An old holiday becomes a new day of division
In 1973, Egyptian Armed Forces in a joint operation with the Syrian military, moved against Israeli positions that resulted from the Six-Day War in 1967 - this joint operation began on the 6th of October, which was also Yom Kippur and so the war that lasted until 25 October is also referred to as the Yom Kippur War. (Side note: The tensions and land disputes that resulted from these two conflicts, as well as all that preceded and followed the events, would eventually culminate in the Camp David Peace Accords.)
The 1973 war began with the armed forces of Egypt crossing back into the Sinai Peninsula and was a day of great pride and respect for the military. So the holiday of 6th of October is more in appreciation of the military, and is sometimes called "Armed Forces Day".
And that brief, and probably far too simplistic for accuracy, history of October 6, 1973 is what leads us to today - for though this day will lead many to enjoy a holiday, many in Egypt are also still quite angry at the military for their role in the events that have transpired in Egypt since June 30, especially the forced removal of ousted President Mohammed Morsi and the installation of the now interim government. Further, the interim government, ministry of interior who oversees the police and security forces, and the military under the command of General Sisi are blamed by these same pro-Morsi groups for the ongoing arrests, "persecution", and dispersal of Muslim Brotherhood events.
So a day to honor the Armed Forces has also become a day to demonstrate against them.
Meanwhile, those who were a part of the largest political demonstration in history on June 30, organized by the Tamarod (Rebel) campaign, have a renewed sense of gratitude and appreciation of the Armed Forces--a renewal that was necessary after the brief leadership of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces (SCAF) after the January 25, 2011 revolution. That transitional period was an all-time low in the public's opinion of the military, but now, though it's a divided opinion, the military is in a much more favorable position.
The interim president has urged those who support the Armed Forces to take to the streets in affirmation.
And so the clash potential is high today, particularly around Tahrir Square where both groups are planning to meet and likely converge in more than just a war of words and ideals.
As a result, we're home again tonight rather than attempting to get beyond Tahrir for worship--the CCF decided that the risk of passing through potential demonstrators on their way into or away from worship could be difficult, if not dangerous. So, the interruptions for our regular gatherings continue - 11 weeks off, 3 weeks on, 1 week off since June 30 :(. The Metro lines are expected to see delays as people also use the stations as demonstration points, as well as the means that some will take to get to downtown gatherings; the US Embassy warned against the use of the Metro lines as they have been a target for potential violence in the last couple months.
As you enjoy your Sunday, pray for the peace of Egypt today as we wait and wonder what ripple effects will spring from today's events.
Thank you for your continued interest, prayers, and support...
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| Egyptian Armed Forces crossed back into the Sinai Peninsula on October 6, 1973. (image found in Google image search) |
In 1973, Egyptian Armed Forces in a joint operation with the Syrian military, moved against Israeli positions that resulted from the Six-Day War in 1967 - this joint operation began on the 6th of October, which was also Yom Kippur and so the war that lasted until 25 October is also referred to as the Yom Kippur War. (Side note: The tensions and land disputes that resulted from these two conflicts, as well as all that preceded and followed the events, would eventually culminate in the Camp David Peace Accords.)
The 1973 war began with the armed forces of Egypt crossing back into the Sinai Peninsula and was a day of great pride and respect for the military. So the holiday of 6th of October is more in appreciation of the military, and is sometimes called "Armed Forces Day".
And that brief, and probably far too simplistic for accuracy, history of October 6, 1973 is what leads us to today - for though this day will lead many to enjoy a holiday, many in Egypt are also still quite angry at the military for their role in the events that have transpired in Egypt since June 30, especially the forced removal of ousted President Mohammed Morsi and the installation of the now interim government. Further, the interim government, ministry of interior who oversees the police and security forces, and the military under the command of General Sisi are blamed by these same pro-Morsi groups for the ongoing arrests, "persecution", and dispersal of Muslim Brotherhood events.
So a day to honor the Armed Forces has also become a day to demonstrate against them.
Meanwhile, those who were a part of the largest political demonstration in history on June 30, organized by the Tamarod (Rebel) campaign, have a renewed sense of gratitude and appreciation of the Armed Forces--a renewal that was necessary after the brief leadership of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces (SCAF) after the January 25, 2011 revolution. That transitional period was an all-time low in the public's opinion of the military, but now, though it's a divided opinion, the military is in a much more favorable position.
The interim president has urged those who support the Armed Forces to take to the streets in affirmation.
And so the clash potential is high today, particularly around Tahrir Square where both groups are planning to meet and likely converge in more than just a war of words and ideals.
As a result, we're home again tonight rather than attempting to get beyond Tahrir for worship--the CCF decided that the risk of passing through potential demonstrators on their way into or away from worship could be difficult, if not dangerous. So, the interruptions for our regular gatherings continue - 11 weeks off, 3 weeks on, 1 week off since June 30 :(. The Metro lines are expected to see delays as people also use the stations as demonstration points, as well as the means that some will take to get to downtown gatherings; the US Embassy warned against the use of the Metro lines as they have been a target for potential violence in the last couple months.
As you enjoy your Sunday, pray for the peace of Egypt today as we wait and wonder what ripple effects will spring from today's events.
Thank you for your continued interest, prayers, and support...
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