Egypt: soap opera to boost patriotism

CAIRO - Egyptian authorities are trying to revive the flame of patriotism in the country through soaps on the Arab-Israeli conflict, but do not convince many viewers who see a way to forget the difficulties of everyday life.

•     Not less than five television series aired during the month of Ramadan, which began in late August, deal about this conflict, two of which are more specifically about the Jews shared between their Arab country of origin and the calls to emigrate of the Zionist movement.
  
      "There is a desire to promote patriotism, especially because there was some espionage cases in recent years in Egypt, said the producer Hassan Shaabane.
  
      His company, King Tut Productions, directed two TV series, "Matkhafouche" (Do not Fear) and " Harb-al Gawassisse" (The war of spies). This drama tells the story of Samia Fahmy, arrested and executed with her fiance for spying for Israel after the Arab-Israeli war of 1967.
  
      "In accordance with ministerial orders, we started production," says Mr. Shaabane. "We had the full support of the Egyptian intelligence services who have provided useful information to produce the series," he says.
  
      "Lately, interest in the Palestinian question was raised," notes Zaki Mahmoud, a media specialist teacher, who also plays in "Mathkafouche. Hence "the desire to rekindle interest in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and revive patriotism".
  
      Egypt is the first Arab country to sign peace treaty with Israel in 1979 and is a leader of the moderate Arab countries.
  
      The Egyptian government gives, nevertheless, regularly voices against Israel, although opinion remains overwhelmingly sympathy for the Palestinian cause.
  
      The man in the street seems, often, having scant regard patriotism television partner.
  
      "This is just to occupy us, so that we do not think about the real problems, unemployment, poverty, said sadly Soad Mohammed, a student. "Israel is always an easy subject, because most Egyptians sympathize with the Palestinians," she says.
  
      "We can not find the enemy?" talking about Israel and spies ? we should be interested in the real problems," said another resident of Cairo, Mahmoud Ahmed.
  
      The series "Law Kont Nasi" (If you forget) treats the changes in the Egyptian society after the Arab-Israeli wars of 1967 and 1973. Al Bawaba al-thania "(The second gate) tells the story of an Egyptian mother whose son is kidnapped and taken to Israel.
  
      " Ana Albi Dalili " (My heart is my guide) based on the history of the Jewish Egyptian singer Leila Murad, during the years 1920 to 1940. 
  
•     However, it is difficult to miss the patriotic message. "What we are saying is that when your ancestors lived in this country, your children live in this country, you must remain loyal to this country," says director Hassan Shaabane.
      
  
  
  Ennaharonline/ M. O.