in
Waterloo Region
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the idea of the pilot project … EGYPT WEEK … is to offer a glimpse of the true heritage, civilization, culture and talents from ancient to present, by holding activities at multiple venues … throughout the week in Waterloo Region
Waterloo Region – the Golden Triangle – boasts two very prominent universities and a significant College, as well as being economically vibrant with headquarters of many industries and businesses
Since 1991 Cross Cultures magazine has successfully forged partnerships and collaborations throughout the region:
holding panel discussions covering a wide range of issues -often very frank yet conducted in mutual respect
partnering with the City of Kitchener for over 20 years (pre COVID) . . . the commemoration of the U N International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, each year highlighting a different issue -mornings involving all three school systems – afternoons open to the public with speakers, debates,… etc topping off the evening with a Peace Concert
partnering with Kitchener Public Library in the past, for five years, with a monthly interactive “Perspectives Dialogue”
most community organizations especially indigenous First Nations
collaborations with school boards – public, separate and private
and as we continue to promote MUTUAL RESPECT and work towards transcending barriers through knowledge of each other, we are humbled that many of our partners are now opening their doors and venues for us to hold events and showcase facets of Egyptian intellectual, cultural and artistic talents
EGYPT WEEK is shaping up as follows:
October 20th (Sunday) 10 am – 4 pm
opening day generously sponsored by THE MUSEUM located downtown Kitchener at 10 King Street West, Kitchener ON N2G 1A3
we are honoured that indigenous elder Myeengun Henry will give blessing prayer – smudging outdoors
land acknowledgement
Canadian and Egyptian anthems
followed by two hours of free browsing of the displays
. . . book collection by Teama Publishing founded by Egyptian-born Reham Teama, who started the first Arabic Canadian Book Fair in 2023 . . whose main mission is to showcase the Arabic culture through literature and feature the Arab authors and their creative work in Arabic, English and French. Reham is a global citizen who started working when she was a university student back in 2002 and gained her work experience for about 20 years in more than 4 countries in 4 different continents. In 2019, she decided to pursue her dream as an entrepreneur and is the winner of iconic Canadian business awards. One of the ACBF’s major activities is the coordination with the publishing houses in the Arab world and connecting them with the Canadian market, in addition to the strong network of relations with Arab writers in the diaspora, which results in a rich and diverse cultural program that accompanies each of the leading book fair’s edition. R eham’s main hobby is writing. She developed her skills in creative writing and became recognized as a talented author. Teama Publishing, has published Gender X by Zain Joseph, Other Side of the Road by Ismahen Chaabouni and Motivational Diaries by Reem Ammari
. . . artifacts, traditional craft products . . . of Egypt
with demo workshops which may include copper, silver, weaving, tent making, calligraphy, papyrus, earthenware
. . . visual art
noon onwards
from pioneer Egyptian women .. to present day movers and shakers :
Alexandra Kinias, founder and CEO of Women of Egypt Network. Kinias holds a BSc. in Mechanical Engineering. After moving to the U.S., she became a screenwriter, novelist, travel advisor, and freelance market research consultant on Egyptian women’s issues. A women’s rights advocate and public speaker, her work appeared in various outlets in MENA and the U.S. Her movie Cairo Exit won the Best Non-European Film award at the Independent European Film Festival. Kinias also founded WoEgypt Initiative to empower Egyptian women, highlight key issues to drive positive change. Celebrating her 60th Birthday, she summited Mountain Kilimanjaro, to challenge age stereotypes
grounddbreaking changer and a positive contributor to a resilient family life in Canada.. The successful story continues . .
Abeer Mowafy is the founder and CEO of Bidaya (which in Arabic means Beginnings), a premier consulting firm specializing in education, parenting, career development, and relationship guidance. With over 24 years of experience in the education sector, including over a decade as a school principal, she is recognized for her transformative leadership and commitment to excellence, earning multiple awards for her contributions to educational innovation. As an expert consultant in education, Abeer Mowafy provides strategic insights for schools and educational institutions, helping them enhance curriculum development, foster inclusive learning environments, and implement effective teaching methodologies. Her extensive background enables her to mentor educators and support school leaders in achieving their goals. In the realm of parenting, Abeer Mowafy offers tailored workshops and one-on-one coaching that equip parents with the tools to navigate challenges, build strong family dynamics, and promote healthy child development. Her compassionate approach empowers parents to foster positive relationships with their children.
