Wadea Al-Fayoume 

Wadea Al-Fayoume, a Palestinian-American young boy who just celebrated his sixth birthday. Wadea, a name that translates to “Beautiful” for a beautiful and beloved boy. Wadea, a young boy who loved to play soccer and learn about the solar system. Wadea, a young boy whose life got cut short because of the hatred harbored in selfless individuals.

On October 14th, Wadea and his thirty two year old mother, Hanan Shaheen were met with a knock at their door in Chicago, Illinois. Wadea’s mother was hesitant to open their door and interact when she saw it was their landlord, seventy one year old Joseph Czuba, who regularly knocked on their door for housing related reasons. However, Wadea and Hanen were met with a much different behavior from the landlord. Joseph Czuba attacked the mother and child, strangling Hanan and stabbing her a dozen times with a military type knife. He proceeded to murder Wadea by stabbing the little boy twenty six times, the murderer completely on top and in control of Wadea body as life drained from him with each stab. Although Hanan survived her injuries and was able to leave the hospital with bandages on her face Wadea, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries in the hospital and passed away.

Legally, the slaying of Wadea remains labeled as a hate crime, an act of anti-Palestinianism and Islamophobia. Czuba only had one goal to enact on the two victims, and that was to kill them due to their background and religion. Emotionally, the slaying of Wadea is a tragedy to all, a fight against Islamophobia, and a “martyr” to his parents. Thousands gathered in honor of Wadea Al-Fayoume and spoke up against the increasing violence faced by Middle Eastern residents in the United States due to the ongoing Israeli and Palestinian war. They fought for the tragic death faced by the Al-Fayoume family and suffered alongside them. 

This young boy was only six. The only matters on his mind were if he was going to be able to go to the park and play on the swings with his mother. He only thought of what friend he could play soccer with. His mind was consumed with the excitement of being able to go to school everyday, and learn more about space and planets. Wadea’s blood has been shed because of the matters going on in an outside world he barely knows about. His life was ripped away from his loved ones because of a bitterness that formed from a poor understanding of world problems. A poor understanding of hearing biased and unsupported information for a specific side and making those who have no part in it pay; with their life. It’s sick and horrific that Wadea’s own father, Odey Al-Fayoume, had to hope his son would “become a bullet (of mercy)” that would resolve the conflict between Hamas and Gaza. Absolutely no six year old should have to worry about issues as such, let pay the price for problems of a country they have no control over. 

It’s important that every individual takes advantage of the many different sources we have of problems outside of our own bubble. It’s highly important to educate yourself on such critical matters before forming an opinion and fully enacting it verbally and physically. Violence is never the answer and never should be, whether one is informed or not. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and beliefs, and everyone is entitled to the gift of life. No one should be stripped of their breath because of what one feels is right and what's not right. As Joseph Czuba enters, the support behind the Al-Fayoume family hopes for justice to be served. Although justice will bring “closure” it will never bring sweet Wadea back. Justice for Wadea Al-Fayoume and all the victims faced with violence based on their background and religion.