Happy Anniversary HANDS! - Hands Along The Nile

Vol. 13. No. 1 • Fall 2004
HAND IN HAND WITH EGYPT
HANDS ALONG THE NILE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, INC.
NEW SUITE
NUMBER!
1601 North Kent Street, Suite 1014, Arlington, VA 22209
Te l 800-564-2544 • Fax 703-875-9371
info@handsalongthenile.org • www.handsalongthenile.org
In This ISSUE
Beit El Salam
Celebrates 50
Anniversary and
reunion planned for
November 2005 . . . page 2
Champions
Recognized
Volunteers sponsor
more than 25 Egyptian
projects . . . . . . . . page 2
A View from the Field
“My work is helping to
change lives…” . . . page 3
Village of Hope
A villa for the mentally
handicapped . . . . . page 5
Staff & Board News
Lee Davies retires, and
Amgad Beblawi joins the
staff . . . . . . . . . . . page 4
Village News
Since January, your contributions
to Village Partnerships in
Ashmoneen have resulted in:
• 15 structural housing renovations
• 5 homes now have electricity
• 3 homes have new, in-home
latrines
• 41 homes now have running
water; 40 more are planned.
Thank you!!
Happy Anniversary HANDS!
Almost 200 friends attended
the 15th Anniversary celebration
at the Egyptian Embassy
in Washington, DC. , including
(from top) HANDS supporters
Adel & Ghada Bissali;
HANDS President Robert
Ludwig with Ibrahim
Makram and Mr. & Mrs.
Ayman Zeineldine; and Rev.
Dr. & Mrs. Harry Eberts, Jr.
Nearly 200 guests attended the
celebration on May 15, hosted
by the Egyptian Embassy in
Washington DC. Traditional music of
the tabla and oud, Egyptian songs by
Abdel Halim Hafez and Abd el Wahab
entertained guests, while
waiters offered Egyptian
kofta, stuffed grape leaves
and sweet honeyed zalabia
to all. With special thanks
to His Excellency Nabil
Fahmy and his wife, who
extended the use of the
Embassy for the celebration,
it was truly a night to
remember.
Dr. Harry and Mrs.
Dorothy Eberts were recognized
for their years of dedicated
service, leadership
and inspiration. Harry
recalled fondly the many
“wow” moments he’d had
during his time in Egypt.
HANDS partner organizations
were represented by
CEOSS’ Development
Director Ibrahim Makram,
who accepted an award in
honor of Samuel Habib’s
pioneering work.
Ambassador Fahmy was
represented by Counselor
Ayman Zeineldine of the
Embassy, who warmly welcomed
guests. Karen Souryal,
Executive Director, was recognized for
her dedicated service to HANDS in
changing times. Beyond the Pyramids,
a 15 minute video produced by News
Continued on page 2
All contents ©2004 Hands Along the Nile

Champions Recognized
With fewer than three full-time staff, HANDS supports the
work of over 25 Egyptian projects, from Lillian Trasher
Orphanage in Assuit, to the Village Partnerships in
Ashmoneen, to El Saray Church ministry to handicapped children
in Alexandria. HANDS relies on Project Champions to help spread
the word and be advocates in America on their behalf. As part of
our 15 year celebration, Dr. Raif el Sakr and Nimet Habachy (pictured
above at right) & her sister Suzan were each honored for
their work as champions of El Hagaana Church and the
Association for the Protection of the Environment, respectively.
Dr. Robert Laubach of Each One Teach One (above, left), Rev.
Pattie Kitchen of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, and Dr. Linda
Johnston of George Mason University, one of HANDS Egyptian
American Dialogue fellows, were recognized for their roles supporting
Egypt, as champions of literacy, church partnerships,
and intercultural dialogue.
Thank you to each of these, and to everyone who helps to
make the work of HANDS possible.
If you would like to become a Project Champion for one of
HANDS ministries, contact Amgad Beblawi, HANDS’ Deputy Director.
HANDS Happenings
EGYPTIAN-AMERICAN DIALOGUE REPORT
February 2004 saw the launch of HANDS’ Egyptian-
American Dialogue. Three Dialogue Fellows—Rev.
Scott Hill of Corydon Presbyterian Church in
Corydon, IN, Dr. Linda Johnston of George Mason
University, and Ms. Amira Maaty, a master’s degree candidate
in international peace and conflict resolution from
American University—were selected in a competitive
application process to visit Egypt as a Dialogue delegation.