For career development, Abeer Mowafy specializes in guiding individuals through career transitions, offering personalized coaching that focuses on skill assessment, resume building, and interview preparation. She helps clients identify their strengths and align their career paths with their passions and goals. In relationship consultations, Abeer Mowafy provides strategies to improve communication and conflict resolution, supporting couples and families in strengthening their connections. Her expertise in fostering healthy relationships enables clients to build lasting bonds and navigate challenges with confidence. Through “Bidaya”, Abeer Mowafy is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to thrive in all aspects of their lives, leveraging her vast experience and passion for helping others achieve their potential
Instagram: Bidaya.CA
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561440554046&mibextid=LQQJ4d
like mother like daughter :
Inherited leadership with promising remarkable contributions to Canadian society
Leian Khalifa is a grade 11 Canadian student of Egyptian descent. Growing up she explored how the Egyptian and Canadian cultures intertwined in harmony. Throughout her childhood she observed the various successes and contributions her mother, Abeer Mowafy, made on the Canadian community which encouraged her to empower other youth through delving into the world of multiculturalism. She is currently studying in the International Baccalaureate program with interests in STEM, neuroscience, and justice advocacy. She is pursuing the intersection of these fields through a Harvard bioethics course. She has also completed over 250 hours of volunteering ranging from clinical experience to mentoring children at summer camps. She has extensive work experience in events media coordination and teacher assistance. Leian is committed to continuing her community involvement, pursue post secondary education, and advocate for those in need
growing up Canadian of Egyptian parents
Raghad el Shebiny Shawky is a 25 year-old Canadian with Egyptian roots. Her parents were keen on finding a balance between maintaining their heritage and values while also connecting with the different cultures around them. She was supported, encouraged and empowered to achieve and constantly pursue higher education, indeed her undergrad was in Game Design, and her masters in the Digital Media program focused on using Games for teaching Engineers and STEM programs at Post Secondary Education Institutions. She published and presented papers at conferences such as the Canadian Engineering Education Association conference and the American Society for Engineering Education conference about the importance of hands on and project based learning through her work on the redesign of the Space Engineering Program at the Lassonde School of Engineering. She currently works as the Centre Director at the Code Ninjas Centre in St Catharines where she runs the centre and teaches young children all about coding and robotics through Game Design
music by Egyptian artists . . . and a sing along
Maged Zarif Kamel is a talented lute player, singer and composer. He is a graduate of the Oriental Music Institute and enjoys performing at multiple countries with his band (3agwand) in Canada and they will also be leading the concert at Centre in the Square next day
Ehab Abdou currently lives and teaches in Waterloo. He enjoys writing and singing Egyptian songs. In 2006, he has helped co-found the “Ana Masry” (I’m Egyptian) musical ensemble to help promote and celebrate Egypt’s rich diversity which performed in Egypt, the US, and Canada. He has more recently been starting to experiment with singing without musical accompaniment
Sally Dawoud is an educator and an artist of Egyptian heritage who grew up in Canada. Her musical background includes classical, gospel, and Middle Eastern singing due to her close ties to her homeland, which inspires her to be an active choir member at various Coptic Orthodox Churches and her passion for Coptic hymnology drives her to share this beautiful music with the world. She is currently performing with Myriad ensemble located in Burlington Ontario. Her performance and teaching experience is what allows her to inspire and empower students musically and encourage them to express themselves through the power of music
3:45 – 4:00 pm Dignitary and VIP greetings
parking is free on Sunday
October 21st (Monday) 6 – 9 pm
please note that due to unforeseen circumstances
.. the October 21st concert is POSTPONED to a later date . . . not cancelled . . .
