The United States is grappling with a disturbing surge in Islamophobia and antisemitism, exacerbated by the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. One of the most shocking and tragic incidents occurred in Illinois, where a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy, Wadee al Fayoume, was brutally murdered in an attack driven by anti-Muslim hatred. The case has become a grim symbol of the rising tide of hate crimes targeting both Muslim and Jewish communities across the nation.
The Murder of Wadee al Fayoume: A Case Study in Hate
On 16 October 2023, just days after the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel, 73-year-old Joseph Czuba, the landlord of Wadee and his mother, Hanan Shaheen, carried out a horrific attack. Armed with a 7-inch (18cm) serrated “military-style” knife, Czuba stabbed Wadee 26 times, killing him. Hanan Shaheen, who was also severely wounded, testified during the trial that Czuba told her, “You, as a Muslim, must die.”
The attack unfolded in the family’s home in Plainfield, Illinois. According to court testimony, Czuba forced his way into Ms Shaheen’s room, held her down, and stabbed her repeatedly while attempting to break her teeth. In a desperate act of self-defence, Ms Shaheen managed to grab the knife and stab Czuba before he wrestled it back. She then fled to the bathroom to call the police, leaving her son alone with Czuba. Tragically, Wadee, who had just celebrated his birthday, was attacked next. Ms Shaheen heard her son screaming, “Oh no, stop!” but was unable to intervene until police arrived.
Czuba pleaded not guilty and did not testify during the trial. The jury deliberated for just over an hour before finding him guilty of murder. The case has sent shockwaves across the country, highlighting the deadly consequences of Islamophobic rhetoric and violence.
The Broader Context: Rising Islamophobia
Wadee’s murder is not an isolated incident. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023, there has been a marked increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes across the US. Civil rights organisations have documented numerous cases of violence, harassment, and discrimination targeting Muslim Americans and those perceived to be Muslim.
In Texas, a three-year-old Palestinian toddler was nearly drowned in what authorities described as a racially motivated attack. In another incident, a Palestinian-American man was stabbed in Texas, while a violent mob attacked pro-Palestinian protesters in California. These incidents reflect a broader pattern of Islamophobia that has intensified in the wake of the conflict.
Hanan Shaheen’s testimony revealed the depth of Czuba’s hatred. She recounted that in the days leading up to the attack, Czuba had become increasingly agitated about the Israel-Hamas war. He accused Muslims of killing Jewish people and babies, telling her, “Your people are killing Jewish people and babies,” and demanding that she move out. Czuba’s ex-wife, Mary Connor, testified that he had withdrawn $1,000 from his bank account, fearing the collapse of the US banking system, and spoke of an impending “day of jihad.”
Antisemitism on the Rise
While Islamophobia has surged, antisemitism has also seen a sharp increase. Jewish communities across the US have reported a rise in threats, vandalism, and physical assaults. At Cornell University, a student was arrested for making violent threats against Jewish students, including calls to “slit the throats of Jewish men” and “rape Jewish women.” The threats led to heightened security on campus and widespread condemnation.
In New York, an individual was charged with plotting to attack a Jewish community centre, though the plan was thwarted by law enforcement. In Michigan, a Jewish man was physically assaulted, while in Maryland, a rabbi was attacked. In Chicago, two Jewish students were targeted in a violent assault. These incidents have left Jewish communities feeling vulnerable and under siege.
The Human Cost: Families Torn Apart
The murder of Wadee al Fayoume has left his family devastated. His father, Odai Alfayoumi, expressed his anguish after the verdict, saying, “I don’t know if I should be pleased or upset, if I should be crying or laughing. People are telling me to smile. Maybe if I were one of you, I would be smiling. But I’m the father of the child, and I’ve lost a child.” He added, “I pray that this loss, this senseless loss, is the last that we will see, that no child would suffer what my beloved little Wadee had to go through.”
The emotional toll on families affected by hate crimes is immeasurable. For Muslim and Jewish communities, the rise in Islamophobia and antisemitism has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. Many are now questioning their safety in a country they once called home.
Civil Rights Advocates Sound the Alarm
Civil rights organisations have been vocal in condemning the rise in hate crimes. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) have both reported significant increases in incidents targeting Muslims and Jews. They have called for stronger action from law enforcement and political leaders to address the root causes of hate and to protect vulnerable communities.
CAIR’s executive director, Nihad Awad, stated, “The murder of Wadee al Fayoume is a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences of Islamophobia. We must stand together to reject hate in all its forms and ensure that no family has to endure such a loss.” Similarly, the ADL’s Jonathan Greenblatt warned, “The surge in antisemitism is deeply alarming. We must confront this hatred head-on and work to build a society where everyone can live free from fear.”
A Call for Unity and Action
The rise in Islamophobia and antisemitism is a stark reminder of the fragility of social cohesion in times of conflict. Political leaders, community organisations, and individuals must come together to condemn hate speech and violence. Education and dialogue are essential to fostering understanding and empathy between communities.
As the US grapples with this wave of hate, the memory of Wadee al Fayoume serves as a poignant call to action. His senseless death must not be in vain. It is imperative that steps are taken to address the underlying prejudices that fuel such violence and to ensure that no more lives are lost to hatred.
The road ahead is challenging, but the stakes could not be higher. The fight against Islamophobia and antisemitism is not just about protecting specific communities—it is about upholding the values of justice, equality, and humanity that define the best of what America stands for. Only by standing together can we hope to overcome the divisions that threaten to tear us apart.
