DAYTON, Ohio — The Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7, 2023. Ever since then, people in Gaza and Israel have been severely impacted by the ongoing war. 

What You Need To Know

  • The war began on Oct. 7, 2023

  • Several people in both Israel and Gaza have been impacted by the war overseas

  • Saja Junaid is one of the many children who have been impacted firsthand

Saja Junaid, a 3-year-old, is facing third-degree burns across her face and body after a drone strike from the war. Now, she has a chance in the United States to receive proper medical treatment for the wounds. 

“She’s very excited that they’re going to receive the treatment,” said Sami Alzier, a translator with Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. “They were expecting she would die because she was in the hospital.” 

Saja Junaid arrived in Dayton over the weekend with her mom Zainab and younger brother Mehmood. Her other siblings are still overseas, impacted by the ongoing war. Her mom Zainab spoke with Spectrum News through a translator. She said she’s excited that her daughter is being treated at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. 

“She is here because one of the best maxillofacial surgeons,” said Nadia Rasul, Columbus-Chapter PCRF. “Who deals with burns is here in Dayton, Ohio. So she’s going to be treated at Shriners through PCRF.” 

The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund helped bring Saja and three other children to the United States of America to receive treatment. Saja was helped through Egypt, and the group was also helping the families pay for the ongoing medical treatment. However, it’s unclear how long Saja’s treatment might take; which means their family could be separated for months. Her mother is worried but also has faith everything will be okay. 

“Saja’s dad was expected to come because he also had an injury but he wasn’t allowed,” said Alzier. “So, she made it.” 

According to Saja’s mother, the destruction of the war has caused problems with medical supplies and proper medical treatment overseas. She hopes all children impacted by the war in some shape and form will be able to get the help they need. 

“The situation is really really horrible over there,” Alzier said. “So many innocent people get killed. She wishes that all the other children can be evacuated, maybe to a safe place or guarantee a safe zone for them.” 

Saja has just begun her treatment, and the overall goal is to get her back to her home overseas.