One suburban community is coming together to honor the life of a young boy killed in a heinous 2023 hate-fueled attack.
Wadee Alfayoumi, 6, was killed in an attack in southwest suburban Palatine in 2023, and now nearly two years later the state is designating September 21st ‘Wadee Day,’ coinciding with the International Day of Peace, to honor his memory.
A special playground dedication was held Sunday morning at Van Horn Woods East to honor the young boy and his family.
His family, neighbors, and community leaders gathered on this day calling for peace and love.
“It’s a powerful reminder that peace is not a vision that we hold, but our responsibility that we collectively share,” said Amina Barhumi, who is the Advocacy and Policy Lead at the Muslim Civic Coalition.
“All children deserve to live in peace and be free from violence and discrimination,” said Manha Ali, Cubs Scout Pack 99.
A large group stood together Sunday condemning the rhetoric, the violence and the hate that they argue led to his killing.
“We will commemorate him when we are careful and intentional with our words when we refused to support injustice,” said State Rep. Nabeela Syed, who represents Illinois’s 51st House District.
Wadee was stabbed to death in a hate crime by his neighbor in October 2023. The man convicted in the slaying was sentenced to more than 30 years in prison, and died earlier this year.
“The pain of this act, the pain of this senseless act must not be forgotten,” said Marty Levine, Jewish Voice For Peace Chicago.
Wadee’s mom survived the attack.
“She’s a grieving mother and she sends her best,” said Barhumi. “She appreciates the community standing in solidarity.”
As the community reflects on what happened and the life that was taken, they’re reminded of the innocence of the young boy.
“Honestly my eyes were welling up,” said Mohammed Faheem, American Muslims Assisting Neighbors President. “I was looking at all the other kids just here I have four grandkids and I could just see them in Wadee’s face.”
Faheem pushed for dedication of the sensory playground to honor Wadee. He told NBC Chicago Wadee would often to go this playground with his mom. This playground is now forever a living tribute.
“We’re going to come back every year and keep the memory and keep bringing people together especially for the upcoming generations,” he said. “They have to remember this.”
A monument was unveiled over the summer to honor Wadee. His community said his legacy will live on as they continue to call for peace and love, not hate and division.
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