generously sponsored by Centre in the Square
101 Queen Street North, Kitchener, ON N2H 6P7
October 22nd (Tuesday)
full day diverse programme at the Registry Theatre 122 Frederick Street, Kitchener, ON N2H 2L9
generously sponsored by visionary producer, director, writer and legendary supporter of the arts . . . Glasgow born, proud Canadian . . . Lawrence McNaught’s own Rigglevake Productions
if you are unable to attend in person .. send me your contact to (egyptweekkw@gmail.com) . . . and I will send you the zoom link
10 am – 2:00 pm
morning segment is by registration only
2:00 – 2:30 pm lunch break and socializing
2:30 – 5:00 pm panel and presentations :
Adel Darwish
an Alexandria, Egypt born British author, historian, political commentator and a veteran journalist, based at the Press Gallery of the House Of commons in the Palace of Westminster. As a broadcaster Adel continues to contribute, mostly live, to major national and international networks on a variety of subjects. His expertise on international affairs covers conflict, conflict resolution, water politics, and has worked for most Fleet Street papers as a foreign correspondent covering Africa and the Middle East since the Six-day war in 1967 through to the late 1980s. He knew and had meetings with most of the period leaders of the region. As author, he published several books including : Alexandria Adieu: A Personal History: 1939-1960; Unholy Babylon: The Secret History of Saddam’s War; Water Wars: Coming Conflicts in the Middle East; The Edge of War: Kuwait’s Underground Resistance, Khafji 1990-1991. In the field of Drama, he published many film and theatre critiques and as theatre producer and director, Darwish has been involved in British theatre, with some of his plays performed at the Edinburgh Festival and at the Young Vic and several Fringe theatres in London during the 1970s. Most of his plays were adaptations of poems and short stories from Africa, especially from Egypt. Darwish introduced 20th century Egyptian Drama in English to British Theatre goers Between 1970 and 1982 in English production of scores of plays by Egyptian playwrights. Among them Tawfik el-Hakim; Alfred Farag; Mahmoud Diab; Ali Salem (Salim); Mikhail Roman. Darwish also produced plays by other African writers like Libyan novelist and dramatist Ahmed Faqih . He also produced works from Latin America like Pablo Neruda
Ronald Moreno Cicurel
mathematician and author of “memoires” of his early life in Egypt (he is grandson of Salvatore Cicurel who founded the famous department stores in Egypt. He is the son of Salvator Cicurel and Huguette (nee Rofé). Ronald was born at the foot of the Pyramids of Giza in 1945. His family was forced to leave Egypt in 1957 to settle first in Milan and two years later in Lausanne where they obtained Swiss nationality. Ronald did his primary education in a small school in the Cairo suburb of Meadi, at the Cours Morin in Zamalek, then at the Lycée français du Caire before leaving Egypt. He continued his education at the Lycée Alessandro Manzoni in Milan, at the Collège Cantonal du Belvédère in Lausanne, to conclude his secondary studies at the gymnasium of Cité in the math / science section where he obtained his baccalaureate. He pursued university studies and obtained a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at the University of Lausanne in 1968, followed in 1973 by a doctorate in science. He teaches at the universities of Lausanne and Geneva, actively participates in international congresses and seminars in Switzerland, France, England and the USA. From 1980 to 2000 he participated in the creation and development of several commercial enterprises in various fields, including education and publishing. He will carry out activities in Switzerland, Indonesia, India, South Africa and Brazil in particular. In 2003, he returned to university research as a lecturer at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). He is interested in the rapid developments of neuroscience and contributes to the launch and development within EPFL of a computer brain simulation project. Ronald left EPFL in 2016, but continued his research to this day examining how mathematics, epistemology and physics can contribute to the knowledge of the brain and mental space of primates. He is also a lecturer and the author of a dozen books, mostly scientific
Dr Isaac Friesen
Isaac is Assistant Professor of Conflict Studies at Saint Paul University in Ottawa. His research brings together anthropological and historical perspectives on political conflict, religion, and imperialism. He has lived in Egypt for four years (including throughout the 2011-2013 revolutionary period), and has a forthcoming manuscript on the Muslim attendance of Coptic spaces in Egypt.
