To the People That I Love

Today, is the million man march in Egypt. I am sitting here trying my very best to stay awake, knowing how tired I will be in the morning because this is by far the most incredible thing I have seen to come from the Egyptian nation in a long time. The video I posted today, literally took my breath away. It is amazing to see the people of Egypt uniting together to make a change, whether it be to fight for liberty or to continue to take care of their country. I haven't seen this sort of dedication and commitment from an entire nation before and it really is heart warming to see this. Well done Egypt, no matter what, you will always be our jewel.

I have compiled a few photos that I found of my courageous brothers and sisters at home which blew me away:

Injured protesters

Egyptian women mourning and fighting for the rights of the
 martyrs who lost their lives during the revolution.

An Egyptian woman flees as Egyptian anti-riot police
 clash with protesters in Cairo, Egypt. Jan 28 2011

An Egyptian woman confronts riot police during anti-Mubarak
 demonstrations in Cairo. (Credit: Victoria Hazou AP/SIPA press)

An Egyptian anti-government activist kisses a riot
 police officer (her son) following clashes in Cairo. Jan 28, 2011

Credit for Photo: Toronto Star

 I decided to write this post and dedicate it to every protester in the streets of Egypt, every martyr that sacrificed their life for the freedom of the people. This post is dedicated for every Egyptian who is fighting for their rights, who has fought for their rights, who is fighting for change. This is for all the Egyptians who are not
afraid.

Though I may not know you personally, and though I may never see you in my life, I want you to know that your acts of bravery and courage will not go unnoticed. You are our heroes, you are the reason that Egypt is still alive and because of your courage and bravery, you are the reason that Egypt will continue to be the beautiful country that it is and will continue to rise and stay alive. Thank you! Thank you for taking a stand and thank you for speaking your mind and thank you for being the amazing individuals that you are. I wish I was in Egypt right now to fight this battle with you to be a part of you and to be the change I want to see in my home. I apologize on behalf of myself and on behalf of all Egyptians living abroad that we could not physically be there to help you fight. You are always in our thoughts, in our minds, in our prayers and in our hearts and we have done our very best to make sure that you are not forgotten and that the world has heard your cries. We have had our own rallies and protests all around the world, in support of your cause. You are not alone. I am proud of every Egyptian who has taken this stand, you will soon see, the world is by your side.
And though I may not know you personally, and though I may never see you in my life, I want you to know that I love each and everyone of you.

In Solidarity with the People of Egypt and Tunisia

Yesterday was a great day. A rally was made in downtown Toronto to spread awareness of the issues surrounding the Egyptian revolution. It was amazing to see Torontonians from all sorts of backgrounds come together united in support of Egypt, Tunisia and all other countries that are being oppressed under dictatorship and Islamic regimes. The police who were monitoring the rally also helped with answering questions and spreading awareness to the people who just happened to be passing by Dundas Square. An on looker approached me and asked me why I was here, I explained to her that we have had a dictatorial regime for 30 years and we will no longer be silenced while our country is being destroyed. She was very moved by comments, what attracted her the most is when I explained to her that we are unable to contact our families because the wireless network including internet and cellular phones are not in service in Egypt. She quickly picked up one of the PRO Egypt signs that were provided and went in the crowd. While in the subway station, a few people approached me seeing my sign and my flag hanging behind my back, one person in particular approached me and shook my hand while saying "You can and will make a change."  As well, a TTC bus driver saluted me as I got off the bus.
The tremendous amount of support that we received is really incredible. Thank you!
As I was reading different news articles I came across a CBC article that was talking about the rally held in downtown Toronto. The comments at the bottom of the page from viewers were shocking and were far from supportive. I have put my input in red to outline my opinion on these comments.

x-pack wrote:Posted 2011/01/30 at 4:05 AM ET 
Go home and protest there , leave us Canadians alone ..
Us Canadians? I have a document here stating that I too am a Canadian. Most of the protesters in yesterdays rally were Canadian as well. 
Rob366366 wrote:Posted 2011/01/29 at 9:27 PM ET
Didn't the G20 teach you anything? Protesting is illegal in Canada. 
Oh really? Since when? This is news to me considering that I was protesting yesterday in front of about 10 cops who in fact were supporting the cause. 
manchester wrote:Posted 2011/01/29 at 8:33 PM ET
something I have never agreed to,,,go protest in your own country,,,,
Airlines are cancelled, I CAN'T GO TO MY COUNTRY. 
Seal and Gravy wrote:Posted 2011/01/29 at 1:49 PM ET
Go home and rally !
I CAN'T GO HOME. I have two homes and Canada, is one of them. So.. I am home. 
rakki004 wrote:Posted 2011/01/29 at 1:46 PM ET
Another Protest? If you wanna protest go back to egypt and protest. This is not our problem. Dont waste our resources.
What resources? It's not about whose problem it is, it is about freedom for all. 
farnorth55 wrote:Posted 2011/01/29 at 2:30 PM ET
I’m so flippin’ sick and tired of people that immigrate to Canada referred to with duel countries, like Egyptian-Canadians, Indo-Canadians and such. We immigrated to Canada over 50 years ago from England, me I’m just a plain old Canadian. The same applies to duel or multiple citizenship, what the hell is up with that? Once you receive citizenship in a country your loyalties are to that country and government alone, none of the double dipping stuff………………… 
You immigrated from England? So, correct me if I am wrong.. You are an immigrant from England?
Defeated wrote:Posted 2011/01/29 at 5:14 PM ET
Do NOT start that crap here in Canada!
If these protesters want to support their former country,they should go back there to do it!
Protesting here on canadian soil does NOTHING to help the situation,and I hope they are being watched closely.
This is Canada...not Egypt...remember?  did they not?
It's not my FORMER country, it is MY country period. And why would we be watched closely? Are we criminals for protesting or something? As a Canadian, I have fundamental rights. My rights as a Canadian include:
a. Freedom of Consiouc and religion
b. Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression
c. Freedom of PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY
I am an immigrant, isn't it funny how I know my rights better than you do? 
Specimen Yarp wrote:Posted 2011/01/29 at 7:27 PM ET
It's time to end dual citizenship. Either you have 100 percent loyalty to Canada, or you get out.
For all the ignorant people out there, Canada is a cultural mosaic. It seems to me that you want Canada to be a melting pot. If thats the case, USA is right across the border. 
GWP... wrote:Posted 2011/01/29 at 7:24 PM ET
Keep your protests out of my Canada.
Your Canada? Good one! 


