In solidarity with Palestine As Gaza cries, Sherif Sonbol captured a shot of Cairo's street hawkers who have traded their usual fare of soccer flags for the kufiya, the traditional Palestinian flag-patterned scarf. The Coptic Praise Company, conducted by Diaa Sabri, featured in a concert playing a collection of Coptic hymns and Christmas carols at the Al-Gumhouriya Theatre. Among the attendees were Ismailia Bishop Syraphim, a number of Cairo's priests and maestro Samir Suleiman. The company is preparing for another concert in March on "Divine Love" at the Alexandria Sayed Darwish Theatre. At the Gezira Sporting Club, Egyptian-Italian fashion designer Osama Abdallah held a fashion show in which he presented his Winter 2009 collection. The show was preceded by an interesting performance featuring popular Star Academy singers accompanied by a number of dance shows. The satellite channel Nile Life celebrated the New Year at the Four Seasons Hotel to honour a galaxy of Egyptian TV and cinema stars. Among the many guests present were actors Mahmoud Yassin, Mahmoud Qabil, Salah Abdallah, Ezzat El-Alayli, Khaled Saleh, Ahmed El-Sakka, Mohamed Heneidi and Sherif Mounir, and veteran actresses Ragaa El-Geddawi, Hala Fakher, Lebleba, Elham Shahine, Yossra, along with promising young actresses Menna Shalabi, Intesar, Donia Samir Ghanem as well as controversial filmmaker Khaled Youssef. Shields were distributed among the honourees by head of the Nile Channels Osama El-Sheikh and head of Nile Life Shafki El-Mounayeri. The lavish celebration came to life with the songs of Sherine Abdel-Wahab and Lebanese singer Wael Gassar. At Downtown's Miami Theatre, the Supreme Institute of Performance Arts honoured prominent theatre figures as well as graduates of classes 1990-1991. Among the honourees were veteran actors Mohamed Sobhi, Ezzat El-Alayli and actress Samira Mohsen. Honourees of classes 1990-1991 included Hani Ramzi, Nashwa Mustafa, Mohamed Riyad and Yasser Galal. An exciting private screening for the new controversial film Dokhan Bela Nar (Beirut Open City) was held. The film stars Egyptian actor Khaled El-Nabawi, gorgeous Lebanese actress Serene Abdel-Nour and Lebanese actor Rodni Haddad, and was directed by Samir Habashi. After its screening the film aroused much controversy in the Arab world as it tackles the problem of oppression in the Middle East, though it focuses on Lebanon. Attending the private screening were actress Ghada Abdel-Razek and her husband producer Walid El-Tabei, singer-cum-actress Boushra as well as TV presenter Ingy Ali. The Al-Ahram Regional Institute for Journalism, in cooperation with the African Economic Council, held a glamorous celebration at Al-Ahram Main Hall to honour Egyptian scientist Mustafa El-Sayed, winner of the Highest American Order for Egyptian scientists. He gave a lecture about his research into applying nanogold to treat cancerous tumours, which is carried out by breaking gold into tiny particles. Among the attendees were Al-Ahram Chairman of the Board Mursi Atallah, Al-Ahram Editor-in-Chief Osama Saraya, Al-Ahram Al-Arabi magazine Editor-in- Chief Abdel-Atti Mohamed, head of the People's Assembly's Foreign Relations Committee Mustafa El-Feki and councillor of Al-Ahram Regional Institute for Journalism Howaida Mustafa. Former minister of social insurance and law professor Aisha Rateb held the annual celebration for Egyptian society ladies at the Egyptian Nile Diplomatic Club. A number of high-profile figures attended the celebration, among them were Gihan El-Sadat, the mother of Egyptian scientist Mohamed El-Baradei, the spouse of former prime minister Kamal El-Ganzouri, the wife of writer Tharwat Abaza, and spouse of the Saudi ambassador to Cairo Amira Al-Nazer. photos: Ayman Barayez The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, presided over by Mushira Khattab, signed a protocol with Osrati (My Family) Association, headed by Al-Ahram daily back page editor Mona Ragab, concerning the foundation of education classes and training for girls in four different villages in Upper Egypt. Members of the association such as Samia Abul-Fotouh, Gihan Halawa and Fatma Barada were present at the signing of the accord. Vice-president of the Egyptian-Lebanese Friendship Association Ghazi Nasser hosted a lavish dinner honouring Chairman of the Board of the Lebanese newspaper As-Safir Talal Suleiman and Lebanese singer Assi Al-Hellani on the occasion of their visit to Cairo. A galaxy of Lebanese figures residing in Egypt attended the extravagant celebration. Congratulations! Moataz El-Alfi has been elected vice- chairman of the Board of Trustees for the American University in Cairo (AUC). He is the first Egyptian to hold this position since the university was founded in 1919. El-Alfi has been a member of AUC's Board of Trustees since 1997. A prominent philanthropist and a business leader, he is the CEO of EK Holding (EKH), the largest private equity and venture capital company in Egypt, with a market cap of $3 billion. EKH focuses on strategic sectors such as utilities and infrastructure, petrochemicals, oil exploration and production and gas distribution. He is also the chairman of Americana Group Egypt, the sister company of Kuwait Food Company, owned by the billionaire Nasser Al Kharafi. photos: Abdel-Hamid Eid A bevy of singers were the stars in a series of concerts held on New Year's Eve at the Semiramis Hotel in Cairo. The audience celebrated the New Year to melodies by pop singer Tamer Hosni, who chanted along with young actress Maye Ezzeddin, as well as Mohamed Nour, Saad El-Soghayar, Hakim and Bahaa Sultan, as well as sultry Lebanese singer Haifaa Wahbi, who dazzled her fans with a gorgeous white gown. Belly dancer Dina also put on a thrilling performance. Among the attendees were actress Leqaa El-Khamisi and her husband Zamalek Club goal keeper Mohamed Abdel-Monsif, as well as actress Nelly.
