Recent uprisings in Egypt  have been plastered all over the news for the last three months. Video footage of protests and rioting are seen regularly on the nightly news. On July 3rd, Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi was forced to step down by the Egyptian military after extensive protesting by the people of Egypt. Amir Zakhary, class of 2013, and Nora Zakhary, sophomore, were visiting relatives in Cairo at the time of Morsi’s take down.

On the anniversary of his election, June 30th, people flooded the streets demanding that Morsi step down. The Zakhary’s happened to be in Cairo visiting relatives at the time.

An exciting moment for the elder Zakhary was when he took to the streets of Cairo with his mom, joining one of the protests. For miles they marched with Egyptian flags chanting in Arabic “Go out Morsi!” Zakhary himself was able to lead a similar chant himself. He yelled out in the crowd hoping that everyone would mimic what he was saying.

“I decided to lead a chant, and sure enough everyone repeated what I said! It was unforgettable.” said Zakhary.

For Zakhary, this was more than just a chance to be a part of history. He was able to break out of his comfort zone and stand up for something important. He felt not only a sense of being closer to his heritage, but in the midst of the chaos he was able reveal a more hidden part of himself.

“I am a shy guy to be honest, but in the Egyptian revolts I felt excited and fearless. Everyone from around the country walked and chanted until they reached the 33 million people in Egypt’s famous Tahrir Square,” said Zakhary.

The idea of being in a war torn country was harder for the younger Zakhary at first, but she saw that it was not the start of a war but a glimpse of unity for the country. Not only was this a great opportunity for her, but she was able to feel closer to her roots. The atmosphere of the country was not what they expected it to be.

“The idea of a revolution scared me when I first heard of it, but when I saw everything come to action I felt unity between the people there,” said Nora Zakhary.

“Everyone bonded together during this moment. We went into one of the revolts, led a chant, and walked several miles, waving Egyptian flags. In terms of atmosphere, exciting and unity are two words that come to mind,” said Amir Zakhary.

For Nora Zakhary, who did not go out into the protests with her brother, the trip offered her a chance to truly appreciate where she comes from. It was an opportunity for her to witness firsthand a global conflict personally and cultivate a sense of pride towards her nationality.

“This experience made me feel so much closer to my Egyptian background. I really feel like the country I come from is a strong country who won’t give up to achieve what is right.” said Zakhary.

Their relatives still reside in Cairo but are safe despite the ongoing violence still plaguing the country.

“Our family has been safer than other families and areas in Egypt. The most we have heard has been recently, and it includes things like them not being able to leave their home because of tear gas or gunshots fired a street away,” said Amir Zakhary.

Since the Zakhary family left Egypt, more violence has erupted. After they left,  the country fell into chaos. The Muslim Brotherhood and other Morsi supporters have risen in protest against Morsi’s ousting. Division in the country seems stronger now than ever, but for the time they were there, the Zakhary family was able to catch a glimpse of the power unity has.