Rozza was a political science student at Cairo University, in the beginning of the 1970s, when the leftist-led student movement was witnessing a revival, after being suppressed under President Nasser for two decades.
Students, then, spearheaded mass demos in 1971-73, calling for war against against Israeli occupation forces in the Sinai peninsula, and campaigning for social and political justice for Egyptian citizens.
At Cairo University, the students formed the “Higher National Committee for Egypt’s Students,” which acted as an independent national student union, parallel to the government-controlled one. The committee, chaired by Rozza, led the famous January 1972 demos, which witnessed 20,000 students and workers taking over Tahrir Sq., in the heart of Cairo. Before security forces moved in to smash the occupation, teach-ins and discussion groups formed spontaneously went on for long hours; citizens from the neighboring buildings passed food, water, and cigarettes to the students in the square. The global students’ revolt, the Vietnam war, and the launching of the Palestinian revolution were sources of inspiration for the young radical and his mates. Rozza was arrested several times, and earned fame with Sadat showering him personally with slurs in public, in his famous “I will not negotiate with Rozza” speech. Rozza did not belong to any of the political groups back then, but his charisma drew him a following that made him the Egyptian Daniel Cohn-Bendit.
Rozza traveled later to Britain for his doctorate, which he wrote on the Egyptian students’ movement. Like many other student activists, he gradually drifted away from the lights after his graduation. He became a political commentator, writer, researcher, academic, and ran an NGO in 3ein el-Seera that cared for youth issues… still kept a low profile.
Many of the 1970s activists, who struggled hand-in-hand with Rozza, are still around and taking a leading role in the pro-democracy movement, like Kamal Khalil, currently detained in Tora, and Aida Seif al-Dawla, the anti-torture campaigner. Aida called me an hour ago, clearly disturbed, to say how devastated she was by the news. “I feel the regime is finishing us off, one by one,” she sighed at the end of the conversation. “Seems like our hearts have become to weak to handle our country.”
I received a follow up from Nora Younis:
Rozza felt hopeful with the political mobility and ran for the Nov 05 parliamentary elections. He used Sadat’s quote in his campaign and printed it on flyers. Sharkawi was one of the active Youth for Change leaders to help Rozza lead his street campaign and rallies.
This is sad news. He was such an insightful analyst of Egyptian politics and, even more important, an unusually kind and decent person who dedicated his hours to helping improve the lives of child workers in Cairo – an uphill struggle if there ever was one. What a loss.
Has Rozza ever had a chance to express his gratitude to the US for stopping Israel from destroying the Egyption army?
That would have been the least he could do considering he wanted the war in the first place. Has he ever asked for forgiveness from the relatives of people who died on both sides?
Shlemazi,
You are one sick son-of-a-bitch. Even in the passing of someone, do you have to get your snarky little asides in about someone you never knew to insult to those already upset about Ahmad’s loss.
If he wanted “war” it was over thirty-years ago. I am guessing that he was not the only one nor can this be seen as a strictly Egyptian. Maybe Ahmad was wrong. Maybe Ahmad was young. Who cares….it was one small part of his whole short life, which as Amy and Nora have written, was primarily geared to serving others and the disadvantaged.
So take your ideological sarcasm and sod off you ill-mannered brat. Your lack of compassion just exposes your lack of humanness.
Maye and I are very upset by the news and Egypt has lost a great person, friend, and scholar.
I have lived and researched in Cairo for 8 years. Yet, perhaps by chance or misfortune not have the pleasure of meeting Ahmad until very recently. I met him twice – both times in the past month.
The first time was at a dinner after Marsha Pripstein Posusney lectured at AUC. There was a small dinner at a Garden City restaurant where Marsha, Ahmad, Ann Lesch, Martina Rieker, Hugh Roberts, Michaelle Browers, Manar al-Sharbaghy, Maye, and I ate and chatted. Even though Maye and I did not know him well, it was clear that he and Marsha shared a long and collaborative research history together. Ahmad told stories of his candidacy in last parliamentary elections in Masr Adima district. My impression that evening was favorable and it was clear his personality was addictive. I kept my distance from Ahmad that evening. My thinking was that when the crowds were not around we would share a quiet chat about Egypt’s past, present, and future. It was clear that Ahmad had so much experience and knowledge.
