Akkad identifies as secular, supporting the principle of separation of the state from religious institutions.[25][26] And as a former member of the Atheist Refugee Relief organization, Akkad aided many atheist Middle Eastern refugees in Germany.[27] Akkad and his family have also been strong opposers of the Syrian regime, especially after Akkad's sister-in-law was shot and killed by a regime sniper in 2012, leading his brother to dissent from the army, and forcing his entire family to flee the country after severe pressure imposed by al-Assad's authorities.[28]