Congresswoman Ramirez Statement on Heinous Islamophobic Murder of 6-Year-Old in IL

Chicago, IL — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement after a landlord in Plainfield stabbed and killed a 6-year-old boy and seriously wounded his 32-year-old mother due their Muslim religion and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Hamas and Israel.

“I am grieved to learn of the murder of Wadea Al-Fayoume today in Plainfield. Earlier this week, I noted that words hold power. The Palestinian people are not Hamas, and hateful anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian rhetoric has real consequences. This attack, which left a mother critically injured and an innocent child (her 6-year-old son) stabbed to death in his home, is a result of the rising islamophobia and hateful rhetoric spewed about carelessly and recklessly this week. We can grieve without betraying our shared humanity. We must reject all forms of dehumanization, scapegoating, and collective punishment. In the name of Wadea Al-Fayoume and every child put at risk by bigotry, we must unequivocally stand against islamophobia and antisemitism in all their forms. 

My heart aches with the family of Wadea Al-Fayoume and with each family that has lost a child in this conflict. I am sending light and love to all those grieving. I am committed to work for the just peace we yearn for and must realize.”