their home was destroyed by an Israeli bomb, explained Afif Asmar, spokesperson for HEAL Palestine.

Asmar further shared that Adam will undergo treatment at Scottish Rite for Children and will be fitted with an artificial limb. Adam is among approximately 12 other children brought to the United States by HEAL Palestine. He is the first and only child from this group to arrive in Dallas during this conflict.

“We are a charity dedicated to helping children injured by conflicts or wars, and there are many children who require medical treatment and care,” Asmar stated. “In Gaza, most hospitals have been destroyed by the war. Only three out of 36 hospitals remain operational.”

HEAL Palestine has established a field hospital in Gaza to handle less complex cases, but thousands of children cannot receive adequate medical assistance due to Israel’s blockade, which restricts medicine and medical supplies.

“They have lost everything—childhoods, homes, schools. Many have lost family members or both parents. There are numerous orphans and amputees,” Asmar emphasized.

He stressed the importance of community support in continuing to aid children like Adam.

Adam’s family has been displaced more than five times, seeking refuge in different towns due to ongoing conflicts.

“For parents, one of the most agonizing experiences is seeing their children suffer. It doesn’t matter where it happens, what country, or the reason—it’s unacceptable for any child to suffer,” said Sam Mohamad, a community member who joined others to welcome Adam at DFW International Airport.

Mohamad, who is Palestinian and experienced childhood in Gaza, expressed gratitude to HEAL Palestine for bringing Adam to the United States.

“Adam represents thousands of children in Gaza who face these hardships daily and cannot escape the threat of death,” Mohamad said.

He voiced concern about the U.S. government’s role, criticizing the use of tax dollars for weapons shipments to Israel amid ongoing conflict.

“I urge our current and future leaders to stop these atrocities. They are parents themselves and would not want this for their own children,” Mohamad concluded.