CHICAGO — To honor the life of Wadee AlFayoumi, a six-year-old Palestinian Muslim-American boy from Plainfield, State Senator Ram Villivalam sponsored a resolution earlier this year designating Sept. 21, 2025 as Wadee Day in Illinois.

“A hate-driven act shook our community, state and country, resulting in the loss of a young life,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “As hate has no place in our state, I hope Sept. 21 serves as a reminder of the life of Wadee AlFayoumi and how we can continue to work to prevent violence.”

Almost two years ago, on Oct. 14, 2023, Wadee AlFayoumi lost his life after being brutally stabbed in a hate-driven act.

A radiant light in the lives of his parents, he enjoyed coloring, running outside, playing with Legos and any games involving a ball, especially basketball and soccer. Finding joy in joining his parents in prayer, he carried a deep care for the world around him and all those he encountered.

In his honor, Villivalam passed Senate Resolution 265, which designates Sept. 21, 2025, the International Day of Peace, as Wadee Day in Illinois – inspiring individuals to work together to make the world a more peaceful place, as all children deserve to live free from violence and discrimination.

“As we honor the life of Wadee AlFayoumi, may his memory be a guiding force, serving as a reminder of innocence, compassion and the enduring power of a responsibility toward justice that our community needs,” said Villivalam.

The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 265 in April.