Fort Lauderdale, FL – An 11-year-old Palestinian girl named Lana arrived in South Florida this week to a hero’s welcome—not for fame or glory, but for a chance to walk again.
The young survivor, injured in the Israel-Hamas war, is the first child from Gaza to come to Fort Lauderdale for critical medical treatment. She will receive a prosthetic leg through the efforts of HEAL Palestine, a nonprofit dedicated to helping wounded children in conflict zones.
A Journey from Ruin to Hope
Lana’s flight to Florida marks a rare moment of relief amid the ongoing devastation in Gaza, where:
- 50,000+ people have been killed (per Hamas-run health officials).
- 100 children daily are killed or injured (UN reports).
- Hospitals like Al-Ahli Arab—Gaza City’s last functioning medical center—are barely operational after repeated strikes.
Her arrival was emotional. Wheelchair-bound and surrounded by stuffed animals, flowers, and a Palestinian flag, Lana represents both the tragedy of war and the power of global compassion.
How HEAL Palestine Made It Happen
- Sponsorship: Lana is one of four children brought to the U.S. by HEAL Palestine.
- Treatment Partners: The Hanger Clinic in Florida will provide her prosthetic care.
- Broader Mission: The nonprofit has helped 30+ Gazan children receive U.S. medical treatment.
“We are here for the children of Gaza,” said Dunia Ibrahim, a HEAL Palestine volunteer. “To let them know the world has not forgotten them.”
The Crisis Left Behind
While Lana’s story offers hope, Gaza’s medical system remains in collapse:
- Al-Ahli Arab Hospital was struck again Sunday, destroying its emergency room, blood bank, and lab.
- Dr. Samer Attar (Palestinian American Brigade) reported open wounds, exposed bones, and no supplies for remaining patients.
- The IDF stated the hospital was targeted due to alleged Hamas activity—a claim medics deny.
What’s Next for Lana?
- She will undergo prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation in Florida.
- Two other children from her group are being treated in Detroit, while one heads to Kentucky.