Washington D.C. | Today marks the start of the quest for justice against Joseph Czuba, who faces charges for the brutal murder of 6-year-old Palestinian American boy, Wadee AlFayoumi, and the near-fatal stabbing of his mother, Ms. Hanan Shaheen. This horrific attack was a hate crime fueled by Czuba’s anti-Palestinian, anit-Arab, and anti-Muslim animus.
ADC reaffirms its unshakeable commitment to attain justice for Wadee and his family. We are proud to co-counsel with Attorney Ben Crump and the Ben Crump Law Firm, John Simon of The Simon Law Firm, representing Wadee’s mother. Together, we released the following:
“As the trial begins, Hanan Shaheen continues the unimaginable fight for justice for Wadee. No mother should have to endure such a violent attack and the unimaginable loss of her young son. Despite the grief and heartbreak, Hanan continues to pray for accountability and fairness in this process. We have confidence in the prosecution’s efforts to earn justice for Wadee and Hanan. We ask the media to respect Hanan’s privacy throughout this trial, as she focuses on honoring her son’s memory and getting him the justice he deserves.”
This trial comes at a critical time. Hate crimes targeting Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslim Americans continue to rise, and our justice system must send a clear message that such violence has no place in our society. Holding dangerous, violent criminals like Joseph Czuba accountable under the rule of law ensures that every citizen—regardless of ethnicity, religion, or background—can feel safe in their home.
In honor of Wadee’s young life—and of the countless others harmed by hatred—we call on everyone to stand united against hate and to reaffirm the foundational principles of equality and respect that define our nation. We have confidence in the prosecution’s commitment to secure accountability for Wadee and Ms. Shaheen, and we respectfully ask the media to protect Ms. Shaheen’s privacy as she focuses on honoring her son’s memory and seeking the justice he deserves.