Community Unveils Monument to Honor Memory of Palestinian-American Child Killed in Hate Crime
The tribute, a silhouette statue based on a photograph taken at one of Wadea’s last birthday parties, was installed at Van Horn Woods East Playground — a place where he often played. The community chose the location to reflect his connection to the space.
“We are here this morning to memorialize the life of an angel that lived in this town, and to eternalize his memory through this beautiful piece of art,” said Ahmed Rehab, executive director of CAIR-Chicago, during the ceremony on Sunday.
Wadea was killed on October 14, 2023, in a hate crime. His mother, Hanan Shaheen, was also severely injured. Authorities said the attacker, their landlord Joseph Czuba, targeted them because of their Palestinian background. The stabbing occurred just days after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, drawing national attention.
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Czuba was later convicted on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and hate crime.
Syed Rahman, the artist behind the monument, said the statue was designed to reflect Wadea’s personality. “This picture of Wadea Al-Fayoume is very popular,” he said. “We colored the heart red so it kind of sticks out. He was a boy full of love, and that’s what we wanted the monument to show.”
One of Wadea’s teachers, Trisha Mathias, described him as unforgettable. “He just had this smile and glimmer about him that was infectious,” she said. “He was that student that everybody remembers,” Fox 32 quoted her as saying.
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The ceremony brought together family members, educators, and community leaders, united in a shared effort to honor Wadea’s life and uphold his memory.
Source: Agencies
