E.A.S.

ACC CULTURAL NIGHT‏

2011-03-01T10:45:00.003-06:00

Dear EAS Members,

Egypt needs to be represented at this event.

Currently May Razik (Farrag) has been so gracious as to volunteer. Please help her out and show up in force to celebrate our heritage.

Sherif Zaafran, MD

President, Egyptian American Society

Proposed Expanding of EAS

2011-03-01T10:28:00.006-06:00

My Dear friends,

The Egyptian American Society is undergoing phenomenal change inspired by the revolution that changed Egypt...and reminded us to Raise our head up high...We Are Egyptians.

The EAS Board has received suggestions regarding expanding the scope of the Egyptian American Society to be more than just a social organization. We had excellent discussions with groups in Houston focusing on looking at a comprehensive role for Egyptians in the Greater Houston area. The EAS board met and we agreed that we should work on merging into one large group. We are currently reviewing the bylaws and looking at possible updates to achieve our goals.

We will be meeting this Sunday, 3/6/11, at the ACC, from 3 to 5 pm, to continue our discussions towards formulating our new expanded group. Everyone is welcome to join in the discussions and participate in the proposed creation of this new great organization. We will keep everyone updated as we move forward.

Below is the email from Mostafa Borahay to the rest of their group also informing of our aspiration to join forces.

Also, keep in mind that we are now intent on holding our "Celebrating Freedom - Egyptian Style" on March 26th from 5 to 9 pm. We want to have the largest showing of Egyptians in the history of Houston. I look forward to seeing everyone there.

God bless Egypt and God bless the USA

Sherif Zaafran

President, Egyptian American Society

Dear friend,

Here is few updates:

1. Please, note that date and time of meeting has been changed to:
Sunday 3/6/11 3-5 PM
Location: same
Arab American Cultural and Community Center.
10555 Stancliff Road
Houston, Tx 77099

2. Yesterday, some of us had a meeting with the board of the Egyptian American Society. The agreement is to form one new organization for Egyptians in greater Houston area.

3. We strongly encourage each of you to inform your family members, friends... especially youth, to join us. One of the lessons of the Egyptian revolution is unity. Together, with large numbers, we can achieve far more than what we can do individually.

4. For this upcoming Sunday meeting, committees are expected to start discussing specific proposals. Please, prepare your proposals, forward them to me to get them for discussion.

Committees formed last meeting [L=lead];
Committees are expected to grow this upcoming meeting.
Leading persons in committees, please communicate with your members and prepare proposals for discussions,

1. CULTURAL:

Lillian Gaber (L)
Tony Najjar
Samia Khalil
Rahmans
Mona Ghazi
Dalia Teima
Sandra Yacoub

2. ECONOMIC:

Hani Khalil (L)
Waseem Shaaban

3. SCHOLASTIC:

Nabil Ahmed (L)
Lilian Gaber
Nadia Sharkawi
Rahmans
Osama Gaber

4. POLITICAL:

Waleed Gaber (L)
Mostafa Borahay
Farid Shawky

5. MEDIA:

Tarek Ghazi (L)
Hany Khalil
Mohamed Ismaeel

Please, extend this invitation to your friends.

Link to facebook event invitation:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=143026039095500

Link to Egyptians for change and beyond in Houston facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Egyptians-for-Change-and-Beyond-Houston/164793513567705

We are all excited about this activity. Success depends on active involvement of each Egyptian in Houston area.
Please, ask your interested friends and family members to forward their emails to me to be added to the mailing list.

See you all there.

Best regards,
Mostafa Borahay.

They are Twins !!!

2011-02-25T16:58:00.002-06:00

Sumayya Salem has just let us know about the birth of Suzy Salem's twins. They are Aiden and Ferris, who were born on 2/21/2011 at 8:16 am.

Alf Mabrouk to the proud parents and family.

Celebrating Freedom - Egyptian Style‏ - UPDATE

2011-02-25T16:51:00.001-06:00

The event is being placed on hold indefinitely until we know how the events in Libya will transpire.
We'll keep everyone updated.

Celebrating Freedom - Egyptian Style‏

2011-02-20T16:59:00.004-06:00

What: Celebrating Freedom - Egyptian Style
When: Saturday, February 26, 4:00PM to 8:00PM
Where: Discovery Green Park, Downtown Houston

Dear EAS Members and Friends,

Come join us on Saturday, February 26th to celebrate the recent historic events that occurred in Egypt on Feb 11th. Many of us have been glued to our TV screens watching the events unfold and holding our breath. It’s time to get out and commemorate freedom and the initiation of a democratic process in Egypt, as well as to honor those who have fallen in the process. The 18-day dramatic protests have not only changed the Middle East, but have been a worldwide inspiration to those who value human rights and democracy.

Come enjoy great food, music and entertainment as we take you through the 18 day experience with videos, pictures and monologues. Bring all your family and friends, Egyptian and Non Egyptian.

Everyone is welcome.

Please forward this and email to all your friends and family. We would like to have a huge turnout.

Event organized by the Egyptian American Society.

Messages from EAS, ACC and PACC

2011-02-12T15:13:00.002-06:00

ألف مبروك لمصر

2011-02-11T13:11:00.003-06:00

ألف مبروك لمصر

EAS Elections - Update

2011-02-11T13:08:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends,

The events of the past week has been difficult on all of us. I know we all have family back in Egypt and as much as the events back home are inspirational, we are all concerned for their safety and wellbeing.

As you all know, we had scheduled elections in the coming weeks. With all the events that are going on in Egypt, the timing is obviously less than ideal.

As such, we will postpone it until events settle down at which time we will regroup.

Thanks, and may God bless Egypt.

Sherif Zaafran, MD

EAS Next Meeting and Elections

2011-01-19T22:57:00.004-06:00

Members of EAS,

Our next meeting and Board election are planed for Feb 12, 2011. Further details on the location and agenda will be posted/sent out shortly.

We are asking everyone to nominate individuals for all posts of the board. Please direct your nominations to aeltaher@hotmail.com.

FECC Gala

2011-01-19T22:26:00.008-06:00

Dear EAS Members and Friends,

Friends of Egyptian Children with Cancer (FECC) is a nonprofit organizationwhich raises money to help treating Children with Cancer in Egypt. Attached is an invite for the FECC main fund raising event for the year. This year, it will be on the 5^th of February. We encourage you to be part and participate in the fundraising efforts. The children with Cancer in Egypt need your help.

May God bless you and reward your good deeds.

Many thanks

A Message from EAS President

2011-01-19T22:04:00.002-06:00

To all my brothers and sisters from the Egyptian Amerian community who celebrated christmas, merry christmas and may you have a blessed year ahead of you.

I would also like to offer my deepest and heartfelt condolence to the community for the savage act that happened in Alexandria several weeks ago. Attacks like that are an affront to every single one of us who take pride in our Egyptian culture and heritage. We stand together in savage acts like this with unified condemnation as this is an attack on all of us as Egyptians.

Thanks, and God bless all of you.

Sherif Zaafran
President, Egyptian American Society

Egyptian National ID

2011-01-19T21:46:00.009-06:00

Fellow EAS members:

Below is a message from our Consul General, Mr. Alaa Issa, regarding the ability to obtain or renew an Egyptian National ID card. This can be done from Feb 2-6th. Please read below the message from the consul with more detailed information on the process needed to obtain this document.

Thanks,

Sherif Zaafran, MD
President, Egyptian American Society

Dear Friends and fellow Egyptians,

Greetings to one and all. I hope that 2011 will be better year for all of us and our loved ones and our country. Let us pray and hope for that goal, as human beings and Egyptians first and foremost.

My name is Alaa Issa. I am the Consul General of Egypt in Houston, TX. Since I arrived here in September 2010, I have had the pleasure of meeting some of
you but unfortunately not all.

I am writing regarding a matter that may be of interest to a number of you, namely the need to obtain or renew or replace the National ID card for Egyptian Citizens (Rakam Kawmi).

For those of you who are unaware of this issue, it is in brief, the new system implemented in Egypt since 1997 whereby every Egyptian citizen is issued a National ID number (similar to the Social Security Number in the USA). Egyptian citizens above the age of 16 years are issued a National Identity Card containing their picture, vital information and, most important, a unique National ID number for each individual. This number functions in a manner similar to the Social Security number in the USA. It has become essential to conduct any transaction in Egypt (apply for a bank loan, purchase a new car, apply for a credit card, buy or sell or register property, file a police report, issue a power of attorney to your lawyer or relative in order to execute any business on you behalf, request any document from Government offices or Egyptian Consulates abroad such as
passports, marriage certificates or birth certificates................).

