Dahab attack April 24, 2006
Today is Shem al Nessim, the Egyptian spring festival and tomorrow is the Sinai Liberation day, April 25, the 24th anniversary of Sinai being returned to Egypt. We don’t celebrate - we grief.
Many Egyptians headed to the Sinai and to Dahab for a long weekend vacation. Most of the people, who died and were wounded in the evening attack in Masbat Dahab are again Egyptians and those who despite terror warnings came to Sinai out of curiosity or out of love for the place.
These terrorists, whomever they are qaeda or smer’ida have done a perfect job. Within 2 years they succeeded to create instability and fear in Sinai. Those who will suffer again and again are the local communities, who earn their living from tourism.
I was paralyzed when the bomb hit Taba and it broke my heart, when the bomb went off in Ras el Shatein. I was miserable when it hit Sharm. Now Dahab.
What shall I say: Sinai is safe – no it is not! But where on this earth do we have one safe place left?
Sinai paid a tough price. The former peaceful place of paradise turned into a playground for brutal psychopaths and it turned into a prison of security controls, which in the end could sadly enough not prevent these mean acts of terror.
All I wish that the 25th anniversary of Sinai will celebrate the liberation from terrorism and the return to a more mature status of paradise. Enough is enough!
It has been many years since I was in the Sinai but I have fond memories of Dahab and Nuweiba. My heart aches for the visitors and residents of this beautiful place. Surely, there cannot be a greater sadness.
Comment by Susan De La Cruz — 25 April 2006 @ 10:18 pm
I grieve for the effect that such attacks bring. But there is only one way to deal with such people. Stand resolute against them. Those that have to resort to such methods should not be feared, instead I pity them.
Comment by chris — 26 April 2006 @ 8:06 pm
I plan to be in Sinai for four days in November. I very much appreciate the information provided on this site to help me prepare for the trip. Many people have asked me if I am “afraid” to be in that region. I am not. I understand there are risks. I am saddened by the tragedies that have caused so much suffering. Still, my spirit is at peace as I look forward to coming. I anticipate a wonderful journey there and hope to keep my spirit open to all it has to offer.
Comment by lynda bennett — 9 August 2006 @ 5:11 pm