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Nonie Darwish (born Nahid Darwish on April 22, 1949, in Cairo, Egypt) is an Egyptian-American author, writer, human rights activist, journalist, and former Muslim who converted to Christianity. She is renowned for her outspoken criticism of Islamic doctrine, radical Islam, jihadist ideologies, and sharia law, while also advocating for peace and reform within Islam. Raised in the Gaza Strip during the 1950s under Egyptian occupation, she is the daughter of Colonel Mustafa Hafez, an Egyptian intelligence officer appointed by Gamal Abdel Nasser to lead fedayeen guerrilla operations against Israel. Her father was assassinated in 1956 by an Israeli Mossad agent, an event that deeply influenced her perspective on the Arab-Israeli conflict. Following his death, Darwish and her family relocated from Gaza, eventually settling in the United States, where she began her career as a public speaker and advocate for peace.
Darwish founded the Arabs for Israel movement to promote Arab support for Israel and reconciliation, and she serves as the director of Former Muslims United, an organization supporting individuals who have left Islam. She has authored books such as 'Now They Call Me Infidel' and 'Cruel and Usual Punishment,' critiquing aspects of Islamic doctrine. Featured in documentaries like those produced by Raphael Shore, with whom she has collaborated and been interviewed, Darwish positions herself as a bridge between Arab and Israeli communities. As a prominent voice in conservative and pro-Israel circles, she is a frequent speaker at conservative events, lecturing on human rights, religious freedom, and the dangers of radical Islam. However, her work has drawn controversy; the Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled her an anti-Arab and anti-Muslim activist, accusing her of promoting Islamophobic narratives.
Her personal story, including her transition from a Muslim upbringing in a militant environment to an advocate for interfaith dialogue and criticism of her former faith, underscores her role in mapping networks of influence around Middle Eastern politics, religious reform, and counter-terrorism advocacy.