National ID cards are issued to citizens 16 years and older and must be renewed every 7 years. Once created, your unique National ID number does not change - it stays with you for life. Citizens have only to renew their National ID cards every 7 years, which affords them a chance to indicate any change in occupation, social status (married. divorced, widowed....) or other pertinent information.

A Committee / Task Force from the Civil Affairs Authority of the Egyptian Government will be visiting the Consulate General of Egypt in Houston from 2-6 February 2011 with the objective of issuing or renewing National ID cards for Egyptian citizens residing in the USA (they will be visiting the Egyptian Consulates in New York and Washington D.C. before coming to Houston to transact for Egyptian citizens in the Northeast).

A detailed circular is attached in both PDF and WORD formats. It contains all the necessary information for Egyptian citizens wishing to get a National ID card for the first time or to renew cards that were issued more than 7 years ago or to replace cards that were lost or stolen.

Please read it carefully. Should you have any questions, you may contact the Consulate General of Egypt in Houston via this email or by telephone from 09:00 -11:00 am Monday to Friday (this email will cease to function on 7 February 2011 - it is created exclusively for the National ID Task Force ).

I would like to stress the following issues which are outlined in detail in the attached circular:

1. It is essential that any interested individuals come to the Consulate's premises in Houston in person. National ID cards carry a digital photograph of the bearer, similar to a driver's license, and individuals must be photographed at the Consular
premises.
2. You may need to get some certificates notarized at a Notary Public beforehand . You may also need to have some documents translated and certified at the Consulate when you come in before you submit you application for a National ID Card. So please, please read the circulars carefully and plan your time accordingly.
3. There are NO appointments. This will be a walk-in service during the hours indicated - First Come First Served.
4. Ample parking has been arranged as indicted in the circulars and refreshments will be available.
5. This email address will be checked daily to respond to any queries - egyconsnationalid@gmail.com

Once again, I have had the pleasure of meeting some of you since my arrival in September 2010 but I sincerely look forward to meeting you all should you be coming to the Consulate during the period 2-6 February or at a later time.

Finally, PLEASE circulate this email and the attachments to any Egyptian citizen in any State in the USA whom you think may be remotely interested

Thank you,
Alaa Issa
Consul General
Consulate General of Egypt in Houston
5718 Westheimer Rd
Suite #
1350
Houston, TX
(713) 961-4915

November EAS gettogether - Cancelled

2010-11-17T19:45:00.002-06:00

Dear EAS members and Friends,

We would like to extend our appreciation to those of you who RSVPed to the announcement of our function on Saturday November the 20th, at La Griglia. However, We regret to inform you that we had to cancel the function, as we did not receive the number of responses required to make the function feasible.

We would also like to take this opportunity to remind you that the term of the current Board is drawing to a conclusion by the end of the year. We have sent out an invitation to submit nominations for positions in the new Board and hope to hear from you soon on that. the Society is looking to your active participation and input, so it can continue performing its function and role for the coming years as you envision it.

For additional information on the Society's mission, functions and the latest news (including the Call with Nominations for the Board),you can reply to this email with your question or you can check out our blog at http://easathouston.blogspot.com/ .

Thanking you,

EAS Board

November EAS gettogether - Additional Details

2010-11-10T20:51:00.003-06:00

The Board of the EAS would like to extend its appreciation to those of you who promptly RSVPed as to your attendance of our coming function on Saturday, November 20th, at La Griglia.

However, in order to cover the cost of our function, we need to have 33 attendees which we have not met yet.

The deadline to inform the restaurant if we are going to have the dinner or not is Wednesday, November 17th, by 12:00 p.m.

If you plan to attend, kindly let us know by the 17th, before 12:00 p.m. If we do not have thirty three attendees by then, we will regretfully cancel the function.

Thank you for your cooperation.

EAS Board

November EAS gettogether - Additional Details

2010-11-05T23:42:00.002-05:00

Date: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH, 2010

La Griglia Menu
Egyptian American Society

First Course
Eggplant Caponata
Roasted Eggplant Relish with Pine Nuts, Celery and Tomato

Second Course
Mista Salad
Field Greens with Feta Cheese, Tomatoes and Mushrooms in an Italian Vinaigrette

Entrée
Rigatoni Gamberoni
Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic and Herbs
OR
Pollo La Griglia
Grilled Breast of Chicken topped with Diced Tomatoes and Lemon-Pesto Sauce over Potato Puree

Dessert
Chocolate Mezzanotte
Our Signature Three Layer chocolate cake

This menu is inclusive of a choice of a soft drink or Ice tea
and coffee service.

WE WILL BE USING LA GRIGLIA'S BACK ROOM FOR THE FUNCTION.

Hope to see everyone there.

November EAS get-together‏‏

2010-11-02T17:52:00.009-05:00

Dear Members and Friends of the EAS

Our function this month will be on Saturday, the 20^th at

La Griglia Restaurant
2002 West Gray, Houston, TX

The theme of the evening will be "Nostalgia Night," so please bring one picture (one per person) about old or modern Egypt that is special to you to share with us.

The cost of the dinner is $45.00 per person.

We have not had a function for three months, so we thought we could treat ourselves a little bit.

This function is for adults and children 12 years and older. If you have little ones, please make arrangements to leave them home and take the night off to join us.

Social hour and registration starts at 6:30 p.m.
The dinner and program start at 7:15 p.m.

Please RSVP, whether you are coming or not, to aeltaher@hotmail.com. We would like to hear from you in either case.

We are only three members left on the EAS Board, so we count on your full cooperation to make this function a success. Please be prompt, and have your check or the exact cash amount for your party ready (NO credit cards ). Again, RSVP as early as you can, as this helps us coordinate with the restaurant.

Please write your name on the back of your picture and kindly hand it to Tarek Ghazi as soon as you walk in. He volunteered to scan the pictures and project them for all to enjoy, and needs time to prepare everything.

The EAS Board is eager and looking forward to seeing all of our members and friends for an evening of fun and surprises.

Call for Nominations for Board

2010-10-24T23:27:00.005-05:00

Dear friends of the Egyptian American Society,

As we draw to the end of the year, I wanted to reflect with everyone for a moment on what it means to have an Egyptian American Society. Many of us have known eachother for many years, and our first encounters have been in events that have been hosted by our organization. We live in a city that is very diverse, but within this diversity is a large number of us who trace our heritage as Egyptians. It is so important that as a group, we exemplify what it means to be Egyptian Americans. From the music we listen to, the food we eat, the jokes we make, the company we keep...it all is about us being Egyptians, and that must continue on.

We are at a time when we are going to ask everyone to nominate individuals to be on the board. It's important for us to have a board that continues the mission of the Egyptian American Society. We are seeking individuals who will devote some time to continue on the tradition of growing our great organization. Please direct your nominations to Ayman at aeltaher@hotmail.com and keep in mind we are not asking for nominations for specific positions on the board...just board members, which will number five in total.

We continue to ask all of you to participate as much as you can, as in the end of the day, this organization is about you and what you make of it.

Thank you in advance,

Sherif Zaafran, MD
President, Egyptian American Society

Next Meetin: The Nostalgia Night

2010-10-16T22:43:00.002-05:00

EAS Members and Friends,

Our next meeting will be sometime late November. Exact time and place will be announced soon, as we are currently discussing the options.

The theme of the meeting will be "Nostalgia Night," and it will need for everybody to bring a picture (and only one picture, please) from your old albums to talk about for a few minutes. The picture should be about the good old days in Egypt. So, be ready with your happy memories and for the great fun in the "Nostalgia Night."

Stay tuned ...

EAS Next Meeting - Update

2010-09-17T23:31:00.004-05:00

Our September gathering will be at Dimassi's on Westheimer, from 5.00p.m. to 8.00p.m. We will have an area reserved for us. And to make things easier, everyone will pay for themselves on the way out.

The gathering this time will be mainly social, with no set program.

Please RSVP to aeltaher@consolidated.net

See you all there !!!

EAS Next Meeting

2010-09-08T21:57:00.003-05:00

Members and Friends of EAS at Houston,

Summer holiday is already beyond us and all are back home. We know we all have missed the Egyptian friends' company and are looking forward to the Society's next meeting.

Our next meeting will be on Sept.25^th, and will be in a restaurant. More information on the restaur will follow soon. Please stay tuned.

عيد سعيد

2010-09-07T18:53:00.003-05:00

The Egyptian American Society wishes to congratulate its muslim members for the blessed coming of the Eid. This year, the ISGH has announced that the EID will be observed on Friday, Sept. 10^th.

