SHARM EL-SHEIKH - After the tragic bombing outside the Qidessein Church in Alexandria, we all stood together as one family. We refused to accept this attempt to divide us and tear the fabric of our unique society. Meanwhile, the clashes between those who are pro- and anti-Mubarak have been causing unacceptable chaos. Both groups have fallen into the trap of ‘us and them'. The average Egyptian is kind and forgiving, which means he's easily affected by melancholic, psychological influences. But we, the Egyptians, are also smart and shouldn't fall into this dark pit. Egypt should be united in the face of such unrest, and Egyptians should broaden their perception. We, Egyptians, are sailing into very dangerous waters if we don't realise that having two opposing groups is something healthy in a democratic society. The presence of two opposing groups doesn't mean animosity. It means freedom. But to highlight the gap and for each side to behave as if it were at war with the other, is very unwise. I call on every Egyptian who loves Egypt, to be wise and not fall into the trap of fetna (sedition). We are one family and we need to behave as such, in order to save Egypt and lead her down the path of progress and civility. Egyptians are unique and we have a great history. The greatness of the Pharaonic era was dormant, but is now awakening within us. Our DNA contains elements from Egypt's rich and fertile soil. We must protect one another, care for one other and love our country. We mustn't spill our blood in fighting amongst ourselves. Our blood is something precious, something to be passed on to our children and our children's children. The Egyptian house needs renovating and the young Egyptians who have spearheaded this uprising should be part of the renovation team. Renovations should resonate with freshness; this does not mean completely destroying the house, but rather reinforcing it and replacing old with new. These renovations have to happen across the board: the educational, economic, agricultural and industrial walls of the house all need fixing. The walls are old and rickety, making Egyptians insecure and angry at the Government, corruption and the slow rate of progress in Egypt, compared with many other countries. We must try to understand this unprecedented, historic event, in order to help us focus on the renovations and overcome attempts to divide us and weaken the momentum of an uprising launched by the younger generation, which will help raise Egypt to its rightful place among the stars of this world. [email protected] Hedayat is an American-Egyptian author and freelance writer. She resides in the city of Sharm El Sheikh and contributes regularly to The Egyptian Gazette and the Egyptian Mail.
