Gratitude
Thanks & Tributes
A Collection of Creative Artworks and Global Expressions of Gratitude
The Pacem in Terris Tributes (USA)
"The 2017 Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award is presented to Dr. Widad Akreyi in light of your lifelong commitment to peace and justice. You have worked tirelessly to save lives, alleviate suffering, and promote peace and equal rights and opportunities for all. Your fearless documentation of torture and other human rights violations, as well as your pursuit of justice through medical research and the monitoring of peace initiatives, have brought horrific acts to light for all the world to see. You embody the words of Pope John XXIII as a 'spark of light, a center of love, a vivifying leaven' to your sisters and brothers around the world."
"Her commitment to the causes she espouses is contagious. I thanked her for accepting this award as well as for the inspiration she provided to us."
Most Reverend Bishop Thomas Zinkula
Bishop of the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa, USA"She was able to courageously chronicle atrocities. Even after she was able to do that and draw attention to it internationally, she has continued to be involved in humanitarian efforts and exposing grave violations of human rights. Dr. Akreyi is one of the youngest winners of the Pacem in Terris award, but her achievements are no less remarkable than previous winners: Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, and Desmond Tutu. She brings energy and vitality to this continuing work. She may very well be part of the next generation of these leaders."
"Dr. Widad is an incredible addition to the list of Pacem Award winners. She became involved early in her life in responding to human rights violations that were happening around her, courageously chronicling the atrocities. And even after obtaining her PhD in global health and cancer epidemiology as a young adult, her life work remains focused on human rights. I strongly believe that Dr. Widad is part of an emerging cohort group that is responding to the great injustices of our present day."
"Blessed is the first word that comes to mind when I think of the opportunity we were afforded last weekend. The Diocese, two universities, and the general public here in the Quad Cities benefited by learning of the work of an incredibly wise and caring woman. But the blessing was also personal for Lori and me and our two daughters who helped host Widad while she was here. 'Priceless' is what the tag reads on the experience where a girl and young adult woman can meet a woman who is a world leader of peace and justice. The future is bright because it is theirs!"
Mr. Kent Ferris
Director of Social Action & Chairman of the Pacem in Terris Interfaith Coalition, USA"I think too of the woman we honored this afternoon with the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award. Dr. Widad Akreyi, having witnessed violence and human rights abuses firsthand and knowing what it is like to be a refugee, has devoted herself to calling attention to such injustices, from illegal small arms trade to gender-based violence, to human trafficking and torture. Those who had the privilege of meeting her today would say that she radiates the love of God. So, let's not get too full of ourselves and forget that there are others who are arm in arm with us in the cause of justice. Yes, we are stamped in the image of God, and God can work in and through us to further the kingdom of peace and justice on earth."
Fr. Thom Hennen
St. Ambrose University Chaplain, USA"Widad — You were a very special guest in our community and brought a very important message that so many of us had the opportunity to hear. You are certainly a great role model for my granddaughters and I hope they are able to keep in touch with you in the future. Your actions are a blessing and will bear fruit eventually. Good always eventually triumphs over evil."
"Congratulations on winning this prestigious award (International Woman Harmony Award) and for the incredible work you do every day to make our world a better place."
Mr. Allan G. Ross
Executive Director of Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities & Award Committee Member, USA“The momentum you created in favor of a UN resolution on a strong and an effective Arms Trade Treaty... are outstanding contributions to shifting the current culture of violence, and we are grateful for you.”
Reverend Kristin Stoneking
Executive Director of Fellowship of Reconciliation, USA"Dr. Akreyi (Widad to her friends) was awarded the 2017 Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award last weekend... One day, Dr. Widad Akreyi will be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize... I only hope that, when that day comes, Widad invites me to come with her."
Mr. Andrew Frennier
US Veteran & Specialist in Weapons of Mass Destruction, USA"Very distraught over the photos of the Yazidi girls... You are a rare jewel in a sea of despair!"
Ms. Dissident Fairy
Artist, Writer, and Humanitarian, USA"She is the only one on the forefront fighting this evil that I personally know of... Keep speaking out... More will listen and hopefully act. Brave soul!"
Mr. David Curry Holmes
Geographer and Author, USA"Congratulations Dr. Widad! Another wonderful feather in your well coiffed hat... You are truly inspirational!"
Mr. Peter M Robinson
Award-winning Pianist-Composer & Inventor of the Refractor Piano™, USA"You are the epitome of global peace and the greatest humanitarian for human rights... Dr. Widad is a humanitarian hero... be encouraged..."
