JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 6-year-old boy who lost part of his skull in a recent Israeli bombing in Gaza arrived in Jacksonville Tuesday afternoon to begin his medical and rehabilitation journey.
Mohammed and his mother landed at the Jacksonville International Airport at 3 p.m. where they were greeted by a large community of HEAL Palestine supporters and volunteers.
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HEAL Palestine, a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare access to Palestinian children and youth, helped facilitate Mohammed’s transfer and treatment in the U.S., working closely with Jacksonville medical professionals and volunteers.
Mohammed and his family were injured in a recent Israeli bombing. His 9-year-old brother died in the attack, his sister was severely injured, and he was left with a cracked skull, unable to walk, and vision problems.
“Mohammed and the family, we were sitting together after our house was brought to the ground. We were in a tent, we felt the ground shake, and shrapnel from a bomb hit his head,” Nima Imad said, Mohammed’s mother.
Ranna Abduljawad with HEAL Palestine is helping Mohammed and his mother with their transition to Jacksonville.
Abduljawad said Mohammed’s first request after arriving in the US was to eat fruits. Something the family has not had access to in Gaza for the last 8 months.
“HEAL was established right after the genocide in Gaza to really provide the kids the medical support and health system they need. Especially knowing now in Gaza that every single hospital that we have there has been completely destroyed,” Abduljawad said.
After receiving treatment, Mohammed and his mom will head back to Gaza.
For now – Abduljawad said they will be surrounded by volunteers committed to making them comfortable during their brief stay in Jacksonville.
Mohammed will be receiving treatment at Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital. He is the third child from Gaza that HEAL Palestine has brought to Jacksonville for help.
“Mohammed’s story of resilience has touched hearts worldwide. In the wake of unimaginable trauma, his determination to rebuild his life is a testament to the strength and spirit of Gaza’s youth,” the organization wrote in a release.
According to the release, HEAL currently has 25 injured children from Gaza who are being treated in different parts of the country. Mohammed is part of a delegation of four injured children arriving in California, Florida and Ohio.
For more information about the organization or to donate, click here.