I"m not sure which one is right but in my opinion I would say that God permits evil instead of willing it. If you say God wills evil then it seems he wants to cause evil and hurt, whereas permitting evil is used as an experience to learn from or a plan from God. I don't think evil is simply random, chaotic or gratuitous. I believe sometimes there's a purpose to evil. God can use it to make us realize something, draw us near to him in difficult times. For example, in the recent WTC tragedy, many lives were taken and evil struck America particularly Washington D.C and New York. But after all this took place, there was an over pouring of love and unity among Americans like never before. Everyone was helping and donating for the cause, praying and attending ceremonies. This tragedy brought a lot of people together. Another example is the death of Jesus Christ. Though it was sad Jesus had to be crucified, his death is the key aspect to salvation and Christianity. Christ redeems us from sin meaning we are sinners and only Jesus can forgive our sins and through him we receive salvation.
We don't realize what we have until it's gone. We at times take things for granted and it gets taken away from us for a reason. Sometimes evil happenings are a wake up call or turning point in ones life. I have been through hardships whether it being a family member being ill, car accidents, and losing a friend. It gives you a perspective on life and makes you value what's really important in life. You have to appreciate and live life not taking things for granted. We ask why does God allow evil in the world and we have no answer but I feel things happen for a reason and God will only know why.