The group met with members of the Forum for
Intercultural Dialogue who have been involved in intercultural
dialogue within Egypt, and are helping to establish
HANDS Egyptian-American Dialogue for cultural understanding
and exchange. Egyptian delegates plan to visit
Washington DC this fall to continue the discussion.
Between visits to each others’ countries, members of the
Dialogue will be working within their professional, social,
and religious spheres of influence to advocate for intercultural
understanding.
If you would like to help sponsor the cost of this dialogue,
are interested in participating in an American-
Egyptian roundtable dialogue, or if your congregation or
Anniversary (from page 1)
Corps International to help tell the story of Egypt and
HANDS, premiered at the Embassy and was warmly
received.
The evening was made possible by so many of you, from
the generous event sponsors, and by all who gave so generously
to the 15th Anniversary Fund. The Anniversary Fund
appeal of $150,000 was officially announced in the spring,
and already many have contributed. Thanks to all who
have made this 15th Anniversary year special.
Clockwise from top right,
HANDS supporters Clair
Michael & Ivonne Souryal,
with Executive Director
Karen Souryal; HANDS
supporters Drs. Nawal
Metry, Martha Welch and
Lucy Sourial; Embassy
Counselor Ayman
Zeineldine.
group would like to host a visiting Egyptian participant,
please contact Jennifer Cate, HANDS’ program manager.
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BEIT EL SALAM
Preparations have already begun for the 50th Anniversary
of Beit El Salam, a retreat center at Agami in the northeast
of Egypt. Beit El Salam acts as both a Christian camp for
hundreds of Egyptian children during the summer and as a
retreat center for churches and organizations.
Accompanying this 50th anniversary is also the 50th
reunion of work campers. The preliminary date for the
anniversary/reunion is set for November 2005. From
November 2-5, people will arrive in Agami for a reunion
celebration. On November 5-6 they will journey to
Alexandria and visit the Alexandrian churches and Cairo.
Participants will then have the option to remain in Egypt
with possible excursions to the Red Sea and Luxor with a
departure date of the15th. It is the reunion committee’s
hope that pictures and written remembrances of the 1955
camp can be incorporated into a book for the reunion.
Contact HANDS for more information of if you would like
to attend the anniversary events.
2 ▲ HANDS ALONG THE NILE

A View from the Field
Ican hardly believe that I’ve already finished my first
month in Cairo interning with CEOSS (Coptic Evangelical
Organization for Social Services, one of HANDS’ partners).
The time has flown by! Add to this an Anthropology class
I’m taking at the American University in Cairo and Arabic
lessons. I’ve hardly had a moment to take everything in.
I am developing a series of case studies on how programs
can be successful in the many contexts in Egypt. I’m looking
at child labor, strategies for improving housing, new
technologies in agri-business, and educational programs.
For this, my first field visit was to Kom Ghorab, an urban
squatter area of 25,000 migrants from rural Egypt. Kom
Ghorab struggles with many of the same issues of poor
urban areas throughout the world – crowded and unsanitary
housing, lack of access to basic education and healthcare,
exploitation of children, and limited opportunities. But during
the course of the day, I learned how the community has
changed. The primary industry in the area – pottery – has
been transitioned to the use of thirty large clean-burning
kerosene kilns, rather than the garbage-burning ovens
which used to create a black cloud over the area. The youth
center is now a focal point for children; 600 children come
each day, including 80 special-needs youths. Three disabled
children received athletic training and won gold medals at
the last Egyptian Special Olympics. Next month, twelve
computers will be installed for IT skills training. Kom
Ghorab has been transformed.
During my visit, I met Madon, Nadia, and their four children,
living in one 10’ x 10’ room, sharing a bathroom and
kitchen with others in the neighborhood. The oldest of their
children, Islam, left school during the 4th grade. The annual
cost of $7.75 was too great, the quality of education was poor,
By Sarah Tobin
One of HANDS’ Technical Assistants, Sarah
is supporting the work of HANDS’ partner
organizations. If you would like to donate
your time and skills in Egypt helping a HANDS project,
please contact Jennifer Cate at jcate@handsalongthenile.org.
and the harsh treatment by the teachers was unbearable.
