Davenport Medal
On October 21st, 2017 Widad was presented the Davenport Mayor Medal for her lifetime contribution to peace and to defending human rights and dignity for all in the Middle East. She became the first Pacem in Terris honouree to meet the mayor of Davenport and to receive the Davenport medal.
Dr. Widad Akreyi, a global champion on the plight of the persecuted, was presented the Davenport's Medal by the Honorable Frank Klipsch, the mayor of Davenport, Iowa, for leading a courageous campaign that resulted in protecting and preserving the gift of liberty for the persecuted populations of the Middle East.
Citing her work to seek justice through medical research and to expose severe violations of human rights, Mayor Klipsch recognised Widad during a private lunch with local medical professionals hosted by the President and chief Executive Officer of Genesis Health System Mr. Doug Cropper. The Honourable Frank Klipsch highlighted Widad's commitment to promoting justice and her role in saving the civilians during the armed conflicts in Iraq and Syria.
Mayor Klipsch wrote on his Facebook page: "Terre and I were honored to be part of an ecumenical group lunch meeting with Dr. Widad Akreyi who is cofounder of Defend International and a human rights activist. We were all guests of Doug and Lynn Cropper Genesis Health System. Dr. Akreyi was in Davenport to receive the Pacem In Terris Award from the Diocese of Davenport at St. Ambrose University."
Dr. Akreyi's trip schedule to Davenport, Iowa included a tour to historic, architectural and industrial sites in Quad Cities; a private lunch with local medical professionals; a charity Gala and Dinner at St. Patrick Church in Iowa City hosted by Director Kent Ferris and Mrs. Lori Ferris; a lunch with Pacem in Terris Award Committee Members at St. Ambrose University; a book-signing event and reception; a dinner with members of the Pacem in Terris Award Committee; and meetings with students at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois.