Mr. Al Colvin
Advocate, Motivational Speaker, and AFSP Board Member, USA"God bless you Dr. Widad. He will bless you for doing the Lord's work looking after others in need. Be strong!"
Ms. Rose Rossi
NYC Educator, USA"My sincerest congratulations and delighted to see an award go to a worthy recipient rather than to someone for celebrity, money or position."
Mr. Robert Gillespie
Humanitarian SupporterEuropean & Canadian Tributes
"For a true global peace with justice and freedom, support Dr. Widad Akreyi... A great pride for all of us that Dr. Widad is awarded the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award."
Mr. Paolo Marongiu
Peace and Civil Liberties Activist, Italy"I will never forget your support during my arrest in 2008... You are always with us, our loved ones, our friends and our Syrian Kurdish brothers..."
Mr. Marwan Al Esh
Former Syrian Detainee, Germany"Dr. Widad is a very unusual person. Her incredible effort for human rights, international peace, freedom and justice is admirable and second to none. She has, among other things, fought to secure her advocacy goals for the benefit of humankind and by taking the initiative to create the organisation Defend International, as she has the ability to influence the decisions of world's leaders, the media, etc. She fully deserves the international Pfeffer Peace Prize for her efforts, and she is clearly a natural candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize."
Mr. K. Flemming Olesen
Retired Civil Engineer & Former manager at Rotary International, Denmark"The best compliments and the highest esteem, the best wishes for this very important recognition as the International Woman Harmony Award. I am happy for the recognition, so really very important for all the efforts you are making for peace My Dearest Widad. With particular affection and an embrace!"
Mr. Benedetto Loprete
Professional in Transport, Logistics and Safety Systems, Italy"BRAVO Dr Widad! You are amazing! Thank You for all the hard work you are doing to lift community! I smile deeply toward you and your success -today and always!"
Mrs. Katheren Szabo
Poet and Artist, Canada"Dr. Widad, I want to thank you. We need a voice in Europe for the innocent people, for peace. And you are always with us..."
"Dear Widad, you deserve this award. You have always called the people to peace. I also thank you for your special effort to save Kobane."
Mr. Ali
Humanitarian Supporter, TurkeyMiddle Eastern & Global Voices
"Congrats our dearest Dr. Widad Akreyi. We Kurds owe you so much because we have your highness among the international communities to be proud of. Kurds and many other oppressed nations and minorities need generous personalities like you. You are really one of a kind... A voice echoing across the halls of the United Nations, yet completely rooted in uncompromised humanity. We stand in absolute solidarity with your lifelong missions. Warm wishes and regards."
Mr. Mamosta Muhamad
Educator, Iraq"Dr. Widad is the founder of the great campaigns. Her global journey has lit an extraordinary path of hope for marginalised populations. Her charitable and professional activities awaken the world so as not to see the oppressed people as blindly as before. She has shown that Kurds are also one of the nations who must be saved from Genocides. We really appreciate her charity, and all Kurds owe her forever."
Mr. Khorsheed M Rasheed
University Lecturer, Kurdistan"Genuine people deserve Rewards. Congratulations! To see an academic and epidemiologist stand so selflessly on the frontlines of humanitarian crises changes everything we thought was possible in human right metrics. Thank you for your legacy. You are an inspiration for all Kurdistan."
Dr. M. Taher
Humanitarian Supporter, Kurdistan"Heartiest congratulations on being conferred the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award. You really deserve such prestigious awards."
Dr. Zahen Aseeb
Physician and Former WHO Professional"Congratulation and Happy Women's Day... This is an era of democratic values, not medieval barbaric era. So this type of cruelty is not acceptable... We salute you and your work... Well done... Keep doing it. Important to support Dr. Widad for Humanity."
Mr. Mukesh Kumar Sahay
Humanitarian Supporter, India"Dr. Widad: Your continuous, meticulous ongoing hard work for peace is very inspiring for everyone. Hearty congratulations to you."
Ms. Kinnari Vaidya
Humanitarian Supporter, India"A giant of human rights that fought persecution with determination and utilized kindness and compassion to save others as she did with herself..."
Mr. Scotty Bruer
Founder and Executive Director of Peace Now, USA"Your account is a history of tragedy. Good for you for speaking out. You stand at the top echelon of humanity."
Mr. Peter Wallace
Leader and Politician, Australia"Dr. Widad congratulations! Keep doing your outstanding work, the world may be deaf, but not for ever, I hope."