The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), in collaboration with Wadee AlFayoumi’s family, the Muslim Civic Coalition, Jewish Voice for Peace, American Muslims for Palestine, interfaith leaders, elected officials, and others will host the first-ever ‘Wadee Day’ on Sunday, September 21, 2025
WHAT: ‘Wadee Day’ Community Event in Plainfield, IL
WHERE:
LOCATION: Van Horn Woods East 17200 West Frontage Road, Plainfield, IL 60586
PARKING: Van Horn Woods, 17201 S Lily Cache Rd, Plainfield, IL 60586, Walk to Van Horn Woods East Playground
WHO: Wadee AlFayoumi’s family, Muslim Civic Coalition, Jewish Voice for Peace, American Muslims for Palestine interfaith leaders, educators, Rep Ram Villivalam, Rep Nabeela Syed, and others
Interviews with organizers and speakers available in advance
WHEN: Sunday, September 21, 2025, 10:00 AM Program Begins at 10:30 AM
10:30 AM Park Dedication
11:00 AM Press Conference
11:30 AM Community Gathering
RSVP & PRESS INQUIRIES: Please contact info@muslimciviccoalition.org to confirm press attendance, request interviews, or coordinate day-of visuals and coverage.
Illinois will observe Wadee Day annually as a statewide day of remembrance and action honoring the life of Wadee AlFayoumi, a 6-year-old Palestinian American Muslim boy whose murder, charged as a hate crime, highlighted the dangerous consequences of dehumanizing rhetoric. This day was formally established through the passage of the Wadee Resolution in the Illinois legislature in the spring of 2025, led by the Muslim Civic Coalition and partners.
Wadee’s murder on October 14, 2023 will always be painful to his family, our community, and our global community. His murder was the first American casualty, death, and murder in the United States during the war on Gaza. Wadee’s loss is unimaginable, and his story continues to shape a movement.
Wadee Day aligns with the International Day of Peace for Children, affirming every child’s right to live in safety, peace, and dignity, especially children like Wadee and the countless Palestinian children whose rights are denied in an ongoing Genocide.