It is hard to disconnect from our families in Egypt while they are in the midst of these economic, social as well as political hardships.
The conflict is not a small one or an easy to overlook notch in the people-government relationship. A serious effort is badly needed and without full dedication to the noble cause of mending the Egyptians long broken trust in those in leadership, the future of Egypt will be gloomy at best.
What happened in AlMahalaa Alkubra is not an individual act, nor it will be the only one. Clashes between those who need their voice to reach and those whose voice is too loud will keep increasing in frequency and severity. The answer to the current situation is clearly in making the voice of the first group heard, and the second to stop shouting and try to listen to the voice of the people. The people without whom they would not even exist.
While we are not approving any violent acts from the demonstrators, we ask for the full support from the government in dealing with the situation with an open mind and heart. Answering your neighbour's cry for help is never by singing louder then his groans, nor it should be by you leaving him crying.
We demand full investigation in the death and injury of every individual. There is no difference whether they were there to demonstrate or wearing a uniform to stop it. Every single person has the same right to live an honorable life: from the highest position to the most humble one, from the richest to the poorest, and from the ruling party to the opposition parties to those who don't care anymore.
We also ask for open, publicly announced sessions of negotiations between the government and every group that has something to say. Yes, not all have legitimate or possible requests, but shutting them all is not the answer.
The people are asking for attention. They want to make sure somebody cares. They want to make sure somebody will apply one of the basic rules of Islam that no one is a believer till he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.
The Egyptian Student Association in North America