Refugees International Celebrates Frontline Leadership at 2026 Advocacy Awards, Honoring Mayor Jacob Frey and Palestinian Healthcare Workers in Gaza
WASHINGTON, DC—Refugees International welcomed supporters, partners, and advocates this week for its 2026 Advocacy Awards, an evening honoring leaders whose courage and commitment have advanced the rights, dignity, and protection of displaced people worldwide.
Refugees International presented the McCall-Pierpaoli Humanitarian Award to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, recognizing his leadership in building a welcoming city and standing up for refugees and newcomers. The organization also presented the Richard C. Holbrooke Leadership Award to Dr. Thaer Ahmad, accepted in honor of Palestinian healthcare workers in Gaza, whose extraordinary service has saved lives under unimaginable conditions. Alongside that award, Refugees International has given a gift of $5,000 to the Palestinian American Medical Association (PAMA).
“It is an honor to celebrate leaders who remind us that compassion, courage, and principled action can prevail even in the most difficult moments,” said Refugees International President Jeremy Konyndyk. “Their example reflects the values at the heart of our mission and inspires all of us to keep fighting for rights and refuge.”
“This recognition belongs to the people of Minneapolis who stood up for the rights, dignity and safety of our neighbors,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “In moments when it would have been easier to stay silent, our community chose to speak out, act and protect one another. This honor is a reflection of their bravery, and I am proud to be part of this community.”
“As a Western educated and practicing medical doctor here in the States, I have to admit, I do feel a degree of shame in our collective silence, at our inability to stand up for our colleagues in Palestine and in Lebanon and in other places where hospitals and healthcare workers are being targeted and attacked,” said Dr. Thaer Ahmad, accepting behalf of Palestinian healthcare workers in Gaza. “I cannot wait to share with my colleagues back in Gaza that we spoke about them this evening, that we talked about their service, we talked about their commitment, and that we’re remembering them. Even though they may be out of the headlines, they are not forgotten, not by any of us.”
The annual Advocacy Awards supports Refugees International’s work advocating for lifesaving assistance, human rights, and protection for displaced people and promotes solutions to displacement crises.