Heartbreaking Tragedy: Mourning the Brutal Loss of a Palestinian-American 6-Year-Old in a Devastating Attack near Chicago

Hundreds of mournful community members convened at a basketball court in Plainfield, Illinois, on Tuesday to commemorate the adoration Wadea Al-Fayoumes had for the sport. The gathering was a vigil dedicated to honoring the life of the 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy, tragically taken from the world because of his Muslim identity. Emotionally charged speakers, with tear-filled eyes, stood beside photographs of the young boy, reminiscing about his infectious smile and unwavering innocence.

The father of the boy, Oday Al-Fayoume, addressed the audience momentarily in Arabic, mentioning that he had acquired much of his English proficiency from his son. "Since Wadea's passing, I feel there is no longer a need for me to speak English," expressed the sorrowful father one day after his child's burial.

However, he desired to convey one specific fact to everyone present. He gestured towards a photo that had gained significant attention, depicting his son joyfully celebrating his birthday just days prior to his tragic demise, and inquired, "Can you guess what Wadea is doing in this picture?"

"He eagerly anticipated my contribution to the heart he was meticulously fashioning," expressed the father, elevating his hand and deftly intertwining his fingers to fashion the symbol of love.

On Saturday, Wadea was mercilessly stabbed 26 times at his residence by the landlord of his family, according to the Will County Sheriff's Office. Hanaan Shahin, his mother, encountered over a dozen stab wounds but miraculously survived, as stated by authorities.

Wadea Al-Fayoume, 6.

Family Handout/CAIR-Chicago

Palestinian-American boy fatally stabbed near Chicago had celebrated his 6th birthday just 8 days earlier

The suspect deliberately targeted the mother and son because of their Muslim faith and the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict involving Hamas and Israelis, according to the sheriffs office. The 71-year-old suspect is facing charges of murder, hate crimes, and other offenses. Additionally, the Department of Justice is investigating the attack as a hate crime.

Wadea, born in the United States, has parents hailing from a West Bank village, as stated by the Council on American-Islamic Relations Chicago office.

According to Juhie Faheem, a member of the Will County Mental Health Board, Wadea is an exemplary All-American boy, devoid of any visual markers or symbols signifying his Muslim faith. Rather, his beaming smile serves as a testament to his genuine love and absence of any hatred, showcasing him as a compassionate child.

Several children attended the vigil Tuesday, including a small boy who held up a sign that read, "I am not a threat," with a colored-in drawing of a Palestinian flag.

Wadea Al-Fayoume's father speaks at a vigil service at the Prairie Activity & Recreation Center in Plainfield, Illinois, on Tuesday.

Jim Vondruska/Reuters

Through tearful words, Cynthia Glass, mother to Wadea’s closest companion, shared the poignant story of her son Dexter, who was predominantly non-verbal, and how "Wadea" came to be one of his initial words. She expressed the heart-wrenching reality that these two boys would never have the chance to engage in playtime together, sit side by side in the classroom, or embark on bus rides as companions ever again.

Relatives and members of the local community come together in prayer during the funeral ceremony for Wadea Al-Fayoume, a young child aged six, held at the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview, Illinois on October 16, 2023. (Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/Getty Images)

Kamil Krzaczynski/Getty Images

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"We need to learn from these two sweet, sweet little kids," said Glass, receiving a hug from Wadeas father.

The vigil included a moment of silence and prayer, led by Imam Hassan Aly.

"Wadea, a name symbolizing tranquility, tragically did not encounter serenity during his time in this world," expressed Aly. "However, we firmly hold the belief that he now rests in eternal peace, joining the company of the Gaza's innocent children and other innocent civilians who have recently fallen victim to violence."

Dilawar Syed, the most senior Muslim representative in the Biden administration, also graced the event on Tuesday and conveyed a message on behalf of the president.

"President Biden's stance is unequivocal - there is absolutely no room for hate in the United States," Syed addressed the gathered audience. "Our President is fully committed to using all available means to combat Islamophobia and anti-Semitism within our nation."

Amidst the interruption, organizers swiftly intervened to restore order, and a spokesperson from the nearby Al-Aqsa Community Center emphasized the importance of centering the attention on the victim. "We must remember that Wadea, above all else, was a human being, irrespective of his Palestinian, American, or Muslim identity. This shared humanity unites us all," they conveyed.

Community members attend a vigilfor Wadea Al-Fayoume at the Prairie Activity and Rec Center on Tuesday.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

Family had been friends with the suspect

Joseph M. Czuba, the landlord of the family, has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, two counts of a hate crime, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, according to the Will County Sheriff's Office.

A man, who referred to himself as a grandfather figure to the boy, expressed disbelief upon learning that the perpetrator of Wade's murder was someone who used to be a friend of the family.

The man, speaking at Tuesday's vigil, described the gentleman as a close friend of the family who had a genuine affection for the child. He regularly showered the child with toys, played with him, and dedicated a considerable amount of time to him. The man emphasized that the gentleman treated the child as a grandchild. However, tragically, certain individuals can twist even the most positive relationships, turning them into something destructive, the man explained.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations stated that the family had resided in the house for two years without any significant issues with Czuba.

According to a court filing on Monday, Czuba informed his wife on October 11 that he wanted Wadea and his mother to vacate the residence. The wife revealed to investigators that Czuba expressed concerns about their safety, believing that Shahin might seek assistance from her Palestinian acquaintances or relatives to cause harm to them.

Wadea Al-Fayoume

Family Handout/CAIR-Chicago

Court documents detail the moments before a 6-year-old boy was fatally stabbed and his mother was seriously injured in an alleged anti-Muslim attack

According to the statement, Shahin informed the authorities that Czuba confronted her on October 11 regarding the happenings in the Middle East. Additionally, the mother revealed that just before the stabbings occurred on Saturday, Czuba expressed anger towards her in connection to the events in Jerusalem.

According to the filing, Shahin mentioned that she responded to him by suggesting they pray for peace. She added that Czuba didn't give her any opportunity to act, and subsequently, he attacked her with a knife. Shahin reported to the police that she managed to escape by locking herself in the nearby bathroom but couldn't reach her son. During that time, she called the police. The document stated that while on the phone with 911, Hanan informed them that her son was being stabbed.

Deputies who arrived at the scene discovered Czuba seated on the ground, close to the driveway of the residences.

Upon search, the mother and son were located inside a bedroom, with the Will County Sheriffs Office reporting that both victims had sustained numerous stab wounds to their chest, torso, and upper limbs.

Both were rushed to a hospital, where the boy was pronounced dead, the document said.

A judge has ordered that Czuba be held without bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 30.

Mom, Im fine were his last words to his mother

Wadea Al-Fayoume, 6, poses in an undated family photograph.

CAIR/Reuters

Rehab, from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, stated that Wadea, like other children his age, delighted in playing with his toys, indulging in coloring activities, and engaging in any game involving a ball. Moreover, Wadea was characterized as a compassionate and affectionate child who savored life by spending quality time with his friends and engaging in outdoor activities. His love for his parents and family ran deep.

Rehab expressed his love for his parents, family, and friends, as well as his love for life, while eagerly anticipating a lengthy, prosperous, and healthy life. On Monday, Wadea, who referred to himself as somewhat of a grandfather, provided words of solace to his mother in his last moments.

"He is fine," the man reassured reporters, sharing his last words to his mom. "Actually, he is in a better place."

Unfortunately, the boy's mother was unable to attend his funeral services on Monday as she was still in the hospital, according to Rehab.

The mother is not only coping with her injuries and emotional trauma, but also facing the immense void that cannot be filled - the greatest loss of all, the loss of her child.