On life (95) – ”The Hero-Amputee” – 4/10/2015

   When the October victory crosses the Egyptians’ minds, images of heroism start popping up: a hero carrying his gun or driving his armored vehicle, a tank backfiring the enemy, and the Egyptian flag soaring high. One feels he breathes freedom.

   The October victory is more than a triumph: it is a testimony that Egyptians have a strong will: be they warriors carrying weapons, officials making decisions, workers producing goods, farmers cultivating the land, or students doing their best to succeed. Victories are not bound to warriors. They have to do with the collaboration of the people and the army. Egyptians are great: be they soldiers or civilians, as they are characterized by intelligence and rare bravery.

   On October, 1973, Egyptians worked hard, patiently, and diligently to prove to the whole world how capable they were of changing reality. General Ali Hefzi, ex-governor of North Sinai, who was responsible for the reconnaissance squad behind the Israeli troops and within Sinai, asserts that, at that time, Egypt did not have the devices that help her find information about the enemy. But Egyptians undertook this mission bravely. So much so that Israeli defense minister, Moshe Dayan, said, “Israel knows quite well that Egypt did not have spying devices. Yet, she succeeded in qualifying her warriors to become human radars that worked 24 hours, whereas our electronic devices worked for a few hours!”

   Also, there are honorable models of Egyptian warriors, like the legendary Abdul Jawwad Mohammed who fought when he was paralyzed. He took part in almost 18 crossing processes inside and behind the Israeli lines in the War of Attrition. He destroyed 16 tanks, 11 armored vehicles, two bulldozers, two Jeeps, and a coach by himself! Likewise, he participated with his colleagues in destroying 16 Israeli aircrafts that attacked an airdrome. Abdul Jawwad was so seriously injured that had his legs and right forearm amputated. He also lost his right eye, and was seriously injured in the back. After having prosthetic limbs fixed, he refused retirement to participate in the October War, after which he was honored by presidents.

   Abdul Jawwad’s account makes us recall the great abilities that God granted man to use for humanity’s welfare. October feats of heroism inspire us to continue building Egypt’s future with confidence that we can achieve dignity and prosperity.

Many happy returns!

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center