BALLWIN, Mo. — A 12-year-old boy from Gaza is wrapping up his first week of school in Ballwin, and he's been "feeling at home," a statement from his school said.
Hadi Zaqout, who lost his leg to an Israeli missile strike in Gaza in 2023, arrived in St. Louis in May for medical treatment from the Shriners Children's Hospital. The non-profit HEAL Palestine helped temporarily bring Hadi to the United States for treatment.
Thursday, Al-Salam Day School, the Islamic school in Baldwin Hadi has been attending, published a social media post describing Hadi's reception. It had a positive and optimistic tone.
"This week is special at ADS as we welcomed Hadi Zaqout from Gaza to our school community," the social media post said. "The love and support shown by our students have been truly heartwarming and beyond words."
The social media post includes photos of Hadi. One of the photos shows a group of students, including Hadi, during the school day. Another photo shows him working on his times tables.
"Seeing how everyone has come together to make Hadi feel at home is a testament to the kindness and unity that defines our school," the post said. "[Praise God], may this be the start of many wonderful memories and friendships for Hadi."
Speaking through an interpreter in May, Hadi's mother, Kamilia Zaqout, said it was difficult to describe the stark differences between what she and Hadi have experienced in the St. Louis area and what they experienced in Gaza.
One of those differences is family.
To come to the U.S. for treatment, Hadi had to leave six siblings and his father in Gaza — like other Palestinian children getting help through HEAL Palestine.
Hadi and his mother speak extensively about their experiences and their loved ones in Gaza in an extended interview with 5 On Your Side reporter Annie Krall, below.