I noticed that a few readers were comparing our protest yesterday to the Tamil protest that took place last year. The Tamil protest that took place last year, was held on the DVP and the DVP Ramp. There were also children that were standing in the front line. The Egyptian protest that we did yesterday was pre-planned. The City of Toronto was contacted and was aware that we are having a demonstration at the heart of downtown. We received a permit from Dundas Square to have our protest there and the Toronto Police was contacted to monitor the protest. We also had families and children hand out candies, cookies and chocolates to the police officers, pedestrians and the protesters. As far as I am concerned, our protest was a huge success, we have a lot of supporters and it was a peaceful family friendly protest. Once again, thank you Toronto Police and the City of Toronto for allowing us to have this event. 


Special thank you to all my friends for the great support you have given me and Egypt. A special shout out to Al Henderson, Atiya Jacquesson, Myriam Theodule and Shyanne Spilchen. 

Mubarak the end is Near

Today is an important day in Egyptian history. Today is the day that the Egyptian nation finally takes a stand demanding an end to President Hosni Mubarak's 30 year dictatorial regime. That's right, THIRTY years.. since 1981!  


"This is the first time I am protesting, but we have been a cowardly nation. We have to finally say no," said 24-year-old Ismail Syed, a hotel worker who struggles to live on a salary of $50 a month.


Thousands of protesters surrounded the streets of Egypt on January 25, 2011  in an attempt to express their rage over government corruption and the failing economic policies. The Egyptian nation needs security, they need assurance, this is the key to building a proper nation. We don't have health insurance, we don't have education, we don't have jobs, we don't have proper salaries, we barely even have food to feed the nation. WE HAVE NOTHING!
 It's hard to believe that in the days of Anwar El-Sadat (former Egyptian president), Egypt was known for its power and its riches - now people can barely feed themselves. This needs to end, the dictatorship ends here. Egyptian activist Mohamed El Baradei took to his twitter to talk about the issues of the protest and the president.

"I sympathize with you because sometimes you are asked to do things that you do not want to do.One day, I hope that you will regain your role as the protectors of the people; rather than protectors of ... fraud elections. I am sure that every one of you deep inside is looking forward to the day that his role will again be with the people and a part of them, rather than against them.Threats of violence against participants in peaceful demos reveal the ugly face of a regime terrified of its own people"

Now is the time to stand up for your rights, stand up for your freedom stand up for your family, stand up for your people, STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN. Enough is enough Mubarak we are no longer going to tolerate a leader that cares more about his pay cheque then he does about his country and his people. He is not a leader, he is a COWARD. Its time to see a brighter and happier Egypt. 


Unfortunately I am currently not in Egypt and unable to physically support my brothers and sisters. However, I am with them in spirit. We will be having a peaceful awareness protest in downtown on Saturday January 29 2011. We are here standing in solidarity with you, supporting your struggle for a free and honorable living, democratic governments and human rights. We are here to raise awareness in Canada and to tell the Egyptian regime that we are all watching and their cries against the people will not be tolerated.
 If you would like to support Egypt please visit the event page at : http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=185655478122291


I cannot express to you enough how proud I am of all the Egyptian people for taking a stand. You are all heroes and you are all brave your cries have been heard and the whole world is standing be your side. We love you and we will always support you. Change is on its way.


I dream of an Egypt where everyone is treated equally. I dream of an Egypt where freedom is a right. I dream of an Egypt where there is no discrimination. I dream of an Egypt without a corrupt government. I dream of an Egypt where each person is treated like a human and the government actually gives a shit about each person. I dream of an Egypt where people can afford to raise a healthy family, where people have enough money to feed their children. I dream of an Egypt that provides education for it's children. I dream of an Egypt where there is insurance and assurance. I dream of an Egypt that has the funds and the medication to save as many sick lives as possible. I dream of a peaceful Egypt. I dream of an Egypt where freedom of speech is encouraged. I dream of an Egypt that has job opportunities and an acceptable salary. I dream of a poverty-free Egypt. I dream of an Egypt with a leader that we can respect. I dream of an Egypt without Hosni Mubarak. 

                            I love you so much Egypt