The second time we met was just last Thursday. We had a party at our home for a recent professional achievement for Maye. It was a fantastic night. Michaelle called and asked if it was ok to bring Ahmad. Immediately, I smiled and said of course. Ahmad came early and as our friends – Maye’s former and present students, journalists, academics, analysts – came to celebrate, Ahmad quickly became the light of the party. He was having a great time. At one point, I went out on the balcony and Ahmad was holding court with all of Maye’s AUC students. They sat there mesmerized listening to him and his thoughts. One of Maye’s students came up to me and said “Ahmad is the most fascinating person I’ve ever met”. As the night progressed and the party grew more festive, I decided to say a few words of thanks to all out friends before cutting the cake. As I bumbled my way through about Maye, Ahmad interjected and said something to the effect that “While we are proud of Maye’s tenure, we also want her to know she always had and always will have tenure over our hearts.” With one simple sentence, Ahmad had easily outdone me, won Maye over forever, and draw an emotional “ahhh….isn’t that sweet” response from the on-lookers. As he was leaving, Maye and I said good-bye to him. Maye looked at him and said, “Thanks so much for coming….The best thing that happened tonight was that you came. I am so glad.”
I remember thinking, again, “right….we did not get to chat but soon…very soon, I will call Ahmad and we’ll going to get to the business of talking Egyptian politics.” There was a feeling that Ahmad would be here forever and we had nothing but time.
A while later I was on the balcony with another friend. He looked at me and said, “boy, there is this guy here that looks just like Ahmad Abdalla.” I replied, “that’s because it is Ahmad Abdalla.” My friend smiled and said, “do you know I was in university with him but have not seen him in years.” The smile on his face said it all. His memories of Ahmad – whether he agreed, disagreed, demonstrated or not – were clearly favorable. To me, it summed up how everyone who ever had the opportunity to meet, chat, or dine with Ahmad Abdalla felt. Even though it saddens me to write this, I am grinning thinking about Ahmad’s energy, charisma, and friendliness.
Last night, after hearing the news, I was flooded with SMSs and had trouble sleeping…..Ahmad and I never did get to know one another like I wanted to but I am happy to have known him even momentarily.
May he rest in peace and may the political, social, and economic development – rooted in the idea of social justice – he wished for Egypt eventually come to fruition.
Justice,
With respect, I asked a legitimate question. Has he ever admitted that he was wrong?
I wouldn’t give out sweets on anyones death, but the young lives lost in the Yom Kippur war will not be forgotten.
[…] اقرأ أكثر عن رزة هنا وهنا […]
Very sad news. Ahmad was an insightful scholar and committed activist for justice in Egypt. I learned so much from him. Tragic.
What a fascinating figure. A tragic loss for Egypt. Does anyone know whether he will be commemorated in any special way — a profile, book or conference? Sounds like a lot of people would have interesting to say about him.
The first time I met Ahmed was in the office of MERIP (Middle East Report), where I worked from 1990-2. Ahmed was sitting at Joe Stork’s desk reworking an article he had written by hand. This and many articles from this fine scholar and thinker graced the pages of the magazine over the years. At this first meeting we spend a few hours talking and in his usual animated fashion he made quite a mark. As he would often remind me, I had made a comment about how he seemed to have lived quite a life for such a young man. He told me his age, which I had assumed to be near mine, and I replied that he was a man with a much younger aura. So every time I saw dear Ahmed he would ask me: “do I still have the aura of a young man? My hair is getting so grey!” He never did lose that endless energy for his work and managed to stay young through his efforts for the working children he fought so hard to keep dreams alive in and to allow to have a childhood and hopefully a better future. This past Friday, I went to eat delicious fish with Ahmed, Umm Ahmed and a few other friends and family. As usual, lost in this section of Cairo, I exited my taxi and asked the first child I met where I could find him. For all the talk about him keeping a low profile in recent years, he was never difficult to find. He has continued to write and to fight. Samer is quite right that this was an organic intellectual, someone who lived what he believed and continued to develop his thinking as he lived, never stopping his fight for his neighborhood and his country. I have never know Egypt without my friend Ahmed and am still having trouble imagining it.