Islam began working at a factory assembling electronic car
parts. It was dangerous for the 10 year old, working from
8:00 am until midnight 6 days a week – unimaginable. It
kept him from the Children’s Club and literacy classes. His
salary of less than $1.00 per week was meager, but needed by
the family. Islam wanted to change jobs but, for many children
in Kom Ghorab, the dangerous positions pay better.
Then Islam’s father, Madon, applied for a loan of $77 for a
cart to deliver kerosene to local families and bakeries. Madon
has successfully repaid the loan and Islam, now 14 years old,
is completing a two-year training program in tailoring. At the
end, Islam will receive his own sewing machine, enroll in literacy
classes, and pursue his dreams of starting a clothing
store with his father.
Even one month into my experience here, I feel like part of
this community and this place. My work here is helping to
change lives like Islam and Madon. My presence on the
Cairo metro and in my Egyptian neighborhood serves as an
indicator to Egyptians that Americans are concerned about
the Middle East, Arabs, Egyptians, and the poor, even if I am
not able to explain it in Arabic yet. Like many of you, even if
I don’t see Luxor or tour the Khan el Khalili market this
summer, or don’t master Anthropological theories of the
Middle East, I am part of Egypt, and Egypt is now part of me.
Upcoming Events
OCTOBER 1-15, 2004 AND FEB 5-19, 2005:
Join HANDS on one of our Insight Trips to explore the
Land of the Pharaohs, savoring the wealth of history, culture,
and religious traditions that make up Egypt. You’ll
also visit HANDS’ projects around Egypt, meeting the villagers
whose homes you’ve helped build, girls whose education
you’ve supported, and so much more!
Reserve your place! The registration deadline for
October’s trip is September 15, 2004, and the price is
reduced to $2,150—a 20 percent savings!
A Luxor Tour add-on also available. Call 1-800-564-
2544 or email info@handsalongthenile.org for more information.
SEPTEMBER 18 AND 19: HANDS board member
Dr. Emad Ramzy Philobbos will give two presentations in
the Washington, DC area on Egyptian Christians’ efforts
to address poverty and conflict in their land. Dr. Philobbos
is a Professor in the Faculty of Geology at the University
of Assiut, a member of the board of both the Evangelical
Seminary in Cairo and the Coptic Evangelical
Organization for Social Services. Admission is free; please
call our office for details.
OCTOBER 11-18: A team of three Egyptian delegates
plan to visit Washington DC to continue the discussion
with HANDS’ American dialogue team. If you are interested
in getting involved with our Egyptian-American
Dialogue, either through participating in a dialogue event,
sponsoring an Egyptian delegate, or hosting a lecture,
please contact Jennifer Cate, HANDS’ Program Manager
at jcate@handsalongthenile.org.
NOVEMBER 13: The Haddonfield Council of
Churches will host a conference for Middle East understanding
entitled “Egypt: Windows on the Middle East.”
The conference will focus on Christian-Muslim relations,
holistic development, and the possibilities for American
cooperation with the Christians of Egypt. The keynote
address will be given by Nabil Abadir, Director General of
the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services,
and board member of Hands Along the Nile. The conference
will be held at First Presbyterian Church in
Haddonfield, New Jersey.
Please call 856-429-1960 for further information or
reservations.
3 ▲ HANDS ALONG THE NILE

Staff & Board News
We welcome Amgad Beblawi
who joined HANDS in July as
Deputy Director. A first-generation
Egyptian American, Amgad studied
for two years at the Univeristy of
Assiut before emigrating from Egypt in
his teens. Beginning his college career
at Pasadena College,
Amgad holds M.A.
degrees in Theology
and Biblical Studies
from Fuller Seminary
in Pasadena,
California. He has
also served at Fuller
in various administrative
and academic
positions, and has
extensive experience with parachurch
organizations. Amgad and his wife
Susan are active church members and
have one son, Justin. Welcome, Amgad!
TRANSITIONS
Please join us in wishing Jeff Stinehelfer
and Katrina Townley well in their new
endeavors. Jeff served as Development
Director from July 2003 to February
2004 and brought a light-heartedness
and love of discovery to our office during
his tenure. It was Jeff’s inspiration
that ultimately led us to the Egyptian
embassy for our 15th anniversary celebration.