Isaac’s presentation will centre on the subject of diversity in contemporary Egypt. His discussion of religious, socioeconomic and political difference in the Egyptian context will connect, more broadly, to current debates around diversity, difference and conflict across the Middle East, Canada and the wider world
Dr George Dimitri Sawa
was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and in addition to being an amazing oud & Qanoon player and author he has a PhD in Arabic historical musicology from University of Toronto in 1983 and is an independent scholar in Arabic music theory, performance and literature. He taught medieval, modern and sacred music at the University of Toronto and York . He has over 50 years experience in Arabic performance, history and theory; and has performed and lectured worldwide. and has published over seventy articles and nine books that include translations of medieval treatises, performance practice, music education, and a treatise on musical ornaments. His 5 CDs and 3 DVDs include historical performances and educational material for belly dancers. George is the recipient of numerous awards including the Livetime Achievement Award from the Egyptian Ministry of Culture for his research in Arabic music history
Samy Harak
a lawyer by profession, and a researcher and writer about the current “Egyptian” spoken language and its roots in ancient Egypt
5:00 – 7:00 pm
screening of full feature film BACK TO ALEXANDRIA . . . followed by interactive zoom with director Tamer Ruggli
after twenty years of absence, Sue must return to her native Egypt to see her mother Fairouz, an eccentric aristocrat from whom she has been estranged. This surprising journey, leading her from Cairo back to Alexandria, tinted with distant memories, nostalgia, and mixed feelings about her past, will allow Sue to become the empowered woman she ought to be
Tamer Ruggli,
a Swiss-Egyptian filmmaker, born in 1986, spent his formative years in Kinshasa, Riyadh, Vienna, and Zürich. He pursued his education at the École cantonale d’art de Lausanne (ECAL) and further refined his writing skills at the New York Film Academy. Tamer received the SSA Scholarship (Swiss Society of Authors) and the Prix CÉCI Le Moulin d’Andé for his first feature-length film, RETOUR EN ALEXANDRIE. Tamer’s films have been recognized and awarded by numerous prestigious international film festivals
October 23rd (Wednesday)
4: 00 pm authentic Egyptian Cuisine demo
by registration
October 24th (Thursday) 11:30 am – 2 pm
in the Council Chambers at the City of Kitchener
this session is postponed due to coinciding with another event running elsewhere, if you wish to be on the list to be updated please email me at egyptweekkw@gmail.com
film screening of FREE TRIP TO EGYPT
Two Cultures. One World
what happens when people at a Trump rally are offered a Free Trip to Egypt
followed by an interactive zoom with creator / producer of the film Tarek Mounib
Tarek Mounib was born and raised in Canada to Egyptian parents and moved to Switzerland over 15 years ago where he received Swiss citizenship. A successful entrepreneur in the software business for more than 25 years, he has founded various companies, including Kindness Films. Having long been fascinated with fostering a sincere dialogue and a better understanding of different points of view, his recent focus has been on creating projects that contribute to the wellbeing of humanity and bringing people of various backgrounds and cultures closer together. If a film is a reflection of its creator, Free Trip to Egypt and Tarek Mounib are truly that film and filmmaker. Free Trip to Egypt is a journey into the unknown, a remarkable experiment in kindness and empathy. But it’s more than just a film. Free Trip to Egypt has sparked a movement to encourage all of us to leave our baggage behind and reach beyond fear and hostility towards a kinder and more compassionate world
Egyptian Armenian Kegham Papazian
born in Alexandria, Egypt and attended the local Armenian school Boghosian and the British Boys’ School. Passionate about both his Egyptian as well as Armenian roots and will speak about the significant contributions of Armenian Egyptians in Egypt . He was employed at “Patisserie Delices” as assistant accountant. In 1973, he started work at Thomas Cook Travel Agency in both the main office and at the World Health Organization sub office as a Service Representative and later office supervisor. In Canada, he was employed by the Royal Bank payroll technologies department dealing with banking and payroll related tasks, then ADP Canada and worked at Banking, Financial and Payroll department until his retirement. His interests include music, reading, stamp collection as well as Armenian history culture, the Armenian Genocide and the Armenian Presence in Canada. In June 2022, during the visit of the Primate of the Diocese of Egypt, Bishop Ashot Mnatsaganian, Kegham Papazian and a group of former Egyptian Armenians organized a special program dedicated to the Egyptian-Armenian community with video, photo slides and a presentation
Colleen James – born and raised and current resident of Kitchener, with her partner Daren and daughter Maleigha. Colleen’s family immigrated from the Caribbean to Waterloo Region more than 50 years ago. She graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours B.A. in history, political science, and Caribbean studies and holds a master’s degree in leadership, higher, and adult education from U of T’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). In 2020, the Canada International Black Women Event named Colleen one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch. In 2021, she was named one of the Top 25 Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Persons of the Year by the Canadian Multicultural Group. In 2024 Colleen was awarded the Public Service excellence Award by Women of Dignity International. Colleen established the James STEM scholarship. As the founder of Divonify Incorporated, Colleen is a leading consultant on equity and inclusion. Locally, nationally, and internationally, Colleen partners with a wide range of public, private, and not-for-profit organizations and businesses that are committed to change, she was elected to Regional Council in October 2022, representing City of Kitchener residents.