I don’t recall now which article that would have been that Michaelle recalls, because Ahmad wrote any number of really thoughtful articles for Middle East Report in those days. You could count on him to provide a well-grounded perspective that reflected his street smarts. When Middle East Report wanted to recruit a Cairo correspondent Ahmad was the first person we went to. For various reasons, mainly having to do with Ahmad’s already multiple commitments, that never happened, but we stayed in touch. It’s been a few years since I last met with Ahmad. When I was in Cairo in April I heard from mutual friends about his campaign for the parliamentary seat from his district, an effort that he evidently threw himself into with his customary fervor and good humor.
The news of his death has made this a terribly sad day. He is missed.
I am still too devastated by this news to know quite what to say. Ahmed was a close friend of mine for 20 years now; I met him when my husband and I were living in Cairo back in 1986. We were frequent guests at his home in Ain el-Sera, and I hope someone there can convey our deepest condolences to Umm Ahmed.
After we returned to the U.S. I was able to help arrange several trips here for him, in which he spoke at various local academic institutions. Ahmed always impressed the audience with his keen intellect. He stayed in my home on these occasions, and my son Eric came to know him as “Uncle Ahmed.” We brought Eric, then 9, to the al-Jeel Center seven years ago, and he was surprised to find pictures of Ahmed holding him as a baby enshrined in one of the photo albums at the Center.
Ahmed’s insights about Egypt were invaluable to me in my research. His dedication to, and courage in fighting for, Egypt’s lower classes were always an inspiration to me, and his warmth and wit made him a pleasure to be around. I feel very privileged to have known him, and will miss him deeply.
Ahmed and I were close friends since 1990. Since then, almost each time he had something to do in Europe he came over to Cologne and spent some time with us – usually not for work, but just relaxing, having a good time with common friends and our kids, whom he loved. Ahmed was not only an outstanding intellectual and a brillant speaker (wonderful Arabic), but also a committed friend. He would never leave us without notice when he was flying by, and he hosted us generously in his modest apartment when we were in Cairo.
The last time Ahmed came to see us was in spring 2005. I was a bit worried then, because of his fragile health, but I did not expect at all that this might be the last time I see him. His passing away is a big shock for me and I think that going to Cairo will feel very different in the future.
I feel sad for Ahmed’s family, and for the team and the kids of Al-Jeel Center. I sincerely hope that there will be a possibility to maintain and further develop the work of Al-Jeel-Center on behalf of children and youth. Maybe internet fora like the present one can serve to form an initiative in this direction. If onayone takes up the initiative, I would be ready to join.
Martina
Ahmed was an inspiration to many of us. He will be sorely missed. The Al Jeel Center must continue.
We are totally devastated by this enormous loss. We met Ahmad back in the 1986 while we were living in Egypt. Although we had a flat near tahrir square at that time, we were almost living in Ain el Sira fm morning to night with our friends. Ahmed was a warm man and respected figure, open minded, and a…..great singer. His mother’s coffee was the best in the world. He recently visited us in France, after many years we haven’t sen him. Together with other friends, just a month ago, we spent a marvellous week together, hanging around, shopping , discussing, singing, shouting each other, whenever we did not agree, and thereafter laughing and agreeing on other matters and partying like childs. He came to see us with plenty of gifts, books, materials fm his election campaign such as posters, bags.
I loved his reactions in front of new events and situations, he was bright analyzing the new things arising in front of him. He elevated our discussions to a level where everybody could participate and understand, giving us keys for a better comprehension. We feel like orphans.
We are just destroyed, and we think of his mother, sister, daughter and family to whom we expresses our deepest and so sincere regrets.
We mourn him a lot, really, he touched our souls with his humanity. Peace upon him. He will allways stay with us.
Finally we strongly support the idea previously advanced here to maintain and further develop the work of Al-Jeel-Center in loving memory of Uncle Ahmed.
What a loss. I knew him since the middle of 90s. I miss him a lot.
He came to Japan to stay about 6 months before and during the US attack on Iraq. He was depressed and sad all the time when he saw the current situation in the Middle East. I really hope that he didn’t pass away in his sadness or despare. Does anybody tell me what was the reason for his death? I know he had a problem in his heart.
