Selam Tewolde and company
This is not the first thread of discussion where Eritreans have
been accused of giving preferential treatment to people of European
stock. I remember about a year ago, similar sentiments were heard in dehai.
Although, I read all the messages, I did not entertain the given
explication seriously, due to their nature of simplicity and
sensationalism. I'm aware that there is a simpler and deeper understanding
of any event and the current influx are notorious for their negligence to
consider the Eritrean/Egyptian context of why such a thing would happen,
instead of jumping into seriously damaging accusations that could have
far-reaching ramifications, the responsibility should be (even if those
things happen) in finding ways of ennobling them. It is not my intention
to give a sermon, but to offer an alternative story of why such a thing
happen.
The Egyptian case: The Arabs say, "ma aQreba alqrib ila alqrib fi
alqurba"- a stranger is a stranger's friend in a strange land. The
Egyptian ( regardless he looks like you or the European) feels more for
the foreigners because they share the same experience and if there is
anything that he can do to alleviate the burden of being in a foreign
country, I'm sure he would not hesitate to do that. As we say in Tigrinya,
"gaSa ASa" (visitor/foreigner is foolish), the Egyptian can sympathize
with the European's violation of the law that prohibits walking on the
side of the street.
The Eritrean case: Hospitality is a highly cherished tradition
among our people and the Arabs too. It is not only a custom but a
religious ritual. We have a duty to take care of our visitors and we tend
to give them preferential treatment because, first, they not going to stay
long, second, that is how we would like to be treated when we travel so
reputation is very important "beAl Hade mealti ayykeAbka"- u don't want to
lose your reputation with a temporary visitor.
Hospitality is a rare commodity in the West ( one of the few
reasons why I don't like living here) and obviously some of us have been
mistreated, but this should not be a case 'kab Hmaq zgebrukas: Hmaq
zmuhruka'- what is worse is not that they do you wrong but they teach you
wrong. We've to preserve this aspect of our culture. I think it is great
to take extra steps to make a foreigner welcome. I'm very positive this
was the motive for the preferential treatment. One of the reasons why I'm
always vocal about my pride and love for the Sudanese, Ethiopians and
Eritreans is the self-pride they show naturally and unconsciously and
hospitality is a way-of-life and a source of identity.
May peace be with all of us
Semere T. Habtemariam
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