Violence there and here
Everyone in Egypt was horrified at the Algerian riots and violence against Egyptian fans and interests which accompanied the Egypt-Algeria game. Our Algerian brothers went to the game armed with swords and knives. Dear officials and fellow-citizens, this is the same feeling of the Copts in Egypt when they are violently attacked for no reason other than daring to hold prayers somewhere or having to be collectively penalised for some individual error committed by one of there community.
Astonishingly, the government is neutral about such issues. When will our officials cease turning a blind eye to the persecution of a sector of Egyptians?
Mina Youssef, Giza
In whose interest?
In the last week of November, Al-Ashira Masa’an (10 o’clock) talk show tackled various issues such as the Algerian attacks on the Egyptian spectators in Sudan and Swine flu. The announcer received a phone call from a lady called ‘Christine’ in Qena, Upper Egypt, but before she started telling her story she asked the announcer Mona Al-Shazli to give her the chance to speak freely. “You care about swine flu and the Algerian attacks on Egyptians in Sudan, and totally ignore what happens to Copts in the town of Farshout in Qena, Upper Egypt where they are the victims of violent attacks by heavy mobs,” ‘Christine said. Unfortunately the announcer did not give her the opportunity to talk as she had promised, but interrupted her with, “I heard of the accident; it was only an attack by the family of the victim against the offender; everything is now under control,” and the call was abruptly ended.
In whose interest is it that we should intentionally conceal such grave incidents and do nothing about them?
Nabil Kamel Moawad, Cairo
Wake-up call
Following the Egypt and Algeria games in Cairo and Khartoum, I see that the Arab world needs a wake-up call to stop the hatred, violence, aggression, and assault all too present in Arab countries. Disappointingly, a frustrating media backs the violence and hatred as if the football games have turned into military battles. Everyone should learn that sport is all about ethics, behaviour, and a civilised attitude.
Zarif Kamel, Cairo
Deserving appreciation
Out of Egyptian monasteries and convents comes a huge variety of products, among which is agricultural products, poultry, dairy products, honey, vestments, books, artistic products and other useful stuff. These products are distinguished with their superior quality and safe packaging, and are sold to the public in outlets at churches and monasteries or convents. The food products especially sell very well because they are sold at affordable prices and are always fresh and clean.
It has always been a Coptic monastic tradition to do manual work besides prayer—the motto goes “Work and Pray”—and sell some produce to pay for the upkeep of the monastery and the inmates. In the old times monks used to be famous for such craft as basket weaving. Today, monasteries and convents do farming work instead. This is an idea that deserves admiration and appreciation. I would like to wish all monks, and everyone who helps in adopting and supporting projects to produce healthy, safe and trusted food, all success and divine blessings.
Lutfy al-Numairy, Cairo
From shape to content
Nahdet Misr (Renaissance of Egypt), the red granite famous statue of Mahmoud Mukhtar that stands proudly in front of Cairo University, is a symbol that reminds me of the good old days in which everyone intended to progress and to look ambitiously to a better future.
Mukhtar (1891-1934) was the sculptor who brought back to life in the 20th century the ancient Egyptian tradition of sculpture. Inspired by his ancestors’ works, he depicted Egypt as a lofty peasant woman standing high as she raises one hand and holds the Sphinx—symbolising Egypt’s eternal civilisation—with the other. The artist aimed to reflect the ability and intention of Egypt’s sons and daughters to advance their country strongly despite all challenges and obstacles.
During those old days, a woman seen with her hair uncovered was a symbol of breakingthe veil that prevents continuing progress with a liberal mind.
Talaat Fouad, Tahta