Does anybody have contact with his daughter and his mother? Please convey my condolence to them, from Japan, please.
[…] Around 300 activists demonstrated Tuesday evening in front of the press syndicate, calling for the release of the pro-democracy detainees. The demonstrators included several of the recently released detainees, who showed up dressed in the white prison costumes they wore in Tora. The scene was beautiful. Released activists who haven’t seen one another since they got out of prison were hugging, and in tears. Others were recalling their prison stories, and exchanging jokes and laughters. Veteran socialist Kamal Khalil, and his colleagues Wael Khalil and Ibrahim el-Sahary got the lionshare of hugs and kisses. They led the demonstrators, in chants against Mubarak, and against State Security police. Central Security Forces surrounded the syndicate. The usual support brigades of baton-wielding plainclothes thugs were also present, together with few officers from State Security’s CounterCommunism’s Bureau. However, no hassels were witnessed, and one could get into the syndicate easily. The one-hour protest was followed by a conference, organized by the Liberties’ Committee. Several released detainees took the poduim, and shared their experiences with their supporters. Kamal Khalil denounced any talks between the opposition and Mubarak’s National Democratic Party, called for the release of Dr. Ayman Nour, Sharqawi, Sha3er, and the 700+ Muslim Brothers detainees. Kamal also condemned the US support for Mubarak and Israel, affirming that the movement for change in Egypt sees their democracy cause to be organically linked to other regional causes, most importantly Palestine and Iraq. Kamal also expressed his sorrow for the loss of his mentors and colleagues, Ahmad Nabil el-Hilaly, Youssef Darwish and Ahmad 3abdallah Rozza, who passed away while he was in prison. “Rest in peace,” he said to his lost comrades. “I want to assure Hilaly the socialist movement has been revived. The Communists in Egypt are only getting stronger day by day. You taught us a lot, and we will not fail you.” I went out later with 3alaa, Manal, and Malek to a friend’s place where we were supposed to party. Unfortunately, after two hours of laughter, we were showered with SMSs about the Israeli invasion of Gaza. We lost the mood for partying, and decided to go home and follow the news. Israeli tanks, as I write now, are rolling into north and south of the strip. Israeli F-16s have bombed two bridges in Gaza’s central zone. Gaza is now in darkness as Israeli jets shelled the only electric power station Gaza has. […]
[…] MONDAY, JULY 3 Kefaya and socialists are meeting with labor activists to strategize for the August national labor union elections, 7pm, at the Center for Socialist Studies. TUESDAY, JULY 4 Kefaya is holding a press conference, 12 noon, publicizing the findings of its report on Corruption in Egypt. The detailed report is the product of months of work by a group of the movement’s youth, academics and economists. The conference will be held at the Egyptian Center for Studies, building #15, 26th of July Street, behind Grand Hotel in Ramsis. WEDNESDAY, JULY 5 The Press Syndicate’s Liberties’ Committee has called for a demonstration in front of the Arab League HQ, 12 noon, in solidarity with the Palestinian resistance in Gaza. FRIDAY, JULY 7 A group of bloggers have called for a demo in front of the Israeli embassy in Cairo, 3pm, following the Friday prayers, to protest the Israeli military operations in Gaza. The meeting point would be in front of Nahdet Masr’s statue. For more information click here. MONDAY, JULY 10 A Memorial will be held for Egypt’s two “Communist Saints,” Ahmad Nabil el-Hilaly and Youssef Darwish, 7pm at the Press Syndicate. FRIDAY, JULY 14 A memorial will be held for Ahmad 3abdallah Rozza, the 1970s legendary student activist, 7pm at the Press Syndicate. TUESDAY, JULY 18 The Center for Socialist Studies is organizing a lecture, 7pm, titled, The Palestinian Divisions: New pressures on Hamas. Speakers include: Dr. Hassan Naf3a, Political Science prof at Cairo University, together with one of the center’s members. TUESDAY, JULY 25 The Center for Socialist Studies is organizing a discussion on, The Ya3qoubian Building… An insight into Mubarak’s Egypt. Participants will include, Judge Noha el-Zeini, the novel’s author 3alaa el-Aswani, and Khaled el-Sawi, movie star and member of Artists for Change. […]