Obituary: Mohammed El-Khouly - Additional Information

2010-08-17T23:38:00.002-05:00

SALAT ALJANAZAH will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 18, with the Zuhur Prayer (1:15PM), at Masjid Hamaza. The Masjid is located at 6233 Tres Lagunas, 77083; it is the new mosque located first street East of #6 & south of Alief- Clodine Road. After that, the burial would be at 12800 Westheimer, 77077 (Corner of Dairy Ashford) around 2:15PM.

Obituary: Mohammed El-Khouly

2010-08-16T12:59:00.006-05:00

We have received this message from the EAS member, Mostafa Nasr:

Mohammed El-Khouly who was a member of the club has passed away yesterday. His Funeral will be tomorrow @ Dairy Ashford & Westheimer. The exact time is not known yet.

He is the father of Nashwa Omer & Nahed Strout. & the grandfather of Kariem & Ameer Omer.

Please call me if you need confirmation.

Mostafa Nasr
281-496-1605

The EAS Board would like to extend their sincere condolences to the surviving family and ask Allah to bless the soul of the deceased and reward him for his good deeds.

رمضان كريم‏ و كل عام وانتم بخير

2010-08-11T13:11:00.003-05:00

2010-06-17T11:30:00.000-05:00

Dear EAS Members and Friends

If you have kids who do not know where to go in this heat in Houston or if you are a big fan of soccer and can’t seem to pass a single World Cup match or if you are an Egyptian who just likes our Society functions, then this function is yours.

Our June function is our last pre-summer break function, and it will be held
This Saturday, June 19th
in
George Bush Park, Pavilion 3, from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.

The dual theme of this function will be the
Beginning of the Summer
and the
Soccer World Cup

We will have water slides and water balloons for the kids, so kids need to be prepared with swim suits; otherwise, we are not responsible for any expensive clothes that get wet.

We will also have a TV to watch the World Cup match at 1:00pm. So, World Cup fans … come on down!!

To better plan for the function, please
RSVP by replying to this email with the total number in your party
(no difference between kids and adults)

Cost: $15
(Again, no difference between kids and adults, we will all have fun)

See you all there!!

April Function - Updates

2010-04-24T14:24:00.010-05:00

Thanks to those RSVP’ed for the Ship Channel Tour, and looking forward to seeing you at the M/V Sam Houston Pavilion, tomorrow before 2:30pm. For the tour security, please note that large baggage such as backpacks and oversized purses are not allowed on board and that all passengers over the age of 18 will be required to show their photo ID. For further details and for directions to the meeting location, please consult the Houston Port of Houston web site , EAS web site, or our previous emails. The tour will conclude at 4:00pm.

After the tour, we will meet again for a Dinner and Social at Fadi's, in the Meyerland Plaza, at 5:00pm. Everyone will go through the line and just pay for their meal. We will meet in a private room. You don’t have to RSVP or attend the Ship Channel Tour to attend the Dinner and Social.

Fadi's Grill Houston

4738 BEECHNUT

HOUSTON,TX 77096

(713)666-4644

EAS April Function

2010-04-09T17:56:00.014-05:00

The EAS is inviting you to attend this month’s function on Sunday, April 25th. The program comprises a tour of the Houston ship channel , followed by a dinner and social gathering.

Security for the Ship Channel Tour requires the accurate names of each participant to be provided. Therefore, please RSVP to this event by sending an email to aeltaher@consolidated.net, with the name of each person in your group as it appears in the driver’s license. For Example, please respond back with

Guest 1
First Name: John
Last Name: Smith

Guest 2
First Name: Jane
Last Name: Smith

Guest 3
…
……

No walk-in attendance is allowed. (More details on tour requirements are included at the Port of Houston’s web site)

Due to the limited number of seats available, priority will be given to EAS paid members then to earlier responders.

Program

2:00PM : Meet at M/V Sam Houston Pavilion
(Since we have no control over the tour schedule, please note that being on time is essential)
2:30 pm : Tour Starts
4:00 pm : Tour Ends
TBD: Dinner & Social

Locations and Directions

Ship Channel Tour (M/V Sam Houston Pavilion)

Leave East Loop 610 at Clinton Drive (exit # 28). Proceed west (right) on Clinton, pass McCarty to Gate 8. Enter Gate 8 and stay to the right. A security guard and signs will direct you to the pavilion.
(More details are included in the Port of Houston web site)

Dinner

(TBD)

Cost

(TBD)

TBD: To be Decided, and details to follow shortly.

EAS March Meeting

2010-03-26T17:17:00.002-05:00

Dear EAS Members and Friends,

Please join us this Saturday in an informal get-together/dinner, which is the EAS function for the month of March. The meeting will include an open discussion on the Society’s functions for the rest of the year. Please come over along with your ideas on how we can progress the Society’s mission and develop its programs beyond social events.

When: Saturday, March 27th at 6:00pm

Where: Dimassi's, at 10811 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX‎ - (713) 780-2025‎

Cost: Everyone pays for him-/herself

Come and enjoy the good food and company and be ready to participate in the discussion. Better still if you find in yourself the will to volunteer and help in organizing future functions.

We look forward to seeing you there....

EAS Board

Obituary - Mrs. Isabella Nashid Sawiris

2010-03-26T16:23:00.001-05:00

With great sadness the Khalil family announces that Mrs. Isabella Nashid Sawiris passed away on Friday, the 13^th of March in Connecticut. She is survived by her son Dr. Kamal Khalil and her two daughters, Mrs. Mona Hefzallah and Mrs. Lila Louca. The family will receive condolences on Sunday, March 28 at Saint Mark Coptic Church after the morning service. The service will end between 12:30 and 1 p.m.The Church is located at 424 Mulberry Ln, Bellaire , TX 77401

EAS Meetings

2010-03-16T21:44:00.003-05:00

The day of the Society's last meeting was a bit chilly, but the meeting was indeed warm with the attendance and the fun we all had. The adults enjoyed the company, the Arabic DJ and the group games, while the kids were having great fun with the face painting and the moonwalk.

This month, and due to the Spring Break, the Society meeting has been delayed to Saturday, March 27^th. It will be an informal get-together, with the details to follow soon.

By public demand, next month we will have a repeat of last year's boat tour in the Ship Channel. Details on the date, RSVP, and the day program will be announced after the March 27^th meeting.
Stay tuned, and we hope to see you all soon.

EAS February Function

2010-02-08T21:44:00.010-06:00

The Society's function for the month of February will be our first outdoor function of the year. The function will be held on Saturday, February 20^th, at Pavilion 3 in the George Bush Park.

The program will include a late lunch, activities for adults and fun for children (moonwalk, etc.). Details will follow soon.

Cost: $15 for members and $20 for non-members (same cost for both adults and children)

Please RSVP by sending an email to aeltaher@consolidated.net with the number of adults and children attending. We look forward to seeing all of you there.

Obituary - Dr. Saneya Saleh

2010-02-01T23:16:00.005-06:00

We wish to express our deep condolences for the passing of Dr. Saneya Saleh. She is Madame Attia's sister and Dr. Ezzat Abouleish's sister-in-law. May Allah bless her and have mercy on her soul.

To express condolences. Please come to Dr. Abouleish's home (16518 Brook Forest Dr., Houston, TX, 77059) on Friday February 5^th from 7pm to 10pm. It is easy to reach. If you have difficulty, please call 281-488-1388.

Sherif Zaafran, MD
President, Egyptian American Society

Events around Houston

2010-01-25T17:18:00.002-06:00

The Palestinians for Peace and Democracy - (P4PD.org) in Houston - is presenting two educational events discussing the controversial question of the future State for Palestinians. In the first event Mrs. Nadia Hijab will explain "What would a 2-state solution do for Palestinian human rights?"

The first event will be on January 29, 2010 at 3201 Sage Rd., Hilton Garden Inn Houston/Galleria Area. The event starts at 6:45 p.m.

The second event will be in February 19, 2010 and Mr. Ali Abunimah, the co-founder of Electronic Intifada will speak on "One Country, the only road for peace and justice in Palestine".

EAS January Meeting - Lots of Fun for A New Year

2010-01-23T17:12:00.006-06:00

The EAS Board would like to thank all who attended our last function at the Sheraton Suites Hotel. The first meeting with the new Board was indeed a success. It was attended by more than 100 members and friends of EAS, as well as about 15 children. The meeting program was mainly social, where the attendees enjoyed the company and the entertainment program, which was provided by the DJ and magic trickery of of Bob Fostok followed by an lively interactive fun with the "Name that Tune" led by Dina Eldeeb, Rabab Sabahhi and Tara Zaafran. Ten lucky winners got prizes of $5 gift cards.

