HR0295 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0295 LRB104 12497 LAW 22884 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deepest sympathy that the members of the Illinois House of Representatives acknowledge the death of Wadee Alfayoumi, whose life was unjustly taken due to hatred and bigotry targeting his Palestinian identity; and

WHEREAS, Wadee Alfayoumi, the child of Hanan Shaheen and Odai Alfayoumi, was a 6-year-old Palestinian Muslim-American boy who was an angelic and beloved son, family member, classmate, and friend; he was regarded as an energetic and radiant light whose heart was full of love, his spirit was bright, and his kindness knew no bounds; and

WHEREAS, Wadee Alfayoumi found joy in joining his parents in prayer, embracing faith with a devotion that defined his character, and he carried a deep care for the world around him, nurturing a love for the planet and all those he encountered; and

WHEREAS, On October 14, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., Wadee Alfayoumi was brutally stabbed 26 times by a hate-driven perpetrator and tragically succumbed to his injuries; and

WHEREAS, With a future full of promise, Wadee Alfayoumi's laughter, warmth, and boundless love left an indelible mark on everyone he met, and his untimely death represents a profound loss not only to his family and loved ones but also to the entire community; and

WHEREAS, Though his time with us was far too brief, Wadee Alfayoumi's love and light continue to touch our hearts every day, and his memory will forever be a guiding force and a reminder of innocence, compassion, and the enduring power of a responsibility toward justice that our world needs; and

WHEREAS, Wadee Alfayoumi's tragic passing serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to confront and combat all forms of prejudice, discrimination, and violence and to strive tirelessly for a world where every individual is valued, respected, and embraced for who they are; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Wadee Alfayoumi and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we honor the memory of Wadee Alfayoumi, celebrate his remarkable life, and reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate society where every individual can live free from fear, discrimination, and violence; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we stand in solidarity with the family and friends of Wadee Alfayoumi in their grief and mourning; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Wadee Alfayoumi as an expression of our deepest sympathy.