A program broadcasted last week on an Egyptian satellite channel caused a disaster in upper Egypt http://www.youm7.com/News.asp?NewsID=85154 . One of the interviewers, a journalist, attacked Bahai faith and Bahais; the result of which Bahai houses got burned down in a village in Sohag leading Bahais later to flee their homes. Such an irresponsible, ignorant and non- tolerant views expressed by the journalist caused havoc among many ignorant Egyptians and caused unforgivable losses in the village in Sohag, Upper Egypt.

There is no force in religion and each person is free to practice whatever beliefs as long as it does not infringe on the rights and beliefs of others. Religion is a purely personal matter; who are we to decide or judge others and their choices. How can a TV anchor like Wael El Ebrashy allow such inhuman attack on his program?  This is a disaster that shall not be easily forgotten.  Already, many of human rights NGOs are placing complaints in addition to suing the journalist.

Suing the journalist is not enough, people with his mentality should not be allowed to write and appear in public.  His racism against Bahai probably means that he is also against any other religion.  We are in the 21 century, we can not control people, and even if we can control their official papers, we can not control their thoughts and their hearts.  The ignorance that the journalist showed regarding the relationship between Bahais and Zionism makes him a laughing stock, but unfortunately only among cultured people.  However, his intolerance reaches people who have minimal or no education and causes serious damage.

We are like the ostrich that has been burying its head in the sand; the world around us is OPEN, information is transmitted instantly; people read, learn and choose and we can not keep trying to control people’s thoughts and hearts as well.  People are free and their choices are theirs whether it is religion, studies, lifestyle etc. Beliefs are personal, so let us keep it this way and let us start thinking of our priorities in developing, educating and feeding the 80 million of this country.  Let us serve our country and set people free, you can not be asking the government for freedom of speech when it is only meant for you.  Learn to accept the other and the different or we are wasted.
I love Egypt and Egypt Prevails.