Thank you, Jeff, for your many
contributions to HANDS.
Katrina Townley has also moved on
after two years of faithful service as
Administrator and Development
Coordinator, the engine that kept everything
running! While we will miss her
dedication and loyalty, we know that
God has wonderful things in store for
her in her new position. And she’s
promised to continue to lend a hand as
often as needed. We’re lucky to still
have her in the HANDS family!
BOARD TRIBUTE
We’re also sad to report that Lee
Davies, a longtime member of HANDS
Board, has retired his seat at the board,
along with his position as treasurer. Lee
was one of HANDS most faithful
members, never missing a meeting or
an opportunity to advocate for HANDS’
mission. Join us in thanking Lee for a
great run. Lee, we’ll miss your dedication,
sharp insights, and legal advice!
Egyptian
Egypt’s music, like its culture, is a blend of many traditions.
Similar in structure to jazz, it is based largely on variation and
improvisation on a central theme. Complex rhythms rely on the
hand-held drum or tabla and stringed instruments such as the oud,
similar to a lute. Improvisational Arabic music makes extensive use of
microtones, or half-flats
and half-sharps, resulting
in music that has more
notes than many Western
forms. Traditional Egyptian
music also has a role for
the audience, which is
expected to clap, sing
along, and interact with the
performers.
Popular singer Amr Diab, left, and beloved
singer Umm Kulthum, right
In the early 1900’s, composers
like Sayed Darwish
began adopting Western
orchestral elements in their
music. This trend continues today. Modern Egyptian pop artists add
western drumbeats and “techno” sounds while retaining traditional
elements. But the influence on music also moves East to West.
Egyptian influence can be heard in Spanish, Greek, Middle Eastern,
American and Mexican music, and Egyptian songs are sometimes
played in American and European nightclubs.
Egypt loves its musicians, whether the traditional favorites like Sayed
Darwish, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Umm Kulthum, and Abdel Halim
Hafez, or modern artists like Amr Diab, Shereen, and Mohammed
Munir. The funeral of Egypt’s greatest singer, Umm Kulthum, in 1975,
rivaled President Nasser’s in size and national mourning.
However, as in any changing culture, music can be a lightning rod
for emotions. In 2003, Egyptian Parliament temporarily banned
Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram’s songs and videos due to content that
“failed to respect Eastern values.” Those who remember the controversies
around Elvis in 1950’s America may see correlations. The
ongoing struggle as Egypt comes to terms with cultural change is
reflected in its music.
(Adapted in part from David C. Scott, 1999, InterCity Oz, Inc.)
YOUNG AMERICANS FOR EGYPT
CULTURE CORNER
HAND’s listserve, Young Americans for Egypt (YAE), now has sixty-four
members.We post articles and upcoming events of interest to young adults
with a connection to Egypt, so check it out! New submissions and members
are always welcome at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youngamericansforegypt.
“BEYOND THE PYRAMIDS” VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE!
Around the world, Egypt is instantly recognized as the land of Pharaohs and
Pyramids. But there is so much beyond the pyramids that many never see.
HANDS, in cooperation with News Corps International, has produced a 15
minute video, Beyond the Pyramids, telling the story of the positive ministries
taking place in Egypt, and the role that Egypt can play in bringing the Middle
East and the West together across the barriers that divide us. Complimentary
copies of Beyond the Pyramids are available from the HANDS office.
4 ▲ HANDS ALONG THE NILE

Project News: Village of Hope
By Jennifer Cate
Program Manager of HANDS.
On the February 2004 Insight
Trip, HANDS was privileged to
visit the Village of Hope, a residential
and vocational center for
mentally-handicapped young people
outside of Alexandria, Egypt. Before
visiting, we had flipped through many
of their pictures. In the photos of
potato harvesting, work looks like
more of a game. Birthday parties
showcase homemade cakes covered
in thin, foot-long candles. In
every picture, the residents of the
Village of Hope look happy,
unfazed by their mental handicaps.
During our visit, we saw for
ourselves that the joy pictured
was real. Even in the few hours
we shared, we were offered a
chance to dance along with residents
to a fun Egyptian version of
the “hokey pokey”!
