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Plainfield Dedicates Heart-Shaped Monument to 6-Year-Old Wadee Alfayoumi

The sculpture at Van Horn Woods East Playground completes the heart from a viral birthday photo to symbolize solidarity against anti-Muslim hatred

Overview

  • More than 100 Plainfield residents and Alfayoumi’s family gathered at Van Horn Woods East Playground on June 28 to unveil the memorial
  • The statue completes a red heart that finishes the half-heart silhouette Wadee made in a widely shared birthday photo
  • Will County Sheriff Dan Jungles read a statement declaring that “hate has no home” as CAIR-Chicago and local faith leaders called for unity against Islamophobia
  • The dedication follows the February conviction of landlord Joseph Czuba on first-degree murder, attempted murder and hate crime charges and his May sentencing to 53 years in prison
  • Organizers said the monument is part of broader efforts to preserve Wadee’s legacy and confront anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian violence