A man to whom I tutor English is a big corporate executive. I also called to check in on him as he lived in Maadi and per the news, his neighborhood was under attack of looters. The first time I called his wife answered in a state close to panic. We have never met nor talked before and she anxiously stated: “they (the looters) are here and he (her husband) is down there. They are attacking cars. We have to move.” I tried to help her assess the situation and come up with plans. She calmed enough and we hung up. Again, I just sat and could not imagine. Eventually, I got a hold of him. His sporty, aggressive side kicked in early when he heard the looters approaching. He told me, “Ellen, they were against everything that we stand for and everything that we desire in life for Egypt and our children. They came to destroy our hopes and homes. We caught them and you can’t imagine…” I cut him off there knowing his physique and passion and I said, I don’t really want to imagine but I am glad you and your family are safe. He then laughed and explained that his managerial nature kicked in as he organized phone trees and security shifts and street alarm systems for the whole neighborhood. He is proud to be an Egyptian.
Stories like this abound. I can’t imagine what would happen if Chicago neighborhoods joined together to protect themselves. Of course the situations are different but the solidarity and pride is quite overwhelming.
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