There Is Always Hope

Last night, two Indians, two Palestinians, a Lebnani, and a Syrian broke (naan) bread at a hole-in-the-wall Pakistani restaurant in an unassuming suburb of LA. The main topic of discussion: the revolution in Egypt.

Nishant and I listened quietly as our friends recounted memories of events that had transpired in their homelands. Experiences were shared, opinions were voiced, and perspectives were gained. Some were optimistic while others were doubtful about the future of Egypt, but everyone agreed that history was indeed being made.

Having grown up in a country with basic freedoms, it's easy to take those freedoms for granted and, consequently, that much more difficult to imagine the plight of millions of people around the world who live their lives in glaring contrast to our own. Over the past 18 days, the Egyptian people decided that a life wrought with despair instead of hope, fear in lieu of security, and desperation in place of dignity was not a life worth passing on to future generations. They resolved to take back the power - and they succeeded. 64 years ago, the people of India gained their independence. 235 years ago, the US achieved the same triumph. The fight for freedom rages on in many countries, but the issue has become one of basic human rights, regardless of faith, nationality, or race. Resilience in the face of oppression is something that unites us all.    

Last night, six friends left dinner daring to hope for a new beginning halfway across the world. On Friday, February 11, 2011, the dream came true.

"You gained your liberty; you have gained the right to catch up with the rest of the world. Make the best of it." 
- Mohamed ElBaradei, Egyptian Diplomat, Law Scholar, and Nobel Laureate - 02.02.11