American Council Condemns Illinois Stabbing of Muslim Family

Sacramento, California — American Council President Tanner DiBella released the following statement after an Islamic son was fatally stabbed in Illinois:

We are devastated to hear about the brutal murder of six-year-old Wadea. He was stabbed 26 times throughout his body with a 12-inch knife because of his Islamic faith. Everyone deserves respect and dignity to practice their religion without fear of violence or prejudice. On Saturday, Joseph Czuba, their landlord, robbed the Al-Fayoume family of that dignity. Violence against religious communities continues to escalate across America and the world — and we have a responsibility to fight for every individual's right to worship. We stand with this precious family in their time of grief.

Six-year-old Wadea, who had just celebrated his birthday a few weeks ago, loved playing basketball and soccer, according to his father.Six-year-old Wadea, who had just celebrated his birthday a few weeks ago, loved playing basketball and soccer, according to his father.

"We are not animals," Youself Hannon, Wadea's paternal uncle, stated. "We are humans. We want people to see us as humans, to feel us as humans, to deal with us as humans, because this is what we are." Authorities stated that both victims were targeted due to their Islamic faith and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Tanner DiBella

President, The American Council

• tanner@theamericancouncil.com
• 9162747399

• mrtannerdibella
• @tannerdibella