Monument dedicated to boy killed in Muslim hate crime unveiled in Illinois

A monument honoring Wadea Al-Fayoume, the 6-year-old Palestinian American boy brutally murdered in a 2023 hate crime, was unveiled at Van Horn Woods East Playground on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The park was a favorite play spot for Wadea, whose life tragically ended due to anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim hatred.

The monument, a black silhouette of Wadea forming a heart with his hands, is based on a birthday photo taken shortly before his death.

Its base bears the inscription: "Hate has no home in Plainfield. Rest in peace, our angel. We will never forget."

Artist Syed Rahman, who designed the statue, described it as "simple, but powerful," symbolizing the love Wadea gave and deserved, and the love the community must carry forward.

"I never want to make another monument for a child again," Rahman said at the dedication. "May this place be a source of healing. May it inspire courage, hope and unerring love for Wadea and every other child."

Wadea's father, Oday Al-Fayoume, has previously referred to his son as an "All-American boy," full of smiles and love.

His teacher, Trisha Mathias, recalled Wadea's "infectious" smile and carefree attitude, his love for planets, bubbles, and Goldfish crackers. "My student made a difference in my life, and I know he has made a difference in the lives of others as well," Mathias said.

The monument was made possible by $10,000 raised by Cub Scouts Pack 99 of the Midwest Islamic Scouting Council, among a long line of eager donors. Mohammed Faheem, president and founder of American Muslims Assisting Neighbors, noted that the Plainfield Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved renaming the sensory playground on the east side of Van Horn Woods in Wadea's memory.

Wadea's murder, in which his landlord Joseph Czuba stabbed him 26 times, gained national attention as one of the earliest and most egregious hate crimes in the US following the events in October 2023 between “Israel” and Hamas.

Czuba was convicted of murder, attempted murder, and hate crimes in February 2025 and sentenced to 53 years in prison in May 2025.