Congresswoman Ramirez Statement on One Year Anniversary Since the Murder of Wadee Alfayoumi in an Anti-Palestinian Hate Crime

Chicago, IL – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement:

“One year ago, just seven days after October 7, we lost a light when Wadee Alfayoumi–a 6-year-old boy beloved by his community-was the victim of an Anti-Palestinian hate crime instigated by dehumanizing rhetoric. Today, bigotry and dehumanizing rhetoric continue to put children across the world at risk, as our nation remains complicit in the escalating violence in the Middle East and silent in the face of hate crimes here at home.

We can choose humanity and unity over hate and death. We can address the hateful anti-Muslim, anti-Palestinian, and Antisemitic rhetoric that seeds division, denies our shared humanity, and makes us all less safe. That’s why I call on Speaker Johnson to follow the Senate’s lead and bring the Wadee Resolution, which now counts with 39 cosponsors, for a vote to address Islamophobia, Antisemitism, and all forms of bigotry. 

In Wadee’s honor, let us affirm our shared humanity, fight for de-escalation and a permanent ceasefire, and build a world where all children live in peace without fear of violence. Let’s transform our good intentions into good action.”