In their separate room, the children also had their share of the fun with the magic tricks, funny clown, face painting, balloon animals, provided by Bob and Dori Fostok and well as the pizza.

A special thank goes also to all who worked behind the scene to make this function the success and fun it was.

Happy New Year

2010-01-16T16:39:00.004-06:00

The EAS Board would like to wish everyone a happy New Year. May Allah bless it and make it a happy and joyful year for us all, bringing us prosperity, success and great health.

Invite to FECC Gala

2010-01-11T00:44:00.010-06:00

Dear EAS Members and Friends,

Happy New Year ...

Friends of Egyptian Children with Cancer (FECC) is a nonprofit organizationwhich raises money to treat Children with Cancer in Egypt free, and theboard is a group of American and Egyptian volunteers. Attached is an invitefor the FECC main fund raising event for the year. This year, it will be onthe 16^th of January. We encourage you to be part and participate in the fundraising efforts. The children with Cancer in Egypt need your help.

May God bless you and reward your good deeds.

Many thanks

Obituary - Mrs. Tawhida El-Askary

2009-12-31T22:16:00.003-06:00

With great sorrow we received the passing of the Society member and friend Mrs. Tawhida El-Askary, the wife of Hany El-Omary and Director and Lecturer of Arabic Studies in the University of Houston. Mrs. El-Askary passed away early morning of Wednesday, Dec. 30^th.

The EAS Board would like to extend their sincere condolences to the surviving family members and ask Allah to bless the soul of the deceased and reward her for her good deeds.

EAS January Function - Update

2009-12-28T09:56:00.012-06:00

Dear EAS Members & Friends,

Based on feedback from you and due to the short period of time available for sending checks for the January 9^th function, attendees who will pay at the door will enjoy the same discounted fees as those sending checks by mail, as detailed below. We, however, ask that you confirm your attendance, by calling 281-392-5659 or by email to aeltaher@consolidated.net or aeltaher@hotmail.com, indicating the number of adults and children attending. This is necessary for us to estimate the number of attendees. Further details are in our posting on Dec. 20^th.

Cost

Member	$25
Non-member	$35
Children	$10

Thank you Message from Salem ElDousoky

2009-12-28T06:14:00.001-06:00

We have the message below from the Society member Salem EL Dousoky. The EAS Board would like to extend their sincere condolences to Salem EL Dousoky and his family and wish them the patience in coping with the great loss. May Allah bless the soul of the deceased and reward him for his good deeds.

اتوجه بالشكر لكم جميعاً على مواساتى فى وفاه شقيقى الاكبر الذى انتقل اى جوار ربه منذ يومان بالقاهره سواء تليفونياً او اليكترونياً او بالحضور شخصيا ولا يسعنى الا ان اقول لكم جميعا لا اراكم الله مكروها فى عزيز لديكم
To all who called or emailed to express sympathy for the death of my oldest brother in Cairo, we sincerely thank you for your thoughts.
Sincerely yours,
Salem M. EL Dousoky

EAS January Function

2009-12-20T22:09:00.008-06:00

Dear valued EAS member,

The Egyptian American Society is inviting you to attend our first meeting of the new year and with the new EAS Board, on Saturday, January 9, 2010. We are hosting the function at the Sheraton Suites Galleria. Please refer below to the evening details.

Location
Sheraton Suites Houston Near the Galleria:
2400 West Loop South
Houston, Texas 77027
Phone: (713) 586-2444

Program
· 6:00 PM Meet and Greet
· 7:00 PM Dinner
· 8:00 PM Short Presentation by new EAS Board
· 8:30 PM Function Entertainment

There will be a separate program and dinner for children that will be supervised and contains a range of fun filled activities.

Reservations
In an effort to provide proper accommodations, we ask that you RSVP to this function by completing the following two actions by December 31st, 2009.
1. Respond back to this email with a name for each spot you are reserving.
2. Mail EAS a check for the cost of the function.

Cost

	With RSVP	Without RSVP*
Member**	$25	$30
Non-member	$35	$40
Children***	$10	$15

* Although we will make every effort to accommodate attendees showing up at the door, we cannot guarantee availability of seats due to the limitations of the seating area.
** Since this is the first function of the new year, “members” will have to have paid the membership fees by and up to the function date. To enjoy the member’s discount, please send or pay at the door the membership fees with the function fees.
*** Children are whoever will attend the separet children program.

General
Please make the checks out to EAS and mail them to 5013 Viking Dr., Houston, TX 77092. All checks must be postmarked no later than December 31st, 2009.

Please send separate checks for the membership fees and for the Jan. function fees. The Jan. function check should specify the number of adults and children that will attend.

If you are not a member, EAS encourages you to complete our membership form at http://easathouston.blogspot.com/. Please send your membership dues ($60 family or $30 single) along with your function fees to the address listed above.

Additional details on the dinner menu and entertainment program will be posted in http://easathouston.blogspot.com/. Please check it out soon.

We appreciate your efforts in helping us make this function a success and we look forward to your attendance.

Sincerely,

The Egyptian American Society Board

Holidays Greetings

2009-12-20T14:42:00.001-06:00

During these festive holidays, we all take a moment to spend more time with family and friends, and to appreciate that with which we have been blessed. It is a time when we make our vows and declare our resolutions for the upcoming new year.

We, in the Egyptian American Society, extend our love and thanksgivings to all the Egyptian Americans in the community whom we consider our very own extended family.

May we all be blessed in this season of joy as we look forward to many more festive seasons to come.

Salaam,

Sherif Zaafran, MD
President, EAS

Eid Celebrations at ACC

2009-11-29T11:55:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgivings and عيد سعيد

2009-11-27T15:57:00.007-06:00

The EAS Board would like to wish all Houstonians happy Thanksgiving and Muslem Houstonians a blessed and happy Eid.

EAS Last Meeting and Board Election

2009-11-08T23:26:00.006-06:00

The Society meeting on November 1 was lively attended by close to 60 members, families and friends. The meeting was held at the Los Cucos restaurant at the Galleria area, where the food was an extra delight. The meeting started with a social and dinner, followed by a talk by Dr. Ibrahim AbouSayed, President of the departing Board on the Board achievements and difficulties that the board met. Dr. Mohammed Sabbahi, The Chair of the Nomination and Election Committee, then, introduced the new Board nominees and started the election. At the end of the meeting, the results were announced, as follows:

President:
Vice President:
Treasurer/Secretary:
Member at Large:
Member at Large:

Dr. Sherif Zafraan
Ms. Mona Ghazi
Ms. Dina El-Deeb
Dr. Ayman Eltaher
Ms. Rabab Sabbahi

Dr. Zaafran gave his acceptance speech on behalf of the elected Board, where he commended the current and previous Boards for their efforts to advance the Society. Dr. Zaafran also emphasized the capabilities and talents in the EAS and asked for assistance from all members of the society in pushing forward the Society's agenda and mission. He particularly expressed his aspiration to expand the membership of the Society to involve a greater part of the Egyptian American community in Houston.

Request for Internship

2009-11-08T23:00:00.006-06:00

We have this message from Mahmoud Farrag, who is looking at starting his professional life soon:

To whom it may concern,
Greetings to all,
My name is Mahmoud Farrag, I am the son of Mohamed Farrag and May Razik Members of the Egyptian American Society. I am in my fourth year at Texas A&M University, majoring in Petroleum Engineering, I would like to ask for the assistance from any one to help me get an internship the summer of 2010, it is very important for my career. Please circulate my resume to anyone who might be able to help me.
Thank you very much for your help.
Mahmoud Farrag

EAS Special Election - Updated Meeting Time & Details

2009-10-24T22:32:00.007-05:00

Dear EAS Members,

Due to requests from the Society members, so children can enjoy the Halloween, we have moved the meeting to be over a late lunch on Sunday, November 1st.

Event:	Meeting and Special Election of Board
Location:	Los Cucos, on Westheimer, near the Galleria 5851 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77057 (713) 278-2802
Time:	Sunday, November 1st 1:00PM to 4:00PM
Program:	1:00 PM Arrive 2:00 PM Lunch 2:30 PM Speech by Head of Election Committee and Introduction to Nominees 3:00 PM Election 4:00 PM Adjourn
Menu:	Chips and Salsa. Mixed Fajita (Beef and Chicken) Buffet with all the Fixings Rice, Vegetarian Refried Beans and Tortillas Fountain Drinks or Iced Tea
Cost:	$ 10.00 for Adults $ 5.00 for Children

A Message from EAS President

2009-10-02T18:35:00.007-05:00

Dear EAS member,

During the last few months, a number of major personal and business commitment changes occurred to several members of the EAS Board members that has impacted the Society activities. These changes impacted the Vice President (transferred out of the country), two members at large (resigned due to business reasons), and finally, the President (large business activities changes impacted availability in Houston).

