Hanaan Shahin, the mother of a six-year-old boy who was allegedly killed in a hate-motivated attack, has been released from the hospital and is honoring her son’s memory. Less than two weeks after the attack, Hanaan Shahin, 32, was able to leave the hospital, surprising her medical attendants with her speedy recovery.
The tragic incident occurred in early October when Joseph Czuba, the family’s landlord, allegedly attacked Hanaan Shahin and her son, Wadea Al-Fayoume, in a stabbing spree. Wadea was unfortunately killed in what authorities believe to be an anti-Muslim attack linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Following her release, Hanaan Shahin expressed her deep grief by stating that Wadea was her best friend, according to a statement from the Chicago branch of the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Ahmed Rehab, the Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, shared that Hanaan fondly reminisced about Wadea’s sense of humor and his caring nature towards the planet.
Rehab further described Wadea as a smart child who would often join his mother in prayer. Hanaan Shahin now finds solace in remembering her son as an angel on earth, knowing that he is now an angel in heaven.
The Will County Sheriff’s Office announced earlier this month that Joseph Czuba, a 71-year-old resident of Plainfield Township, has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, two counts of hate crime, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. It remains unclear whether he has entered a plea, and his lawyer has not been reachable for comment.
Law enforcement officials have stated that the attack was targeted towards the victims due to their Muslim identity and its connection to the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.
Hanaan Shahin, who works as a caregiver for seniors, expressed concern for Czuba’s wife’s well-being during her hospitalization. Despite the tragedy she has endured, Shahin does not hold anger towards the attack and instead calls for justice and urges others to join her in prayer for peace.
In a tribute to Wadea on the crowdfunding platform Launchgood, he was remembered as a bright and energetic young boy who had a love for basketball, soccer, swings, coloring, and cherished his family and friends.
This heartbreaking incident has once again shed light on the importance of addressing hate crimes and fostering a society that embraces diversity and acceptance. The community stands in solidarity with Hanaan Shahin as she memorializes her son and seeks justice for the senseless act of violence that took his life.