2023 OFWI Year In Review
What a year. In the face of so much hurt and struggle in the world right now, we are so fortunate to have you in our corner fighting for human rights and justice in the world’s darkest corners. Your efforts are making a difference!
Amidst so much doom and gloom, we wanted to share some hope and say thank you for being a source of light and hope this past year. Your support makes all of this possible.
Let’s close this year with momentum and grow the gift of hope around the world.
Morufat & Children Granted Permanent Residence in Canada
The lives of Morufat and her three children were at risk. Radical islamists were hunting her for conversion to Christianity. With your support, we pressured the Canadian government to rescind their deportation order and filed a “humanitarian and compassionate” application to stay in Canada.
Your support paid off! Last summer, they were granted permanent residence and will be able to remain in Canada to live freely, free from persecution.
Looking ahead: OFWI will continue to support persecuted Christians around the world and fight back against radical Islam in all its forms.
Free from IRAN’s Tyrannical regime
After converting from Islam to Christianity in their native Iran, Naghmeh and her family had been on the run from authorities in the Islamic Republic. Their “crime”? Daring to be Christian and running an underground church.
With your support, we partnered with a church in the Greater Toronto Area and other partners to bring them to Canada as refugees. Today they are building a new life safely in Canada.
Looking ahead: The fight for women’s and religious freedom rights in Iran will continue. Supporting dissidents and exposing the tyranny of the Islamic regime will build pressure for constructive change.
Free Palestine From Hamas
At a news conference held at the Consulate General of Israel in Toronto, OFWI released its independent findings of the horrific attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists in a report entitled “Anatomy of an Attack: The Truth Behind October 7th”.
OFWI’s President & Founder presented the report to Deputy Consul General Shani Azulai. This report was the culmination of a fact-finding trip to Israel by OFWI’s President and Founder, Majed El Shafie, who travelled to Israel and along the border with Gaza. Mr. El Shafie was also accompanied by a film crew to document their findings for a forthcoming documentary entitled Dying to Live.
Looking ahead: OFWI is producing a documentary on the facts of the October 7 terrorist attack and will keep pushing back against the global rise in antisemitism.
Fact-Finding Mission to Iraq
In February 2023, OFWI conducted a fact-finding mission in Iraq to monitor the human rights situation for Yazidis, Christians and other minorities in the region after the defeat of ISIS.
OFWI’s Majed El Shafie was joined by parliamentarians from Canada and Iceland. Read the mission report.
Looking ahead: Thousands of Yazidis and Christians remain stuck in refugee camps, unable to return home. We will continue to support them.
End chinese INTERFERENCE in democratic nations
OFWI led a coalition of pro-democracy and human rights groups to pressure the Canadian government to shut down the Chinese Communist Party’s illegal police stations in Canada and the United States. The Americans acted fast but Canada continues to drag its feet.
Following pressure from OFWI and other organizations, the Canadian government finally launched a public inquiry into foreign interference in Canada.
Looking ahead: Continue to fight against CCP interference and protect Canadian sovereignty.
Establishing ofwi’s combatting corruption department
Across the world, One Free World International has discovered a strong connection between corruption and the injustice that leads to persecution of religious minorities. Decisions and deals that benefit those making them, not the people or institutions they are supposed to serve.
As a voice for the voiceless, we must speak out. OFWI’s Combatting Corruption campaign is working to bring a spotlight to the world’s dark corners and advance justice for religious minorities who face persecution.
Looking ahead: OFWI is producing a documentary with leading legal minds about corruption’s corrosive effects on minorities, international institutions, and the justice system.
stand with ukraine, Today and for the LONG-HAUL
Since Russia launched its illegal and unprovoked invasion in Ukraine, OFWI has supported the people of Ukraine. For nearly two years, OFWI supporters have answered the call to help.
In the early days of the war we helped refugees flee to neighbouring countries. Over this past year, thanks to your support we have been able to continue to deliver support. We have delivered medical supplies to the military hospital in Lviv, delivered education tools to orphanages, and are helping seniors with life’s essentials in the war-torn country.
Looking ahead: Continue humanitarian support assistance to Ukrainians in need.
Supporting Afghan Refugees
In the summer of 2022, thousands of Afghans were forced to flee as the Taliban regained control of the country and embarked on a brutal campaign of repression. While the headlines have faded from the front pages of websites and newspapers, the need to support displaced Afghans who fled is great.
Thanks to your support, OFWI was able to make deliveries of food, clean water, and toys for kids to Afghan refugees living in Pakistan near the border in makeshift refugee camps.
Looking ahead: OFWI will continue to monitor the situation on the ground as Pakistan begins forcing people to leave. Where possible, we will continue to deliver humanitarian assistance where possible.
DefendinG persecuted christians
When news broke that Christian homes and churches were being ransacked and set ablaze by Hindu and Islamic extremists, we sprang into action to shine a spotlight on the persecution they are experiencing.
We must continue to report and speak out so that no one is forced to suffer alone. With a spotlight on wrongdoing, the fight for justice has a chance and we can deliver assistance to provide hope.
Looking ahead: Christians continue to be the most persecuted religious group around the world today. OFWI will be there to defend their rights and fight for the freedoms.
REMEMBERINg Anna-Lee Chiprout (1948-2023)
Anna-Lee was a Director of our Board and International Director of Communications. The mother of One Free World International, Anna-Lee gave her heart to all she met and was the lifeblood of our organization.
She dedicated so much of her life to advancing OFWI’s mission. Her dedication to ending religious persecution, combatting antisemitism, taking action to help people in need, and serving as the rock for all OFWI has done for nearly 20 years made so much possible with all of Anna-Lee's love, commitment, and hard work.
We mourn her loss with the heaviest of hearts. We will honour her legacy and continue to draw inspiration from her leadership and all she has given to this organization in pursuit of a better and more just world.
Thank you, Anna-Lee. Rest in peace and may your memory be a blessing.
