Plainfield To Come Together Again To Remember Boy Killed In Hate Crime

PLAINFIELD, IL — It's been almost a year since 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi was killed in what the U.S. Senate declared last week a hate crime. A day before the anniversary, the Plainfield community will come together again to remember the boy.

The Plainfield-based nonprofit American Muslims Assisting Neighbors will host "Plainfield ComeYounity Day" on Sunday, Oct. 13 at Settlers' Park. Planned from 2-4 p.m., the community will come together to "celebrate unity, resilience, and mutual goodwill" in remembrance of the young boy from Plainfield Township.

The organizing nonprofit "aims to promote healing and foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging."

On Oct. 14, 2023, Wadee was stabbed 26 times and his mother was seriously injured in an attack that prosecutors say was motivated by hatred against their Palestinian heritage.

Their 72-year-old landlord remains jailed on eight charges, including several charges of committing a hate crime and multiple counts of first-degree murder and aggravated assault.

On Sept. 24, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution acknowledging Wadee was "a victim of a hate crime for his Palestinian-Muslim identity," Patch reported. The document pays tribute to the boy, describing him as "an energetic, loving, and joyous light who brought sunshine to his loved ones and classmates."

RELATED: Plainfield Boy Was Killed In Hate Crime, Senate Resolution Recognizes

The attack on Wadee and his mother came just a week after Hamas attacked Israel.

"ComeYounity Day is an opportunity for us to remember Wadee, while also reaffirming our shared values of compassion, diversity, and solidarity," Mohammed Faheem, president of AMAN USA Inc., said in a statement. "We hope this event strengthens the bonds between neighbors and demonstrates that love and understanding will always triumph over hate."

Read more about the Plainfield hate crime on Patch.