Located near the coast of the
Mediterranean Sea, outside of
Alexandria, the Village of Hope is
one of many Egyptian projects
sponsored by HANDS. Started in
2001, the Village works with
mentally-handicapped youth,
teaching them to participate in
household chores, providing vocational
training, and building their
self-esteem. Many of the young
adults, who range in age from 15
Above, a birthday celebration at Village of Hope.
Below, that’s Bob Ludwig, HANDS president,
dancing along!
to 25, live at the Village, a newly constructed
villa with enough yard space
for a green house and recreational
facilities. Others live at home but
come to the Village for training.
Family members are also equipped,
through workshops the Village offers,
with the skills they need to care for
their mentally-handicapped relatives.
Members of the community are
taught to grow vegetables, raise poultry,
build furniture, and bake bread.
They have opened a small shop on
the main road at which their students
sell croissants, date pastries, and
pizza, all made in their new bakery.
Students also learn how to care for
their personal hygiene and help their
parents with household tasks.
The Village of Hope has plans to
launch a photo-copy shop providing
vocational training for residents, and
a help line for community members
dealing with the challenges
of mentally-handicapped family
members.
To join the work of Village of
Hope, consider the following possibilities.
$2,800 will buy a photocopier
on which to train students
to earn a living by making copies.
$175 will pay for utilities at the
Village each month. $35 will provide
a parents’ telephone help line
for 4 months. Visit the Village of
Hope with HANDS on our next
Insight Trip or volunteer to work
with the residents for a short
term, as one young American
man did this summer.
Even if you’re unable to visit
the Village of Hope, you can see
from their pictures—whether they
are happily celebrating a birthday
for a handicapped teenager, or
dancing with us during our
visit—that your involvement in
HANDS has helped to make this
world a sunnier place.
A Summer of Interns!
HANDS was blessed this summer by the help of four fun
additions. Kelly Brammer and Stefan Johansson joined us
through American University’s “Summer in Washington”
program, helping with Egyptian craft marketing and sales. Kelly is
a junior majoring in Political Science & Spanish at Fordham University in
New York City. Stefan is a senior at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, majoring
in History and Russian. Roula Baki, a graduate student in International
Education at the George Washington University, brought her Middle Eastern
background and her warm smile to her tasks with HANDS this summer.
Patricia Anton, also a graduate student, brings her studies in Conflict
Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University to the newly formed
Egyptian-American Dialogue program. While we sadly said goodbye to Kelly,
Stefan & Roula in August, Patty will continue her internship through the fall.
Clockwise from
top left: Kelly
Brammer,
Patricia Anton,
Roula Baki, and
Stefan
Johansson.
5 ▲ HANDS ALONG THE NILE

Our Mission
Hands Along the Nile is an American
organization that develops partnerships
between Americans and Egyptians to
increase understanding through dialogue
and to support Egyptian Christians in
their efforts to raise the quality of life
for all in their land.
2003 Annual Report
Now Available
Please call our office if you would like a
copy! (703)-875-9370 or 1-800-564-2544
Giving the Gift of Safety
HANDS’ work supporting alternatives to
child labor in Egypt has been selected as a
catalog item in the Alternative Gifts
Market! This Christmas or family holiday,
in the name of your loved one, you can
give the gift of schooling, safe conditions,
and a medical check-up to one boy or girl
in Egypt. To order a catalog or give a gift,
contact www.altgifts.org.
R E P L Y
C A R D
I’D LIKE TO HELP EGYPT. ENCLOSED IS MY GIFT FOR:
❑ Beit El Salaam Retreat Center
❑ Village of Hope
❑ HANDS 15th Anniversary Fund
❑ Other Egyptian project, namely ________________________
❑ I want to support HANDS on a monthly basis. Please send me a set of
monthly reminder cards.
❑ Please charge $______ to my ❑Visa ❑MasterCard ❑Amex ❑Discover
Card No. _______________________ Expires ____ / _____
MY NAME __________________________________________
ADDRESS__________________________________________
TEL___________________ E-MAIL______________________
Please include my friend in your newsletter mailing:
Please make your check
payable to HANDS.
1601 North Kent St., Suite 1014
Arlington, VA 22209
NAME ____________________________________________
ADDRESS__________________________________________
TEL___________________ E-MAIL______________________
• HANDS at the Egyptian Embassy
• Next Egypt trip: Feb. 5-19, 2005
Hands Along the Nile Development Services
1601 North Kent Street, Suite 1014
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