In order to assure the continued activities of the EAS, and after consultation with Dr. Sabbahi (Chairman of Nomination/Election Committee) and Dr. Ezzat Abouleish, outgoing EAS president, I concluded that my resignation would open the door for electing a new board.

I have consulted with Dr. Sabbahi, and the Board members and we are calling for a new Board election to be held during the next society meeting on October 31. Meeting details will be sent out shortly.

In the meantime, the current Board invites the EAS members to nominate for any of the positions of the Board; namely, a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and Members at Large. Please send your intent for nomination, with a brief introduction of yourself and your vision for the position to Dr. M. Sabbahi, at msabbahi@mail.twu.edu.

On behalf of the current board, I would like to thank you the members for allowing us the chance to serve you. I hope in the short time we were active, we met your expectations. We also apologize for the lack of activities in the last few month.

Thanks you all,

Ibrahim Abou-Sayed
President EAS

EAS Next Function

2009-09-21T16:03:00.002-05:00

EAS Members,

Due to circumstances that are out of our control, EAS function for September have been delayed. More information will be coming soon.

Thank you.

كل عام وأنتم بخير!!!

2009-09-21T15:30:00.001-05:00

We have this nice painting from Dr. Abouleish, with his and our greetings for the blessed Eid:

عید مُبارک

2009-09-16T22:01:00.006-05:00

The EAS Board would like to wish all Muslem Egyptian Houstonians a blessed and happy Eid and to covey kind greeting letters from both the President of Egypt and and the Consul General of Egypt in Houston.

رمضان كريم‏ و كل عام وانتم بخير

2009-08-21T14:36:00.003-05:00

The EAS Board would like to send their greetings to Muslem Egyptian Houstonians for the blessed coming of Ramadan

This beautiful painting is courtesy of Dr. Ezzat Abouleish (currently part of his exhibit in the Freeman Library‏, Clear Lake).

Obituary - Ms. Amal Mousa

2009-08-21T14:05:00.002-05:00

We have a message from Dina Mousa, as she announces the passing away of her mother, Amal Mousa. Dina sends an invitation to everyone for Iftar in her mother's honor on Sunday, Aug. 23^rd, at Masjid AlFarouk.

The EAS Board would like to extend their sincere condolences to the surviving family and wish them the patience in coping with the great loss. Amal Mousa surviving family are Mohamed Mousa, Dina Mousa, Tarek Mousa, Samir Lotfi, Samia Mohamed and Sawsan Abbas.

Events around Houston - Art Exibition‏

2009-07-29T17:47:00.000-05:00

Events around Houston

2009-06-14T00:17:00.011-05:00

TIME:	Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 7:00pm
PLACE:	ACC- Arab American Cultural and Community Center at 10555 Stancliff, Houston 77099
EVENT:	Fund-Raising Dinner for Civilians of Gaza ($25)
INFORMATION:	713-545-5257 or 713-269-7856

Events around Houston

2009-05-11T23:46:00.003-05:00

Events around Houston: Free Programs at The Menil Collection

2009-04-18T15:49:00.003-05:00

EAS Sham Elneseem Picnic - POSTPONED‏

2009-04-17T20:52:00.001-05:00

All,

The weather has taken an unfortunate turn and we will be experiencing severe thunderstorms throughout the day tomorrow. Since this will not be conducive to any of the program events planned, we will be postponing the event until further notice. An update will be sent out next week with further details.

We appreciate your support in this matter.

Thanks,
EAS Board

EAS April Function

2009-04-10T21:31:00.004-05:00

All,
The newly appointed EAS Young Adults committee cordially invites you to the first EAS Sham El Neseem Picnic on Saturday April 18, 2009.

Please view the attachment (below) for the details for this action filled event.

We request that you send us your RSVPs with the number of people attending by Wednesday April 15, 2009 so that we may properly account for food.

Thank you,
EAS

عشا الغلابا عليك يارب

2009-04-09T17:11:00.005-05:00

!!السلام عليكم

عندم كنا في المركب مع الجمعية, كدت أموت من الجوع, ولكن أنقذنني السيدات

.. فالصورة المرفقة تعبر عن دعائي لهن

Ezzat Abouleish,M.D.
http://ezzat2007.spaces.live.com/

EAS March Function - A Great Fun

2009-04-04T23:14:00.005-05:00

The Society's March function was a real treat for the attendees, with about an hour and a half fantastic tour on Houston's Ship Channel Boat, then with the fine dining at Los Cucos, followed by a fun-filled evening led by Mona Ghazi. About forty five, adults and children, attended the tour and a similar number the dinner.

Early afternoon, the boat tour was a nice opportunity for relaxing, enjoying the water and breeze and socializing with other EAS members and friends, on the waters of the ship channel. The dinner was quite fine, and the trivia/gift-stealing game that followed was real fun. The winners were

Ayman Eltaher

Sonia Nagi

Amir Salem

Nahid Mohamed

Tawfik Nasr

Irene Said

Hossam Salem

Mohamed Sabbahi

Ehab Shabaan

Maisa Kotb

EAS Board would like to thank everybody for the great turn out and for the positive feedback we received.

We hope to see you all in our next (April) function, which is going to be really special; planned and executed by the Egyptian American young adults of Houston, led by our young Board member Dina El-Deeb.

2009-03-14T23:18:00.007-05:00

Hi everybody,

After the Ship Channel Tour on Sat., March 21^st, we will be gathering again for a dinner and social.

If you plan to attend the dinner, Please RSVP by sending email to aeltaher@sbcglobal.net and telling us the number of attendance in your party. This RSVP is separate from that of the Ship Channel Tour. People can attend either events (Tour or Dinner) or both, but you need to RSVP for each separately.

Location:	Los Cucos, on Westheimer, near the Galleria 5851 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77057 (713) 278-2802
Time:	5:00p.m
Menu:	Chips and Salsa. Mixed Fajita (Beef and Chicken) Buffet with all the Fixings Rice, Vegetarian Refried Beans and Tortillas Fountain Drinks or Iced Tea
Cost:	$ 20.00 for Members $ 25.00 for Non-members $ 8.00 for Children 12 & under (A Choice of Chicken Fingers or Fried Shrimp)

EAS March Function

2009-03-09T22:29:00.004-05:00

Happy Mawlid ElNabawi

2009-03-08T21:00:00.004-05:00

Muslim Egyptian Community in Houston,

We have received letters (below) from President Hosny Mubarak of Egypt and from H.E. ElHusseini Abdelwahab, Consul General of Egypt in Houston congratulating the Muslim Egyptian community in in Egypt and the world over for the coming blessed Mawlid ElNabawi, the birthday of Prophet Mohamed PBUH. Below also is the response letter sent on behalf of the community from Dr. Ibrahim Abou-Sayed to H.E. El Husseini Abdelwahab, thanking him for his kind letter.

EAS February Meeting

2009-02-20T23:55:00.010-06:00

The EAS Board would like to thank all who came with the positive feedback on our last meeting. The meeting was a success by the sincere efforts and dedications of Board members and volunteers.

The meeting was attended by more than 70 members and friends of EAS, as well as about 10 children. The main item on the meeting agenda was the speech and discussion lead by

His Excellency Ambassador Elhusseini Abdelwahab

The talk by Ambassador Abdelwahab was indeed informative and hit a number of hot current topics, including impact of global economic recession on Egypt and the supporting role of Egypt in recent events in Gaza. In their special room, the children also had their share of fun with the clown, balloon animals and the pizza. The meeting was concluded with a lively "Name that Tune" game lead by the new stars of EAS

Dina El-Deeb & Mona Ghazi.

Winners of the "Name that Tune" were

Ghada Ahmed , Nabila Eid,
Abla Barakat , Samy Rezk,
Yusra Abou-Sayed , Nahed Strawes,
Nour Hyder , Rasha Heggazy,
Mohamed Elkady & Noha Elgohary

The EAS Board would like to thank all volunteers who participated in making this event the great success it was; in particular, we thank

Marwa Soliman , Mona Elkhelali & Dalia Diab

Who did a fantastic job sitting with the children and provided them with the wonderful time they had. A special thank goes also to

Adel El-Deeb

For his IT support during the "Name that Tune" session.

