Monument dedicated to slain Palestinian American boy Wadee Al Fayoumi in Plainfield park — CAIR-Chicago

Soha Khatib, an activist who grew up in nearby Bolingbrook, said at Saturday’s ceremony Wadee’s slaying was a reminder of how the world treats Palestinians — even kindergartners.

She also noted that Wadee’s murder wasn’t just committed by one man, but was also “the work of” those perpetuating increasing Islamophobia in media, much like the shows Czuba said he consumed before stabbing the boy to death.

Beyond the U.S., though, she reminded the crowd Palestinian children continue to be killed every day. A United Nations report from May 27 says at least 50,000 children have been killed or injured by Israeli strikes in Gaza since October 2023, the same month Wadee was killed. Many of the injured children, including several amputees, have been brought to Chicago for medical care.

Brown University researchers found that in between Oct. 7, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024, the U.S. gave $17.9 billion in direct military aid to Israel, including $5.4 million to replenish weapons previously provided to Israel. Since President Donald Trump took office, the country has approved $12 billion in weapons sales and expedited $4 billion more in emergency military aid.

Illinois alone has $95 million invested in Israeli bonds after the state added $10 million more in March, according to Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ office.

“Whether in America or in Palestine, all children have a right to live,” Khatib said. “We say hate has no home in our community, but our tax dollars fund this genocide. … I ask you and I beg you to stand by the rest of his people. My soul has been shredded with every child who has been killed.”

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Community members said Wadee’s murder forced reflection and growth.

“You can’t leave politics out or this, you can’t leave the genocide out of this,” said 18-year Plainfield resident Cyndi Glass, who attended the ceremony. “Our churches have come together, our Jewish and Palestinian communities have come together. I’ve been happy to see it become that without erasing Wadee’s memory.”

Glass’ 7-year-old son Dexter had been in classes with Wadee since the two were toddlers, and they had ridden the bus together every morning.