Aiding the Wounded: Bringing Adam al-Najjar to Milan for His Healing Journey
Adam, residing in Chan Junis, is set for treatment in Italy
Penned by Andrea Affaticati, Milan
Midnight at Milan's Linate Airport, and a C-130 of the Italian Air Force, loaded with a group of exceptional passengers, makes its landing. Among them are those who can walk with bandages swathed around their limbs or lying motionless on stretchers, from young children to grown adults. All of them are victims of a harrowing ordeal, each carrying the weight of their injuries as they step onto Italian soil.
The spotlight is unusually bright on an 11-year-old boy named Adam al-Najjar. His tale is one of tragedy and survival, the grim details echoing around the globe. Just a week prior, his nine siblings perished in an Israeli air raid in the Gaza Strip, leaving him with scars both physical and emotional.
Adam's father, too, endured severe injuries, but tragically succumbed to his wounds a week later, joining his children in eternal rest. His mother, Alaa al-Najjar, was fortunate to be on duty at the Nasser Hospital when the attack took place. In their grief, she describes haunting memories, only managing to recognize one of her children from their wounds.
Seeking Solace in Italy
Adam's arrival in Italy was a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil. The Italians, ever ready to embrace those in need, offered to care for him medically, following a pattern of numerous such humanitarian missions. To date, more than 130 young patients, including adults, have traversed the skies to Italy, receiving treatment and support at hospitals across the country. With such evacuations, Italy continues to hold a fourth place worldwide in coordinating the repatriation of patients from war-torn territories.
That day, three flights with a total of 17 severely injured patients and 53 relatives aboard touched down on Italian soil. The indefatigable Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, was on the scene to welcome them, bringing a cherished gift - a ball for the children toPlay with.
Upon arriving at Milan's Niguarda Hospital, Adam received immediate, specialized care for his injuries, which encompass burning wounds, multiple fractures, and other complications. His mother sought assistance for him to cope with the emotional trauma he had endured, drawing on the hospital's decades-long experience treating young victims of war zones.
In an interview with the Italian newspaper "La Repubblica," Adam's mother expressed her gratitude to the Italians for providing her son the opportunity to escape the violence and receiving much-needed medical attention. With tear-filled eyes, she admitted to leaving behind her home and those suffering in Gaza, but assured that Adam's well-being was her top priority. "I hope they will forgive me," she said.
Source: ntv.de
- Italy
- Gaza Strip
- Israeli Airstrike
- Child Survivors
Enrichment Data:
Adam al-Najjar, a young boy from the Gaza Strip, has suffered immense wounds from an Israeli airstrike. His injuries specifically include:
- Severe Burns: Adam has sustained burns spanning over 60 percent of his body[1].
- Amputated Hand: He underwent an amputation as a result of his injuries[1].
- Fractured bones and Nerve Damage: He has also suffered multiple fractures in his left arm, with his nerves severely affected[4].
Adam's survivors' syndrome is primarily characterized by pain in his left hand, indicating that he can no longer feel his fingers[4]. Despite his condition being described as stable, the boy continues to endure significant pain and discomfort. He is being treated by dedicated medical professionals at the Niguarda Hospital in Milan, a facility with extensive experience in treating young victims of war zones and providing psychological support.
- Italy's Niguarda Hospital, recognized for its expertise in treating young victims of war zones, is providing medical and psychological support to Adam al-Najjar, a child survivor of an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip who has burns over 60% of his body, an amputated hand, and multiple fractures in his left arm with nerve damage.
- Adam's mother, Alaa al-Najjar, expressed her gratitude to Italy for offering medical assistance to her son, believing it would provide him an opportunity to escape the violence in Gaza and receive much-needed care.
- In the ongoing conflict, science and healthcare play a vital role in understanding and addressing the medical needs of child survivors like Adam, while politics and general news discuss the implications of international aid policies in war-and-conflicts contexts, including Italy's position as one of the leading countries coordinating the repatriation of patients from war-torn territories. Additionally, the broader community and crime-and-justice sectors might be interested in the stories of individuals like Adam, presenting an opportunity for discussions on health-and-wellness, human rights, and global cooperation.