This meeting had the special flavor and fingerprint of the Egyptian American youth that Dina and Adel brought in. The EAS hope this would continue and progress to a more lively and dynamic EAS energized and lead by the new generations of Egyptian Americans in Houston.

Pictures are courtesy of Tarek Ghazi

A Conversation with His Excellency Sameh Shoukry

2009-02-16T21:48:00.002-06:00

Egyptian-US Bilateral Relations and Shared Objectives has this event organized in Houston:

A Conversation with His Excellency Sameh Shoukry

Speaker(s): His Excellency Sameh Shoukry, Ambassador of Egypt to the United States

Date: 2/25/2009

Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Location: The Intercontinental Hotel- DiscoveryB, 2222 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027

For more details: (http://www.bilateralchamber.org/_events/default.aspx?event_id=192)

Invitation to EAS February Meeting

2009-02-01T13:45:00.005-06:00

Dear EAS Memebsr and friends,

Please click on the invitation below for details on our February meeting.

Obituary - Mr. Ahmed Elsabbahi

2009-01-30T23:54:00.003-06:00

With great sorrow, we have received the news that Mr. Ahmed Elsabbahi, the father of Dr. Mohammed Elsabbahi, has passed away in Egypt. The EAS Board would like to extend their sincere condolences to Dr. Mohammed and his family and wish them the patience in coping with the great loss. May Allah bless the soul of the deceased and reward him for his good deeds.

2009-01-30T22:59:00.006-06:00

We have the message below from Dr Aboueleish, the head of the EAS committe for supporting civilians in Gaza. In particular, we would like to indicate that the EAS has delivered its first installment of $5,000 to the ACC committee and that the remaining $1,000 will be delivered next week.

On Sunday January 25, 2009 a meeting was held at the Arab American Center to show solidarity with Gaza. It was a successful meeting attended by hundeds of persons from the Middle East and the United States. Speeches were delivered and donations were collected. The check from our members carrying the name of our Society was handed by Dr. Abouleish to the committee overseeing the collection of donations which reached over $150,000.
Ezzat Abouleish,M.D.http://ezzat2007.spaces.live.com/

Congratulation to EAS Board from Egyptian Consul

2009-01-24T12:10:00.005-06:00

Dr. Ibrahim Abou-Sayed has received this letter from His Excellency Husseini Abdelwahab, the Egyptian Consul in Houston, congratulating The new EAS Board:

EAS January Meeting - A Great Success

2009-01-24T12:08:00.003-06:00

The Society’s January meeting was indeed a real success, with more than 75 members and friends having attended. In the meeting, the new Board expressed their appreciation to the parting Board members, Dr. Abouleish, Ms. Mustafa, Ms. Zafaran and Dr. Elshahawi, in recognition of their effort and leadership of the EAS in the last term. The Board presented the parting Board members with farewell presents and plaques.

The new Board also presented their vision for the Society and their plans for the coming two-year term. Dr. Abou-Sayed spoke of his vision for a term active with social and cultural functions and of an important role for the Society’s youth; he also presented the financial status of the Society. After that, Mr. Hassan laid out his plans for the Society monthly functions and expansion, followed by Ms. Ghazi who talked of her vision for a more active role of the Society in the social welfare of its members. Lastly, Dr. Eltaher expressed his hope for a two way communication between the Board and the Society members and demonstrated available tools for that.

The Society has registered a membership of about 20 families till now. Additional donations for the Society have amounted to about $288 till now.

Dr. Abouleish also spoke of the latest humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and encouraged the attendance to support the Society’s effort to help the Palestinian civilians in Gaza. He explained that donations will be sent through the United Nations to the humanitarian effort in Gaza. Dr. Abouleish thanks who donated in the meeting and encourage additional donations be made payable to the Egyptian American Society and be sent to

Ezzat Abouleish
16518 Brookforest Drive
Houston, Texas 77059

Donations for Gaza has been around $5,500 till now. Letter with the Society's Tax Reimbursement number will be sent out to the donors soon.

Dr. Ahmed Hassan had resigned his post in the Board due to a conflict with other commitments, but he confirmed his commitment to the Society’s cause and that he will continue to work as an active member. In the meeting, Dr. Hassan donated two sets of two Rockets tickets, each, to the meeting attendance. The winners of the tickets were Mr. Mohammed Gomaa and Fairouz Bader.

Finally, the EAS would like to thank Mr. Mohamed El-Ahmadi for his kind volunteering to help in the meeting.

Gaza - Events in Houston

2009-01-15T21:00:00.003-06:00

A silent protest in front of the Holocust Museum and a big candle vigil at the Water Falls by the Galleria and other events are planned in Houston in resonse to the unfortunate happenings in Gaza. For more information, please refer to www.hcjpp.org

EAS January Meeting

2009-01-10T23:40:00.002-06:00

This is to stress that the Society's January meeting will be in Fadi's NEW Restaurant, at

12360 Westheimer

Houston, TX 77077

1.5 blocks east of Dairy Ashford, in the Shadowbriar Plaza

(281) 556-8390

Click here for the restarant's web site

FECC Fund Raising

2009-01-10T22:20:00.016-06:00

We have this message from Dr. Samia Khalil on the fund raising event of the Friends of Egyptian Children with Cancer:

Dear Friends,
Happy New Year. Friends of Egyptian Children with Cancer is a nonprofit organization which raises money to treat Children with Cancer in Egypt free. The board is a group of American and Egyptian volunteers.
Attached is an invitation for our main fund raising event for the year. We would like you to be part and participate in the fund raising efforts. The children with Cancer in
Egypt need your help.
May God bless you and reward your good deeds.
Many thanks,
Samia Khalil, M.D.

EAS January Meeting

2009-01-06T21:33:00.007-06:00

Please click on the invitation below:

Humanitarian Aid to the Civilians of Gaza

2008-12-31T21:57:00.004-06:00

To alleviate the pain and suffering of the civilians of Gaza, and may be saving some lives, I urge you to donate for this cause. The EAS Board of Directors 2007-2008 has donated from their individual accounts $2,000 for this cause. All money collected will be ear-marked for this purpose and sent through the United Nations, mainly for medical purposes. Again, for humanitarian reasons, I urge you to contribute as much as you can.

Please make your check payable to the Egyptian American Society, and send it to

Ezzat Abouleish, M.D.
16518 Brookforest Drive
Houston, Texas 77059.

Ezzat Abouleish,M.D.
http://ezzat2007.spaces.live.com

Happy New Years; 1430 Hijri, and 2009 AD

2008-12-28T21:48:00.010-06:00

EAS Board and Board-Elect would like to wish everyone Happy New Years; the 1430^th Hijri and the 2009^th after Christ. May Allah bless them both and make them happy and joyful new years for you all, bringing you prosperity, success and great health.

To all members: HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

2008-12-17T23:09:00.003-06:00

I See Beauty in…..

I see beauty in the smile on a baby’s face on seeing his mother’s face.

I see beauty in the happiness of a mother on seeing her son returning from a long trip or war, or recovering from a life threatening illness.

I see beauty in the enthusiasm, the joy, and the pouring energy of a young person after receiving his diploma on graduation day, and tossing his cap up in the air.

I see beauty in the eyes of speechless lovers, holding hands and looking at each other’s eyes with admiration, affection, and love.

I see beauty in the spring with its colorful flowers, with jasmine aroma, with enchanting birds.

I see beauty in the full moon lightening up the sky, with the sparkling stars adding to the beauty of the scene.

I see beauty in the beach with its sand dunes, with waves rushing one after another to hug each other on the shore, with seagulls flying around erratically or standing in discipline in rows behind their leader, with egrets white as snow standing on the top of pillars of piers scouting the area and the horizon for food and friends.

I see beauty in the sunset reflecting its golden rays on the milky sea, with clouds, fascinating in shape and shade, ever changing in form and closeness, connecting and separating in gentleness and style.

I see beauty in lovers strolling in the park among the trees, free of worry free of fears, as if time has no beginning, has no end, and has been ordered to freeze, with nothing important around them or in their minds except each other, nothing of value except that moment, wishing it to be like a photographic picture, staying there and never change over the years.

I see beauty in a construction worker on a scaffold sweating while welding iron that getting soft and yielding to man’s power and determination like a straw to a summer breeze.

I see beauty in children running around on a hot day and jumping in the pool to get out and jump again, giggling and laughing, and screaming with joy and excitement as they splash each other with water from a hose, running away from getting wet by jumping into the pool.

I see beauty in a summer night with gentle breeze, swaying the silky curtain of an open balcony, with two lovers in bed, passionate, with whispers more beautiful than any song one hears.
I see beauty in listening to a poem recited by a fervent poet, opening up his soul, offering his heart on a gold plate to his beloved.

