One year after the murder of Wadi al-Fayoumi, a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy from Plainfield, Illinois, his memory is driving national policy and uniting the Chicago community.
Last October, Alfayoumi was murdered in a hate crime committed by her family’s landlord, Joseph Tuba. According to the resolution, Zuba was reportedly aggravated by the ongoing war in Gaza and attacked his family because they were Muslims. Wadi al-Fayoumi’s mother, Hanan Shaheen, survived the attack.
“Wadi Al-Fayoumi, a 6-year-old boy beloved by his community, is the victim of an anti-Palestinian hate crime incited by dehumanizing rhetoric,” U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) said in a statement. When that happened, we lost our light.” “Today, children around the world continue to be endangered by prejudice and dehumanizing statements.”
Israeli officials said Wadi al-Fayoumi’s killing occurred just a week after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 Israelis. Since then, more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military operations in Gaza, according to Palestinian officials.
Now, the Islamic Citizens United of Chicago and several Illinois officials are paying tribute to Wadi al-Fayoumi and calling for the Wadi resolution to pass both chambers of Congress.
Wadee Resolution stands against hate crimes
“Wadi Resolution”, common name for S. Res. 847 and H. Con. Resolution 99, honors Wadi al-Fayoumi and says the United States has “zero tolerance” for hate crimes, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, anti-Palestinian discrimination, and anti-Arab discrimination. said. It also acknowledged the rise of disinformation and hatred, and called on media and government officials to speak out without using “dehumanizing rhetoric.”
“(Wadi) was beloved by his family and friends as an energetic, loving and joyful light who brought sunshine to his loved ones and classmates,” the resolution said.
The bicameral resolution was introduced in March 2024 by Ramirez, Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (Ill.). It was done. The resolution passed unanimously in the Senate on September 24th and now awaits passage in the House.
A parliamentary hearing promoted by the coalition government alongside the resolution urged senators to debate the issue of hate crimes on September 17, 2024. The hearing highlighted the problematic rhetoric addressed in the resolution, she said.
“It’s really important to understand that political rhetoric is based on dehumanization and false narratives,” said Mariya Mozaffar, a legislative consultant with the Islamic Citizens United. “Unfortunately, while Waddy’s case was a tragic situation, incidents of individuals being misrepresented occur on campuses across the country.”
Illinois politicians and local groups create resolution
The resolution was sponsored by the Muslim Citizens United, a Chicago organization dedicated to civil justice for Muslims through legislation and other efforts. The coalition partners with more than 100 local and national organizations, including CAIR Chicago and the League of Women Voters of Evanston.
Mozaffar said her team was inspired to write a resolution honoring Wadi al-Fayoumi and combating dangerous speech that promotes hatred and violence.
According to the resolution, Zuba was a “consumer” of media containing anti-Palestinian and anti-Islamic rhetoric.
“Political rhetoric in this country is extremely dangerous and can lead to dehumanization,” Mozaffar said. “We wanted to write a resolution that would ensure that no child, regardless of their identity, ethnicity, race or religion, would have to go through the same thing.”
Amina Barhoumi, advocacy and policy director at the Muslim Citizens United, said Hanan al-Fayoumi was the central figure behind the resolution. She worked with the Islamic Citizens Union on this resolution, calling for justice and accountability for her son.
“Essentially, she led the way, and we’re really proud of that,” Barhumi said. “She sees her son as no different from the children being murdered in Gaza.”
Ultimately, it’s important to “root and center the people most affected” in civic engagement, Barhumi said.
Ramirez is still pushing for the resolution to pass in the House of Representatives. On the anniversary of Wadi al-Fayoumi’s death last week, she called on House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) to follow the Senate’s lead and introduce a resolution in the House.
Ramirez was motivated to work on the resolution in part because of her upbringing, she said.
“My faith and the teachings of my parents encourage me to be an instrument of peace. I put those teachings into practice through policies that stand against hate and affirm our shared humanity,” Ramirez said. he wrote in an email to the Daily.
Local reaction to the Wadee resolution
Will County Board member Micah Freeman, a Democrat from Plainfield, said he is “proud that our elected officials are moving toward a future free of discrimination” in the United States.
Freeman said the Plainfield community is reeling from Wadi Al-Fayoumi’s death. A vigil was held in the Plainfield Park area shortly after, and community members gathered to pay their respects, Freeman said.
“I remember standing in that room on the night of the wake, surrounded by thousands of strangers, overwhelmed by loss and hurt, yet grateful for the bonds that bind us. We showed up as members of Plainfield to support our neighbors,” Freeman told the Daily.
One year after his death, the Plainfield community commemorated Wadi al-Fayoumi with Plainfield Come Unity Day. The day included testimonies from residents, poetry readings, community-building activities and the release of balloons with messages from community members.
The Chicago Muslim Community Center also held a memorial service last week.
Freeman said the one-year anniversary was bittersweet.
“While the first anniversary of his death has been difficult, I think it is also important to commemorate how we remember little Waddy every day,” Freeman said. “A memorial filled with toys, cards and flowers still stands outside his childhood home.”
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— SJP honors lives lost in Israel-Hamas war at wake
