Hanan Shaheen met with President Biden to discuss her son Wadee’s tragic death and the impact of hate crimes.
Chicago: This week, Hanan Shaheen, the mother of 6-year-old Wadee Al Fayoumi, met President Biden in the Oval Office. They talked about grief and the hate that led to her son’s tragic death.
Wadee was killed in a brutal hate crime in October 2023, just as the conflict in Gaza escalated. His landlord allegedly stabbed him 26 times, a shocking act fueled by rising anti-Palestinian sentiment.
During their meeting, Shaheen shared her pain and the broader issues of dehumanization affecting Palestinians. She emphasized how political rhetoric can lead to real-world violence.
They spent about three hours together, discussing the impact of hate crimes and the need for empathy. Shaheen and Biden connected on a personal level, sharing stories of loss and understanding.
Mozaffar, a legislative lawyer who helped arrange the meeting, noted that Biden was genuinely engaged. They even exchanged gifts, including a Palestinian keffiyeh and a Quran, symbolizing the importance of dignity and respect for all.
Despite the emotional weight of the conversation, many in the Palestinian American community have been critical of the Biden administration’s policies, especially regarding military aid to Israel amid the ongoing violence in Gaza.
Shaheen’s visit was a powerful reminder of the human cost of political decisions and the urgent need for compassion in these challenging times.
