Biden denounces anti-Arab hate on anniversary of Palestinian-American boy’s murder

US President Joe Biden issues a statement commemorating the one-year anniversary of the murder of a 6-year-old Palestinian-American in an alleged hate crime.

Authorities allege Joseph Czuba, 71, targeted Wadea Al-Fayoume and his mother Hanaan Shahin, on October 14, 2023, because of their Muslim faith and as a response to the war between Israel and Hamas.

Czuba pleaded not guilty to hate crime and murder charges, and proceedings against him are ongoing.

The attack renewed fears of anti-Islamic hate in the Chicago area’s large Palestinian community.

“One year later, we continue to think about them. We are grateful for Hanaan’s recovery and her powerful voice for peace. But we know the hole in their heart that remains without their beloved son. Days like this are hard because it brings it all back. We keep them in our hearts,” Biden says in a statement.

“On this day, let us all take steps that honor Wadea’s memory and reaffirm together that there is no place for hate in America, including hatred of Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims. We can all reject hatred and expose misinformation and disinformation that is cynically aimed at turning us against one another.”

“We can all reach across divides of background and belief to create greater understanding and unity in our country. No one in this country should be subjected to violence or hateful and dehumanizing rhetoric simply because of who they are. No one of any background in this country should be made to feel unsafe in America,” he adds.

“Together, we must work to end acts of senseless violence and stand united in support of all of our fellow Americans, no matter their race, ethnicity, or creed. May we summon the courage and the strength to do so,” Biden says.