The Times quoted Reda Saleh Al al-Hefnawi, a legislator member of the Muslim Brotherhood, as saying, “How do they (women) ask the Ministry of Interior to protect a woman when she stands among men?”
As long as such viewpoints are common in Egypt, and are not vigorously opposed by other members of the current Egyptian government, there seems to be a clear answer to the question of whether Western women should visit Egypt. Though one or two members of the leading party, including one of its rare female members, have spoken out in protest, the prevailing silence by most others in that party serves as a major reason to warn women against Egyptian tourism. Perhaps in solidarity with these outrageous viewpoints blaming women for the attacks they have sustained, the Egyptian police have been largely inactive in protecting women against rape by crowds of men congregating for political meetings.
Several months ago, I reported with great sorrow my own increasing realization that Egypt currently is not safe for tourism. I emphasize “great sorrow,” because I once operated weekly charter flights to Cairo, and they were a highlight of my life as a tour operator. The people who booked those flights were able to experience some of travel’s greatest joys — visits to the Pyramids and the Sphinx, to Luxor and Abu Simbel, a trek to the actual tomb of King Tut and the priceless relics found in it. I recall happy jaunts to the “fish restaurant” near our hotel in Cairo (we never learned its name), where clients chose their own live fish for cooking from an ice-filled stone vat near the kitchen. I remember the awe of visits to Cairo’s archaeological museum, and the endless other Cairo sights that once captivated our passengers.
But my judgment about tourism to Egypt has now been confirmed by uncontradicted news reports. If there is anyone among our readers who has contrary evidence, I’d very much appreciate hearing from you.
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The Toronto Star