DEFEND INTERNATIONAL
Defend International Condemns Global Resurgence of Anti-Semitism and Urges Enhanced Safeguards for Jewish Communities
OSLO, March 5, 2019 — Dr. Widad Akreyi, the multi-award-winning peacebuilder and founder of Defend International, has issued an official security declaration condemning the rising tide of anti-Semitic incidents worldwide and calling upon global leaders to implement comprehensive protective measures for Jewish communities.
Dr. Widad Akreyi’s formal declaration reads:
“We are profoundly troubled by the escalating frequency of anti-Semitic attacks across Europe, North America, and other regions, which signals a dangerous trend toward the mainstreaming of anti-Semitism.
The current trajectory of anti-Semitic rhetoric has reached levels unprecedented since the Second World War. Tragically, even resting places have not been spared from these manifestations of hatred. In Quatzenheim, France, 80 Jewish gravestones were systematically vandalized and defaced with swastikas. Furthermore, derogatory and deeply harmful rhetoric targeting Jewish people has become increasingly pervasive across public and digital spaces. Public officials and politicians have increasingly engaged in highly offensive anti-Semitic tropes and prejudicial accusations. While some issue retractions under public pressure, the structural damage inflicted by their statements remains unmitigated.
Regardless of the stated intentions of the actors involved, this climate is entirely unacceptable. These incidents do not merely perpetuate dangerous stereotypes; they actively feed systemic conspiracy theories targeting the Jewish people.
Defend International unequivocally condemns the resurgence of anti-Semitic rhetoric and violence. Immediate, decisive action must be taken to guarantee the absolute safety and security of Jewish communities. Failing to draw a definitive line against this bigotry risks triggering irreversible and tragic consequences.
We call upon the international community, civil society, and global leaders to unite alongside us in absolute opposition to anti-Semitism and all manifestations of identity-based hatred.”
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Media Contact:
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About Dr. Widad Akreyi:
Dr. Widad Akreyi is a preeminent global peacebuilder, international health expert, and highly decorated humanitarian defender. Universally recognized for her life-long advocacy for social justice, she has built an enduring legacy of global impact. Her historic contributions to international security include successfully lobbying and securing the passage of three landmark United Nations agreements: the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, and the Omnibus Resolution on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Dr. Akreyi has earned prestigious global honors, including the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award (joining figures like Mother Teresa) and the International Pfeffer Peace Award. Her extensive accolades also feature the International Woman Harmony Award, the Davenport Mayor Medal, the Bridge-Gap-Between-Cultures Prize, and recognition as Woman of the Year 2020. She was commended by the Fellowship of Reconciliation for advocating against illicit weapons, proliferation, and gender-based violence.
A scientist and author holding a Master’s in genetics and a PhD in global health and cancer epidemiology, Dr. Akreyi serves as a reviewer for Oxford University’s Epidemiologic Reviews. Her literary and academic works include:
- The Daughter of Kurdland: An acclaimed memoir detailing her journey.
- The Viking’s Kurdish Love Series: Historical fiction including titles like Females of Valor, Roots of To-Be Templars, and Nothing Remains Hidden.
- Non-Fiction & Medical Treatises: Works such as Anatomy of COVID Calamity focusing on health responses and risk modeling.
- Recent Releases: Narratives including Missing Embryos and Pad The Grand.
Dr. Akreyi donates 100% of her book royalties and intellectual property to charitable causes worldwide. Further details can be found at widad.org.
Global Declaration: Defend International Condemns Resurgence of Anti-Semitism
Defend International founder Dr. Widad Akreyi issued a decisive statement urging global leaders to institute immediate, proactive safeguards to ensure the permanent security of Jewish communities.
Defend International unequivocally condemns the rise in anti-Semitic rhetoric. Action must be taken globally to protect vulnerable communities before the consequences prove irreversible.
— Dr. Widad Akreyi, Official Declaration
Humanitarian Advocacy: Alongside direct calls for state intervention, the resolution stresses the importance of global solidarity in identifying and dismantling systemic conspiracy thinking and identity-based hatred.