I see beauty in hearing a song by my favorite singer, chanting, joyfully taking me up and down the musical stream.

I see beauty in a painting, even of a storm. I feel the time spent and the talent poured into it by a loving, sensitive, and compassionate artist, with wild and strong or mild and gentle strokes, every inch perfected like a piece of tapestry.

I see beauty in an old man on a rocking chair, gazing at infinity, replaying the past to live it again, with a smile being born on his face.

I see beauty in a woman in a church with a lighted candle in hand or standing at sunset on the mountain of Arafat, whispering words between her and the Creator, words we don’t hear but to Him they are loud and clear.

I see beauty in an old fragile man completely absorbed in praying, with absolute submission to God, with gentle tears on his cheek, with an arched back but strong soul, asking for forgiveness and acceptance, realizing that the journey is near the end, and praying to God to let his tears wipe out the slate clean.

This is Life my friend, isn’t it full of beauty?!!! Enjoy it.

Happy New Year!!

Ezzat Abouleish, M.D.
Houston, TX Dec.2008

To our Christian Friends: MERRY CHRISTMAS !!

2008-12-17T23:07:00.002-06:00

Happy Eid, Hajj 08

2008-12-06T18:32:00.001-06:00

30”x40” painting, acrylic on canvas.

This painting is on display in Freeman Public Library of Clear Lake commemorating this occasion. It will be there for a whole week. I thought it is worthwhile to display specially after the shameful terror attack in India. I do thank the Library and the Branch Librarian, Mrs. Karen Akkerman for welcoming the painting. Visiting the library if possible, and/or “A Thank You” note to Mrs. Akkerman , will express the spiritual and peaceful character of Islam. ( Karen J. Akkerman, Branch Librarian, Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library,16616 Diana Lane,Houston, Texas 77062. Email: kakkerma@hcpl.net)

N.B. I was supposed to finish this painting in two weeks. But it took me more than one month to complete the job. The reason is there are thousands of Hajjis in the Holy Mosque. The more I paint, the more they show up, some on wheel chairs. I felt sorry for myself as the rich Saudi Government collects money from them to visit, and I pay for the painting material, and I use the precious short time left for me on this earth to paint them. But on a second thought, I am the winner! Allah will reward me for my painting. And his reward is much higher than all the money the Saudi government has collected. Thus, I am happy! Happy Eid my friends!!!!!

تهنئة الرئيس مبارك بمناسبة عيد الأضحى المبارك

2008-12-03T21:26:00.003-06:00

We have receieved these messages from President Hosney Mubarak and from His Excellency Husseini Abdelwahab, congratulating Egyptian Muslems in Houston and the world over on the coming blessed Eid:

Obituary - Correction and Apology

2008-12-02T21:33:00.003-06:00

For a brief period, the obituary posted on Friday, November 28, 2008, incorrectly identified the deceased as Ms. Wigdan Nash. The error has since been corrected to indicate that the deceased was indeed her husband Bill Nash.

As we wish for Ms. Wigdan and the surviving family the patience in coping with the great loss, we offer our sincere apology for the unintentional error and for any inconvenience or harm this may have caused.

Ayman Eltaher
EAS Board

EAS November Meeting and New Board

2008-11-29T23:51:00.012-06:00

The Society meeting on November 22 was exciting and eventful. Close to 100 members, families and friends attended the meeting at Cafe Layal. The meeting started with a social and dinner, followed by an informative talk by Dr. Abouleish on "Historic Mosques, Churches, and Synagogues of Egypt."

As required by the Society's bylaws, the meeting culminated with the election of a new Board members for Society for the following two years (2009-2010). The chair of the election committee, Dr. Mohammed Sabbahi, introduced the nominees, who presented their visions on the future of the Society. Dr. Sabbahi presided over the voting process, and, at the end of the meeting, announced the election results, as follows:

President:
Vice President:
Treasurer/Secretary:
Member at Large:
Member at Large:
Member at Large:
Member at Large:

Dr. Ibrahim Abou-Sayed
Dr. Gamal Hassan
Ms. Dina El-Deeb
Ms. Mona Ghazi
Dr. Ahmed Hassan
Mr. Makram Asaad
Dr. Ayman Eltaher

Dr. Abou-Sayed gave his acceptance speech on behalf of the elected Board, where he commended Dr. Abouleish and the current Board for their efforts to advance the Society. Dr. Abou-Sayed also emphasized the non-sectarian nature of the EAS and asked for assistance from all members of the society in pushing forward the Society's agenda and mission for the next two years.

the Board encourages all Egyptian Americans living in Greater Houston to join the Society and show solidarity for the wellfare of the community and mother land.

Obituary

2008-11-28T13:49:00.005-06:00

With great sorrow, we have received the news that Mr. Bill Nash, the husband of our sister Wigdan, has passed away. The EAS Board would like to extend their sincere condolences to the surviving family members.

We would also like to extend our sincere condolences to Suzy Mustafa for the passing away of her sister Hoda, and wish for her and her sister's surviving family the patience in coping with the great loss.

May Allah bless the souls of the deceased and reward them for their good deeds.

Lecture on Islamic Arts

2008-11-09T13:34:00.005-06:00

We have received the following message from Dr. Leoni, the assistant curator of the Arts of the Islamic World in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston:

Good morning Dr. Abouleish

I hope this email finds you well. As I promised you when we met, I would like to bring you to your attention a lecture that I will be giving at the MFAH on November 13^th at 5 pm.

I am attaching the flyer below for more details.

Please feel free to forward it to all the people (friends, relatives, etc.) who may be interested in the Islamic initiative at the MFAH and who are willing to hear more about future plans.

I look forward seeing you there.

Best wishes,

Francesca
Dr. Francesca Leoni Assistant
Curator of the Arts of the Islamic World,
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
PO Box 6826 Houston, Texas 77265-6826
Phone: 713-639-7818 Fax: 713-639-7395
Email: fleoni@mfah.org

2008-11-01T22:04:00.006-05:00

We received this message from Dr. Ahmed Ahmed, Member of the Board of Directors GIC and Professor UTMB:

Dear Dr. Abouleish,

I am writing to you to follow up on the progress of the devastation and recovery after hurrican IKE . Please find included a link to several videos showing the impact of Ike and our response in Galveston Islamic Center. also please find attached a revised copy of our report.

We are desperat to your response and feedback.

Best personal regards.

Ahmed

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=elbeshlawi2007&view=videos

We also have this message from Dr. Ezzat Abouleish, President of EAS:

DEAR MEMBER,PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHMENT AND LINK SITE TO APPRECIATE THE DEGREE OF THE DEVASTATION. THE GREAT EXPENSE FOR RESTORATION THE DIRECT TRANSFER OF CONTRIBUTION TO THE BANK, AND THE URGENCY OF DOING SO. WITH EVERY PASSING DAY, THE DAMAGE WORSENS.MAY ALLAH REWARD YOU FOR " TAAMEER MASAGED ALLAH".

Ezzat Abouleish,M.D.

EAS November Function

2008-11-01T11:10:00.000-05:00

Dear EAS Members,

It is the time again to elect our new board memebers. As requested by the Election Committee, please convey your intent for nomination to the chair of the committee, Dr. Mohammed Sabbahi @ (281) 748-9109. Voting will be in the Society's November function.

We are pleased to announce that the function will also include a talk by His Excellency Ambassador ElHusseini Abdelwahab, Consul General of Egypt in Houston. The
talk will be on Jamal Abdel-Nasser.