October 25th (Friday)
we continue with our week at various locations by internal registration
October 26th (Saturday)
October 27th (Sunday) noon hour
You’re invited to United Church’s first inter-cultural Lunch and Learn event
This is a great chance to connect and learn together – everyone is welcome !
enjoy Egypt’s rich culture and heritage . . . savour . . . a u t h e n t i c . . . Egyptian cuisine, listen to Ehaab Abdou and Sally Dawoud duet of spiritual acapella . . . Maged Zarif and 3agwand band . . . plenty of turath and sing along
Egyptian artists . . . and a sing along
Maged Zarif Kamel is a talented lute player, singer and composer – a graduate of the Oriental Music Institute, Maged enjoys performing with his band (3agwand) in Canada and multiple countries
Ehab Abdou currently lives and teaches in Waterloo. He enjoys writing and singing Egyptian songs. In 2006, he has helped co-found the “Ana Masry” (I’m Egyptian) musical ensemble to help promote and celebrate Egypt’s rich diversity which performed in Egypt, the US, and Canada. He has more recently been starting to experiment with singing without musical accompaniment
Sally Dawoud is an educator and an artist of Egyptian heritage who grew up in Canada. Her musical background includes classical, gospel, and Middle Eastern singing due to her close ties to her homeland, which inspires her to be an active choir member at various Coptic Orthodox Churches and her passion for Coptic hymnology drives her to share this beautiful music with the world. She is currently performing with Myriad ensemble located in Burlington Ontario. Her performance and teaching experience is what allows her to inspire and empower students musically and encourage them to express themselves through the power of music
sponsored by Outreach Committee & Vision Fund Grant
c/o Rev Hoeun Lee
at the uptown Waterloo United Church
in the Hilliard Hall after the Sunday service
16 William Street West, Waterloo, ON N2L 1J3 @King Street South (Bridgeport exit from hwy)
- + +
more events to be added .. please check the website as the date approaches - + +
repeats of any of the displays throughout the week include
books, the fashion show, demos of the uniquely authentic Egyptian food preparation in licensed kitchens, drama presentations, workshops, etc
acknowledging more partners ….
a licensed AUTHENTIC Egyptian Cuisine ..
catering business
who will be prominently present
throughout many of the events
honoured to also acknowledge the amazing :
Mina Kirolos who in five minutes after my approaching him … stepped up and provided his own and his company’s partner towards several of the events … so I hope Waterloo Region will reciprocate first by attending and also by checking out their multi talents … years of experience and wonderful Media production, Marketing and Advertising agency …
musician/band – broadcasting & media production company
performance & event venue
6645 Kitimat Road – unit 20, Mississauga, ON, Canada
1 647 403 7078
allartsstudio7@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/AllArtsStudio
Miami Production is a full-service media production company based in Toronto, Ontario but also manages an office in Cairo, Egypt. In 2007, we became the go-to creative production company for clients as big as Vodafone, Orange, Siemens, Metlife, Alcatel-Lucent (NOKIA), ExxonMobil, Shell, and Ericsson. We love our clients, and we learn their fields whether it’s in Tech, IT, Oil & Gas, Telecom, Pharmaceuticals, or Renewable Energy. We love our clients … that’s our joy in life. And a fundamental principle in our approach to business. https://miamiproduction.tv/
- + +more events to be added .. please check the website as the date approaches
- + +repeats of any of the displays throughout the week includebooks, the fashion show, demos of the uniquely authentic Egyptian food preparation in licensed kitchens, drama presentations, workshops, etc
acknowledging more partners ….
a licensed AUTHENTIC Egyptian Cuisine ..
catering business
who will be prominently present
throughout many of the events
honoured to also acknowledge the amazing :
Mina Kirolos who in five minutes after my approaching him … stepped up and provided his own and his company’s partner towards several of the events … so I hope Waterloo Region will reciprocate first by attending and also by checking out their multi talents … years of experience and wonderful Media production, Marketing and Advertising agency …
musician/band – broadcasting & media production company
performance & event venue
6645 Kitimat Road – unit 20, Mississauga, ON, Canada
1 647 403 7078
allartsstudio7@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/AllArtsStudio
Miami Production is a full-service media production company based in Toronto, Ontario but also manages an office in Cairo, Egypt. In 2007, we became the go-to creative production company for clients as big as Vodafone, Orange, Siemens, Metlife, Alcatel-Lucent (NOKIA), ExxonMobil, Shell, and Ericsson. We love our clients, and we learn their fields whether it’s in Tech, IT, Oil & Gas, Telecom, Pharmaceuticals, or Renewable Energy. We love our clients … that’s our joy in life. And a fundamental principle in our approach to business. https://miamiproduction.tv/