Aldalou, who is from the Nasser neighborhood in Gaza, survived an Israeli airstrike that killed her mother and three siblings, a spokesperson for HEAL Palestine said. The family was taking shelter at the Al Aqsa Hospital, after losing their home last October, when they were struck by artillery.
The teen is recovering from severe burns in her legs, thighs, and hands, and shrapnel wounds to her abdomen. She’ll be receiving surgery and further care from a local Boston hospital. Al Qatta said she left Gaza more than a year ago after surviving an airstrike that left her 10-year-old son without a leg.
Aldalou traveled to Boston with another aunt, and she’ll stay in the city for the foreseeable future while receiving medical care.
The two other children who arrived Sunday are Rahalf Abuawad, 12, who has chronic health issues and will receive care in Columbus, Ohio, and Seba Abuabeda, 12, who is a double leg amputee and will soon land in Seattle for care.
The three landed on American soil amid increasing criticism of Israel for the famine-like conditions in Gaza. After nearly 22 months of war set off by the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, doctors in Gaza have said an increasing number of people are dying from starvation.
Dozens of Palestinians died this week as they waited for food to cross into Gaza. The United Nations and other international agencies have accused Israel of preventing food from entering Gaza, while Israeli officials blamed aid groups for mismanagement problems.
The nonprofit HEAL Palestine, which was created in 2024, has brought more than 50 children to the United States. It provides relief and long-term support for Palestinian children and families affected by the war in Gaza. Through a network of volunteers and donors, the organization connects those in need of medical care to treatment plans in US hospitals.
“The organization doesn’t just heal children immediately. It’s an ongoing, long-term effort,” said Nora Khalil, a spokesperson for HEAL Palestine.
She said volunteers host children in their homes and make sure they feel welcome in the country. The organization takes care of all financial needs associated with caring for the children.
“They take care of all educational needs, any tutoring needs, any mental health support, whatever it is, HEAL is there to help them,” Khalil said.
A family supported by HEAL Palestine that arrived last March made it to the airport Sunday to welcome the three girls. Amira Abumuhaisen came to the United States with her two grandsons, Anas and Aser, after they became the only surviving members of their family, she said.
Abumuhaisen said when she arrived in Boston, she was very nervous about the future, but people have been supportive of her family. She went to Logan on Sunday to show the newcomers that they’d be welcomed, too.
At Terminal E, dozens greeted the girls, carrying balloons and signs saying, “Welcome,” and, “We’re so happy that you’re here.”
Aicha Belabbes, a Boston resident and activist, said going to the airport to show support for the Palestinian girls is the “bare minimum” when “this horrific travesty is happening because of our tax dollars.”
Belabbes said she wanted to make sure the girls feel a warm welcome, after getting off a long flight while sick, and not knowing if they’ll ever be able to return to their home.
Khalil of HEAL Palestine said the three children are among the few who are able to get out, while thousands are stuck there.
“The conditions they’re living under immediately are more horrific than anything we see in movies and on TV,” Khalil said, “and this should not be the reality of their world right immediately.”
Marcela Rodrigues can be reached at marcela.rodrigues@globe.com.
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