Beautiful Egypt 224 – Working Together – October 22, 2017

   Egypt, Egyptians, and the October victory… These words intertwine to write the most glorious page in history which is not only read by Egyptians, but the whole world as well. Egypt’s brave men hurried on October 6, 1973, at 2:00 p.m., to attain a long awaited victory.

   On this immortal occasion, I recall all Egyptian citizens and soldiers who never gave in to despair. Rather, they decided to march toward liberating the occupied land with all their potential, all loving, honest, and cooperative. They did attain victory.

   History gives us lots of lessons through the October War. In fact, Egyptians went through bitter pain during the 1967 setback, but they learnt how to overcome certain weaknesses, and reinvent certain techniques.

   Also, because our soldiers were defeated in the war of Yemen, they believed that they needed more training, and a reorganization of several technical and administrative issues. What could have happened if the leadership did not realize such shortcomings?

   Hence, the first steps toward victory started by the disclosure of shortcomings honestly and frankly that they might be tackled and overcome. It is not wrong to have weaknesses showing up, but it is utterly wrong to overlook them or avoid tackling them, which makes us move in the vicious circle of failure.

   Also, during the construction phase, our brave soldiers did not stop utilizing their skills and potential in making the enemy lose a lot. This was during the War of Attrition which continued for three and a half years and included three phases, namely, constancy, confrontation and defense, and combating. Thus, the Egyptian Armed Forces continued building from within, to accomplish the “Air Force” and “Air Defense” systems, reorganizing and training the soldiers, as well as using mental and planning skills and fighting tactics in successful military processes which made the enemy lose a lot and Egypt restore her confidence. In like manner societies need to overcome their shortcomings, they need to use their skills in order to restore their constancy and confidence.

   Another lesson is not by kept by defeat, and not to make victory a mere dream. Rather, it is a hard path people should cross. Victory required that they get enough training and rebuild the staff. Dreams are not enough for attaining the required level, but one should struggle and exert effort.

   We live to recall these victories, knowing that hard work is the path that leads to construction and protecting our country from danger. It is not one man’s or group’s mission, but everybody’s.

   Our fatherland needs us all. Here, we recall a situation which shows the importance of cooperation and collaboration. It was between the commander of the Second Army, General Sa’d Ma’moun and the commander of the Squad 18 Infantry, Mechanics, General Fouad Aziz Ghali. General Ghali had contacted the commander at midnight, and the following dialogue took place:

Gen. Sa’d: It was quite hard for you, Fouad.
Gen. Fouad: Indeed, sir, but we overcame it.
Gen. Sa’d: Why didn’t you contact me immediately?
Gen. Fouad: Whenever I’m faced with a hard situation, I never overload my superiors. That’s why I didn’t contact you until all was accomplished.
Gen. Sa’d: This is wrong!

Gen. Fouad: But, sir, I did follow up all your messages and implement all your decisions. I used them as well as others in view of what I had before me. All I wanted is not to disturb you. I know your responsibilities with a one-hundred meter confrontation.

Gen. Sa’d: I repeat: this is wrong. When I don’t hear my commander’s voice for an hour, I get worried. Had you lost half the coast, I wouldn’t have worried, for we face any situation together. Yet, that you did not answer made me quite worries. Never do this again. This is the last time.
Gen. Fouad: Yes, sir.

Thus ended the call. Then, General Fouad Ghali called General Sa’d Ma’moun on the following day, at 10:00 a.m.

Gen. Fouad: I’m in trouble. An armed squad is on its way to attack me from the left. I need to be protected by airforce and artillery.

Gen. Sa’d: I’ll consider I didn’t hear! I’ll hang up, and get back to you within one hour, as you did with me!
Gen. Fouad (laughing): No, please!
Gen. Sa’d: Now, you know what it means not to answer me for an hour?
Gen. Fouad: Yes, I do know. I won’t call again. Please, send me protection speedily. I hereby repent!

   Both commanders laughed, and all measures were taken to stop the Israeli armed squad.

   The essence of General Sa’d Ma’moun’s words is, “Had you lost half the coast, I wouldn’t have worried, for we face all situations together.” Indeed, working together in all fields is the most important factor in success, victory, and construction in all societies. Through it, many countries developed themselves. As such, we work together to attain a future representing an extension of the October victory, and never to despair. We have to know we can overcome all hardships, and even impossible situations when we take our inspiration from Egypt’s history. Such history continues in Beautiful Egypt.

General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center