OAK BROOK, Ill. (CBS) — Community members gathered Sunday evening in the western suburbs to light a candle and reflect on the loss of Wadea Al Fayoume. The 6-year-old boy from Plainfield was tragically killed in what officials have deemed a hate crime, leaving his mother critically injured.
As CBS 2’s Andrew Ramos reports, emotions are still raw one week after the attack.
Many in Oak Brook and across the country are still grappling with the horrific murder of Wadea. However, there is a glimmer of hope emerging from this dark tragedy.
People from neighboring suburbs and even from the city gathered in Oak Brook for a candlelight vigil, honoring the memory of 6-year-old Wadea. Concerned parents and community members organized the vigil as a way to cope with the devastating loss.
Last week, the boy and his mother Hanan Shaheen were viciously attacked by their 71-year-old landlord, Joseph Czuba. Authorities believe Czuba targeted them solely because they were Muslim. Wadea was fatally stabbed and his mother was critically injured. Czuba is now in custody, facing hate crime charges.
Sakeena Mirza, one of the organizers of the vigil, shared, “I am a parent and the thought of such a tragic incident happening to any 6-year-old is unbearable.”
Zareema Khader expressed her sorrow, saying, “It is heartbreaking to see people suffering, especially when it involves the life of a young child. It simply isn’t fair.”
Wadea’s tragic story has reverberated around the world, drawing attention to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Even world leaders have taken notice.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated strongly, “A 6-year-old child should never be a target of violence. This sentiment is shared universally.”
In a small glimmer of hope amidst this tragedy, Hanan Shaheen, 32, was released from the hospital on Thursday and provided with temporary housing.
An ongoing community effort has been underway to raise funds for the family, aiming to help them with the costs of finding a new home for Hanan Shaheen. To date, more than $600,000 has been raised.
