Few days are left. One of our dreams has almost come true. It is the new Suez Canal, one of the greatest projects in Egypt’s modern history. According to international experience centers, this project can be implemented in five years. Yet, united Egyptians who love their country have worked something wonderful, making everybody say, “There is nothing new. Egyptians are making history, as usual!”
Also, few days ago, we celebrated the commemoration of July 23 Revolution which is reminiscent of the Egyptians’ digging the old Suez Canal with their blood. Though it was stolen, the peaceful revolution restored it. The mix between time and place gives rise to incidents which, in turn, create history. Egyptians use all these elements to choose their destiny, which is why Egyptians are:
Strong-willed
After the 1948 defeat and the ensuing recession that alighted on the Egyptian kingdom due to corruption, the faithful Egyptian Armed Forces could not stand still. President Jamal Abdul Nassir, Abdul Hakim Amer and some soldiers in their battalion were besieged during the war, in southern Palestine. In effect they made up the Free Officers Movement who rebelled against the king’s corruption and negligence which had led to the defeat.
Their hearts, minds and potential united to support the oppressed people. So, they started combating despotism, thus, declaring that Egyptians would not stand injustice forever. Though they were silent for a while, their revolution broke out to give rise to freedom. The Revolution statement expressed the hard time which the people had gone through, “Egypt has passed through a critical period in her recent history characterized by bribery, mischief, and the absence of governmental stability. As for the period following the war, the mischief-making elements have been assisting one another, and traitors have been commanding the army. They appointed a commander who is either ignorant or corrupt. Egypt has reached the point, therefore, of having no army to defend it.” How somber this sounds! Yet, a glimmer of hope was still there, as, “Accordingly, we have undertaken to clean ourselves up and have appointed to command us men from within the army whom we trust in their ability, their character, and their patriotism. I assure the Egyptian people that the entire army today has become capable of operating in the national interest and under the rule of the constitution apart from any interests of its own.” Thus, Egypt’s faithful children have always toiled for the welfare of their fatherland and fellow citizens. Then, the dream of the High Dam came true. It has borne prosperity to Egypt ever since and made up for what she lost. This was hand in hand with restoring the Suez Canal, the precious jewel.
Yet, the return of the Suez Canal brought about new challenges, as external forces tried to snatch it from our hands. However, the people united and supported their leadership. They did not retract. Nor did they surrender. The Suez Canal has always been Egyptian. So far, several decades have elapsed since the Suez Crisis (Tripartite Aggression). However, we still recall with affection the stories of the Egyptians’ heroism that testify to their love for their country. Port Said, Suez, and Ismailia were attacked and bombarded. Yet, their children combated whoever dared to bother Egypt.
The Suez Canal story has not ended yet, for time comes with new challenges. Yet, the current challenge is embodied in the struggle with time to make a new achievement, the new Suez Canal. This challenge amazed the world. Egyptians worked to reach the peak of success, for they never break down in spite of turmoil and tribulations. They believe in God who has always blessed the country.
Not a single country has achieved the Egyptians’ progress, knowledge, and civilization which shone bright in a dark world. That world followed Egypt’s steps to achieve social, scientific, and cultural progress. In fact, the secret behind Egypt’s progress has not been discovered till the present time.
Egypt has a unique status. Alexandria, its second capital, was the destination of elites, scientists and knowledge seekers. History takes pride in Egyptians who overcome trials and tribulations and emerge victoriously from setbacks and pressures. Egypt’s progress and status made external forces strive to occupy her, and dominate the world as well. However, Egypt preserves her pride and resolution through the serious toil of her children who always strive for the best driven by love their fatherland.
Work makes us close to our goals which start as dreams then become a tangible reality. The new Suez Canal used to be a dream. Yet, it has become a reality. Within a few days, we shall celebrate the opening of the new Suez Canal project which marks a new beginning and paves the way for new achievements which will continue to amaze the world. We still have a lot to do, for Egypt will never stop making history.
Many happy returns to Egypt on the occasion of commemorating the July 23 Revolution. Congratulations to the world for its new Suez Canal that starts a new page in the history of Beautiful Egypt. Stories never end in Beautiful Egypt.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
Beautiful Egypt 117 – « The Challenge» July 26, 2015
