PRESS STATEMENT: CAIR-Chicago Welcomes Designation of "Little Palestine Way" & "Wadea Al-Fayoume Way" as Historic Recognition of Community and Legacy
Photo courtesy: GrayStak Media/Meridian Ren Eck
(CHICAGO, IL, 7/13/2026) – The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the unveiling of "Little Palestine Way" and "Wadea Al-Fayoume Way" in Bridgeview, recognizing both the enduring contributions of the Palestinian-American community and the life of six-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume, whose murder in a 2023 anti-Muslim hate crime shook the nation.
Stretching along Harlem Avenue through the heart of the nation's largest Palestinian population, "Little Palestine Way" reflects decades of civic, cultural, economic, and institutional contributions made by Palestinian families and businesses throughout the southwest suburbs. The accompanying "Wadea Al-Fayoume Way" designation ensures that the memory of the child whose life was taken in an anti-Muslim, anti-Palestinian hate crime will remain a permanent reminder of the urgent need to confront anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racism, Islamophobia, and all forms of bigotry. Wadea's murder was ruled a hate crime, marking one of the most devastating acts of anti-Muslim violence.
In a statement, CAIR-Chicago Communications Director Hafsa Haider said, "These signs tell two stories that must never be separated. 'Little Palestine Way' celebrates a community whose roots, culture, families, and businesses have helped shape Chicagoland for generations. 'Wadea Al-Fayoume Way' reminds us of the devastating consequences when hatred is allowed to fester unchecked."
"For Palestinian Americans, especially during a time of unprecedented hostility, dehumanization, and violence, this recognition sends a powerful message: our communities belong here, our history matters, and our children deserve to grow up with dignity and safety. Honoring Wadea ensures that his name will forever call on us to reject hate and build communities where every child can thrive."
CAIR-Chicago also commends the community leaders, advocates, elected officials, and residents whose years of organizing made this historic recognition possible.
As incidents of anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and anti-Palestinian bias continue to rise across the country, public recognition of the communities that have long enriched Illinois serves as an important affirmation that diversity strengthens our state and that hate will not define it.
If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination, a hate crime, or a bias incident, report it to CAIR-Chicago at www.cairchicago.org/report-discrimination
CAIR-Chicago's mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance.
CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; Hafsa Haider, Communications Director, 561-317-7509, hhaider@cair.com