Reflections on a Revolution

February 3, 2011 Rather than post about the cultural uniquenesses I have observed in Egypt, particularly related to the professional environment, I thought it would be more timely to reflect on the historic events now taking place in Cairo. Three days before I left for the states to teach a research course, the first protest took place. It was fledgling attempt to give corporate voice to the long-standing dissatisfaction the majority of Egyptians have with the government of Hosni Mubarak and the socio-economic climate it has created over the past 30 years. Today the median annual income in Egypt is $1,800 (USD) and an estimated 20% of the population lives on less that $2 per day. The median age in Egypt is 24-years-old and the majority of these young adults have difficulty finding gainful employment. Though the economy has been experiencing relatively strong annual growth (appx. 5.6% annual GDP), there are few jobs that pay a living wage. Most of this is due to the corrupt regime of Mubarak, which has created an economy where the bulk of the wealth goes to the elite of society ensuring that Mubarak maintains his power. Until recently the population put up with this social and economic disparity. However, the recent uprising in Tunisia provided the necessary catalyst to mobilize the young people of Egypt, propelling them into the streets of Cairo in peaceful but vocal protest against the Mubarak regime. The first protest was somewhat tentative and no one knew if it would be sustainable and create the momentum necessary to draw more disenchanted citizens to the streets. The following day the crowds grew larger and the Thursday I was scheduled to leave (I actually left at 4 am Friday morning) there was great anticipation about the rumored return to Egypt of key opposition leader Mohammed El Baradei from Vienna. Friday, the protesters hoped to make their biggest march of the nascent uprising with Baradei in attendance. Many of my colleagues were excited about the Friday march and hoped it would solidify the movement into a sustained uprising focused on demanding that Mubarak step down from the presidency immediately. Thursday night I attended a BBQ with SEKEM colleagues and the dominate talk was about the protest the next day and speculation about its impact. The vast majority of the people I talked to during the days prior to my scheduled trip to the states articulated their absolute dislike of Mubarak and their desire to see him leave office. Many of these people were professionals and academics; those who enjoy at least a measure of economic success. In all of my conversations I have not heard anyone express support for Mubarak - everyone seems to be sick of him after 30 years of repression and corruption. The uprising is not ideological or religious at all - it is purely socio-economic and political. The people of Egypt want their country back. They want democracy, freedom and the ability to participate fully in the economy. They want decent paying jobs and the ability to express themselves publicly without fear of reprisals. Obviously, since my departure, the uprising has gained an amazing momentum and reached a point where there was really no turning back. The people seem determined to stay in the streets until Mubarak is gone - they will not wait for September. Unfortunately, as Mubarak unleashed his thugs on the peaceful protesters things have turned violent. Tomorrow, there is a planned march on the presidential palace and there has been violence directed toward international journalists and foreigners that has made it difficult for me to return as planned on Saturday, especially with the curfew in place from 3pm until 8am. In talking with my colleagues, few people have been working in the SEKEM office in Heliopolis, a suburb of Cairo about 25 minutes from Tahrir Square and the center of the protests. My new flat is also in Heliopolis about 15 minutes (without traffic) from the main protests. Little did I anticipate when I moved to Cairo a month ago that I would end-up witnessing an historic revolution. I am hopeful that I will be able to return by Monday or possibly sooner. I am now scheduled to leave for Cairo on Monday, February 7, arriving Tuesday evening at 7pm. People ask me if I am nervous about returning and if I feel it will be safe. I guess the obvious answer is that I wouldn't be returning if I felt my life was in danger - I certainly don't have a death wish! Yes, I feel it will be safe - at least relatively speaking, as long as I don't place myself in dangerous situations unnecessarily. I feel it is important to be in the country during this historic time, particularly because the work I am committed to is all about promoting social and economic justice, not only for Egypt, but for the world. I don't want to sit on the sidelines in the states and then parachute in when it is all over and hope to contribute to reforms in Egypt. I feel it is important for me to stand in solidarity with the Egyptian people during this time to at least in a very small way earn the right to contribute in the future. In many respects this crisis provides the potential for amazing opportunities in the future, and I hope that Sekem and the Heliopolis University Social Innovation Center, which I now direct, can be helpful in making the most of those opportunities. Sekem has a 33 year track record of promoting social and economic justice in Egypt and I am confident that because of its outstanding work, connections, reputation and the influence of Dr. Abouleish and his son Helmy, Sekem will be looked to for input into the process. What an amazing opportunity! Without sounding grandiose, perhaps I have been called to Egypt for such a time as this. If I and my colleagues can make even a small contribution to a new Egypt I want to be a part of it. So, though I hate the thought of leaving my beautiful wife and family during this time, I am excited about being a part of the long term transformation of this amazing country. A small sacrifice in my mind, but a great honor. So, I appreciate your prayers and support - first for my wife and family while I am away and then for my own safety and wisdom during this time. I will continue to update this blog on a regular basis to report on the fluid situation in Egypt as well as any potential role Sekem and our social innovation center might play. So, stay tuned!

Comments

[Kay]

That's pretty awesome. Sam. I have no doubt that God put you in Egypt for such a time as this. No doubt. You are the most Holy Spirit driven man that I know. I pray you hear His guidance clearly during this time. May your words be wise. I'll definitely be praying for you.

[Rlessem]

That was powerful sam to hear, from the horse's mouth as it were, your perspective, and that of others close to you, on events in Egypt. I sincerely hope you get there for Tuesday, and it will be invaluable, for our Social Innovation Centre, that you experience these momentous events first hand. I have decided, for the time being, to call the work we are developing, alongside such momentous events, Harmonic Development, building on the goddess of "maat", of ancient Egypt heritage, and Prinice Charles' work on such, building up on ancient Egypt and Islam. So while you are keeping your eye on the political and economic, as well as the intrinsically human, we are focusing on the cultural we need them all

[Kris Heeren]

Nothing you wrote about your response to what is happening in Egypt surprised me. Clearly the passions God has put within you over the past few years was intended to direct you to this place at this time. Be wise. Keep us posted.