Place	Cafe Layal restaurant (open buffet from a variety of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines)
Date and Time	Saturday, November 22 at 6:00 pm
Cost	Free for Members; $14 for Adult Guests (inclusive of tax and tip)
Meeting Agenda	6:00pm Arrival and Social 6:30pm Welcome (Dr. AboulEish) and EAS budget (Mr. Elshahawi) 6:40pm Dinner 7:40pm Lecture (Ambassador Abdelwahab) 8:40pm Election of Board Members for 2009 (Dr. Sabbahi) 9:30pm Adjourn

Request for Nominations for New EAS Board

2008-10-29T20:25:00.004-05:00

We have this message from Dr. Mohamed Sabbahi, Chair of the Society's election committee:

A nominating committee has been formed for election of the new board for the EAS. The board consists of : Dr. Mohamed Sabbahi (Chair), Dr. Mamdouh Salama and Mr. Abdul-Basit Megahed (Members). All positions are opened for nomination. The current positions available are
President
Vice President
Secretary/Treasurer
Member-at-large (two and we may need three to expand the functions and activity of the society)
More emphasis are put on the position of secretary/treasurer & vice president who will be the dynamo of the society. Please nominate some members for these positions, get their approval and contact Dr. Sabbahi @ (281) 748-9109- cell).
Thanks.
Dr. Mohamed A. Sabbahi, Ph,PT, ECS
Professor of Neuroscience and Physical Therapy
Texas Woman's University, School of Physical Therapy
6700 Fannin St., Houston, Texas 77030
Tel. (713) 794- 2309, Fax (713) 794-2071

A Lecture Presentation by Consul General of Egypt

2008-10-19T20:51:00.004-05:00

We have this message from the Christian Egyptian Heritage Society (CEHS):

CEHS Proudly Announces

Thursday, October 23, 2008

A Lecture Presentation By

His Excellency Ambassador ElHusseini Abdelwahab
Consul General of Egypt in Houston

“The Egyptian Renaissance in Modern Times”

(The presentation will focus on that period of Egyptian history starting from the early nineteenth century up to the early twentieth century, with special emphases on the key players of the era such as: Saad Zaghloul, Mostapha Kamel and Talaat Harb)

Renaissance Houston Hotel
6 E Greenway Plaza
The Camellia room at the concourse level (MAP)

6:30 pm: registration
7:00 pm: Lecture

Members & Students: Free
Non-Members: $10
RSVP To: rsvp@cehs.org or 281-497-6944

Egyptian Consulate - Change of Address

2008-10-10T22:23:00.003-05:00

Dear Members,

We have this important message for the Egyptian Consulate in Houston:

Eid congratulations

2008-09-27T13:07:00.009-05:00

We have these messages from His Excellency Husseini Abdelwahab and from President Hosney Mubarak, congratulating Egyptian Muslems in Houston and the world over on the coming blessed Eid:

Eid Saiid for you and your loved ones!!!!

2008-09-27T13:00:00.001-05:00

Ezzat Abouleish, M.D.

2008-09-27T10:29:00.001-05:00

EXHIBITING TWO PIECES OF MY WORK AT THE PUBLIC LIBRARY COMMEMORATING RAMADAN.

Ezzat Abouleish,M.D.
http://ezzat2007.spaces.live.com

2008-09-27T09:33:00.000-05:00

For those who are not proficient in Arabic "WAHAWI YA WAHAWI" is a song kids say when they knock on doors at night carrying lanterns (which has been a symbol of Ramadan)asking for a treat. This is what first came to mind. Second, almost every month some one sends me "Vegetables and fruits sculpture". So, I decided to do my own. I made The Ramadan Lantern of: "body, from a watermelon ; base is a loaf of bread; candle from a cucumber; and the flame from a radish." I hope you like it and appreciate the child that still vivdly alife in me!!! Ramadan Kareem to all.

Ezzat Abouleish,M.D.
http://ezzat2007.spaces.live.com

A Message to EAS Memebers and Friends

2008-09-20T11:15:00.003-05:00

Dear member/friend of the EAS,

We have waited until the latest possible time to send this out to allow time for as many people as possible to return to Houston and to have power and connectivity restored, but we realize not everyone has access to usual communications channels at this time. Therefore, if you get this message and are able to contact someone whom you know cannot get this email, please help spread the word.

You must have all by now seen in the media the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Ike. Unfortunately for many of our members and friends, there's actually no need to look to the media for evidence of Ike's destruction - it's right in front of them in their own neighborhoods. Having said that, we must say Alhamdulilah for sparing us what could have been a much worse disaster.

Since many of us are still recovering in the aftermath of the hurricane and given the numerous exposures to potentially hazardous conditions still around us especially in the downtown area, and a night-time curfew remaining in place in the Houston metropolitan area, we have gone ahead and CANCELLED the Sept meeting/Iftar at Layal. We sincerely apologize for this cancellation, but as I am sure you realize this is due to circumstances well beyond our control. Once recovery from the hurricane is complete, we will Inshaalah be back in touch with you regarding timing and venue of future activities.

Lastly, please remember that your safety and security are top priorities to your family and friends at the EAS, so please remain vigilant especially when doing things like clearing debris, trimming trees, using a generator, driving at intersections where signal lights are out, etc.

Alhamdulilah for your safety and best regards,

Hani Elshahawi

THE PHARAOH PELICAN, THE KING OF THE SEA

2008-09-12T01:07:00.005-05:00

SEA BROOK IN TEXAS (A SUBBURB OF HOUSTON) IS KNOWN FOR ITS PELICAN STATUES. YOU CAN SEE THEM AS YOU DRIVE ON NASA ROAD AND ON HIGHWAY 146. IN 2002 I PAINTED A STATUE TO REPRESENT EGYPT. HE HAS BEEN LOCATED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF H.Y.146 GOING TO KHEMA BEFORE CROSSING THE BRIDGE. THIS YEAR I HAVE RENOVATED HIM, GAVE HIM JEWELERY, AND ADDED A CROWN REPRESENTING THE UPPER AND LOWER EGYPT. I ALSO ADDED THE ROYAL PHARAONIC BEARD. ON THE BEHALF OF THE PHARAOH PELICAN, THE KING OF THE SEA, YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT HIS MAJESTY.

Ezzat Abouleish,M.D.

2008-09-01T22:46:00.014-05:00

Dear member/friend of the EAS,

Welcome back from summer holidays and Ramadan Kareem to all of you. Please find below information on our September EAS meeting. It will be held over Iftar/breakfast time at Cafe Layal, located at 6328 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77057 (Richmond Avenue @ Unity Drive)

Place	Cafe Layal restaurant (open buffet from a variety of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines)
Date and Time	7:00 pm Saturday September 20 (Maghrib ~ 7:25 pm on that day)
Price	Members will pay $10.00 and the Society will pay the rest (up to $4 per person)
Procedure	As you walk into Cafe Layal, please identify yourself as EAS members and pay $10.00/person and then head for the private dining room that we always use. Pick a seat and make yourself comfortable. In time, you will be asked to stand in line at the open buffet to get your dinner.
Meeting Agenda	7:00 - 7:15 pm Assemble 7:25 - 7:35 pm Break fast at Maghrib time 7:35 - 7:45 pm Maghrib Prayer for those who wish to observe it 7:45 - 8:15 pm Continue Iftar 8:15 - 8:30 pm Welcome - Dr. Ezzat Abouleish 8:30 - 9:15 pm Election program and introduce Nominating Committee 9:15 pm Adjourn

A few other notices:

If you have not yet paid your 2008 annual membership dues, please remember to bring a check along to the meeting for convenient payment ($30 per individual or $60 per family). Paying your dues is one way you can pay back the society for its services and is essential for the survival of the EAS. Remember that the Board members all pay their dues in addition to working many hours on a volunteer basis hours with nothing in return except for being able to bring Egyptian-American individuals and their families together. The EAS has helped new comers to Houston and has provided an excellent venue for young members to get to know each other.

We are in the process of formulating the Nominating Committee for 2009 Board. There will be a number of vacant spots available for Board membership and we welcome new blood, especially young members. Please send Dr. Ezzat Abouleish your name if you would like to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

Finally, we encourage you to regularly visit our blog at http://easathouston.blogspot.com/ for updated EAS news. Again, Ramadan Kareem, and see you all on Sept 20th.
best regards,

Ramadan Kareem

2008-08-30T22:05:00.003-05:00

Dear Muslim Members,

Please see below the Congratulations sent from President Mubarak and Ambassador Husseini to the Egyptian Muslim Community for the blessed month of Ramadan.

With EAS Best Regards and Wishes.

RAMADAN KAREEM

2008-08-30T18:24:00.002-05:00

THE BOARD AND I WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY RAMADAN!!

Ezzat Abouleish

N.B. The painting is by E.A. , oil and acrylic on canvas (30"x40").

2008-08-30T18:14:00.004-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS FOR RAMADAN FROM PRESIDENT MOBARAK AND AMBASSADOR ABDELWAHAB!!!
We received these congratulations through The Consulate of Egypt. We thank them for their sincere feelings and wish them the same.
The Board and Members.

Alf Mabrouk to El-Kadi and Abou-Sayed Families

2008-08-10T14:21:00.006-05:00

Our member Mohamed Islam Al-Kadi and Yusra Abou-Sayed were joined last Sunday August. May Allah bless the newly wed. We tell them: Barak Allah Lakoma wa barak alikuma wa jama binakoma ala khair.

To the parents we say Alf Alf mabrouk.

EAS members and BOD.