Stop. Full stop.

I have visited Cairo twice over the past two weeks. I have been privileged enough to discuss different issues with youth groups, social activists, philanthropists and politicians. I felt at the time and still feel this way that everyone is enthusiastic to see the results of the revolution and a real change in society. Everyone wants to see democracy, inclusivity and motivation brought to every citizen in the country.

Egypt was and is a multicultural, multi faith, multi ethnic and multi-racial country. The Egyptians have been living together on this piece of land for thousands of years as one nation. They managed to build one of most magnificent and diverse civilisations. Humankind is still enjoying the treasures and secrets of this civilisation. 


Egypt welcomed many religions, prophets, reformers, many Super- Powers and passengers. Each of them came to enjoy and be a part of one of the greatest civilisations. In my view, if Egypt loses these characteristics, it will lose its greatest asset- its heritage. 

Egypt has been in the news recently, however it pains me to say it, not for pleasant reasons.  I believe that the scenes shown DO NOT reflect the feelings of 85 million Egyptians.

Let me give you an example, close to my heart.  Last Friday, one of my closest friends, a Christian script-writer, invited me to a 7-star dinner in Cairo. He came to listen to my talk about civil society and even insisted to cancel his private meetings to entertain me as a brother, as a friend and as a fellow citizen. This is the true Egyptian spirit and hospitality that 85 million people are enjoying.

The people we see on TV are only but few. They must be advised to be true Egyptians and think about their country, instead of petty interests. Egypt, our mother land has been built by the hands of Muslims, Christians, Jews and others.

In my opinion, the ones who are trying to keep the conflict alive need to be stopped. Full stop. This is not just about Egypt, but the unity of the whole neighbourhood.

Please, kill the conflict, but do not kill me. I have been living on this land with you for the past 7000 years.  Let us live together in peace for the millennia to come!