New York – Roayaa News
The Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in New York hosted a celebration marking Egypt’s National Day at Hunter College in New York City, drawing broad diplomatic, academic, and community participation.
The event was attended by a large number of ambassadors and consuls general from Arab and foreign countries, as well as Ms. Kathy Egan, a representative of the U.S. government and Regional Director of the Office of Foreign Missions at the U.S. Department of State in New York, and Mr. Sherif Soliman, a representative of the Mayor of New York City and Director of the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget.
Also in attendance were Ambassador Ehab Awad, Permanent Representative of Egypt to the United Nations; Ambassador Mohamed Idris, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations; Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Dewidar, Imam of the Islamic Cultural Center of New York in Midtown Manhattan; and several representatives of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.
The celebration was also attended by His Grace Bishop David, Bishop of New York and New England; Father Moses Baghdady, priest of St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Cedar Grove, New Jersey; representatives of the Coptic Church, American institutions and civil society organizations; members of the Egyptian communities in New York and New Jersey; senior officials from the New York City Police Department; and representatives of Arab and international media outlets.
The event commemorated the anniversary of the July 23, 1952 Revolution, a defining moment in Egypt’s modern history that paved the way for the end of the monarchy and the establishment of the republic. The anniversary remains a symbol of national independence and the Egyptian people’s aspirations for development and progress.
The ceremony began with the Egyptian and American national anthems, followed by a series of presentations highlighting the depth of Egyptian civilization, the richness of its cultural diversity, and the importance of Egyptian-American relations at the political, economic, cultural, and educational levels.
Consul General Tamer El-Meligy Welcomes Guests
In his address, Ambassador Tamer El-Meligy, Consul General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in New York and the East Coast states, welcomed the guests and expressed his appreciation for the participation of members of the diplomatic and consular corps, American institutions, and leaders of the Egyptian community in this national celebration.
The Consul General emphasized that Egyptians abroad celebrate their National Day as an expression of their deep connection to their homeland and their commitment to presenting an honorable image of Egypt and its civilization.
He also highlighted the important role played by the Egyptian community in strengthening bridges of communication and cooperation between the Egyptian and American peoples.
His remarks addressed Egypt’s ongoing efforts in the areas of development, infrastructure, and investment, as well as its regional and international role in promoting security, stability, and peace, while maintaining its historic relations with the United States and countries around the world.
El-Meligy stated that the June 30 Revolution represented a continuation of the principles of the July 23, 1952 Revolution, citing President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s words to the Egyptian people:
“The time has come for our great people to reap the fruits of two revolutions.”
He stressed that, throughout thousands of years of history, Egypt has consistently carried responsibilities extending beyond its national borders, saying:
“Today, Egypt remains a fundamental pillar of regional stability and a tireless advocate for dialogue and diplomacy in a world where issues are too often decided through conflict and division. Egypt’s engagement is not driven by narrow interests, but by a deeply rooted conviction that the stability of the Middle East is inseparable from global security and prosperity.”
He added that Egypt has stood firmly in defense of the rights of the Palestinian people and has worked tirelessly through mediation, humanitarian assistance, and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve a just and comprehensive peace that guarantees the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights and the establishment of their independent state, in accordance with international law and United Nations resolutions.
He affirmed that Egypt’s commitment to the Palestinian cause has never wavered, based on its belief that lasting peace in the region cannot be achieved without a just resolution of this central issue.
The Consul General also noted that Egypt, as Sudan’s neighbor and sister nation, has devoted significant efforts to supporting Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and state institutions, while working to end the suffering of the Sudanese people.
Ambassador El-Meligy said:
“We have worked closely with regional and international partners to bring the parties to the negotiating table, protect the Sudanese state from fragmentation, and open the way for a political process that preserves Sudan’s national institutions and restores peace and stability to its people.”
He added that Egyptian and Sudanese national security are inseparably linked, as are the two peoples, who are connected by history, geography, and the waters of the same river.
He continued:
“Egypt has extended its hand as a mediator and peacemaker wherever conflict has threatened to spread—in Libya, Syria, the Horn of Africa, the Arabian Gulf, and across the wider region—always guided by its conviction that dialogue is the only path to lasting peace.”
Ambassador Tamer El-Meligy concluded his speech by thanking his wife Rania and his two daughters Zeina and Nour, appreciating their continuous support and tireless efforts in helping him represent Egypt in the best possible way.
Remarks by Dr. Mohamed Attalla
Dr. Mohamed Attalla, Vice Chancellor of the City University of New York for Facilities Planning, Construction and Management, and Executive Director of the City University Construction Fund, expressed his pleasure at participating in the Egyptian National Day celebration.
He thanked the Consul General for helping provide displays and presentations reflecting Egypt’s rich history, art, and vibrant culture.
Dr. Attalla noted that hosting such events contributes to strengthening the concept of global citizenship by connecting cultures and building meaningful relationships between Egypt and the United States.
Kathy Egan Highlights the Strength of Egyptian-American Relations
Ms. Kathy Egan, Regional Director of the Office of Foreign Missions at the U.S. Department of State in New York, expressed her pleasure at participating in the celebration.
She emphasized the depth of relations between Egypt and the United States and praised the outstanding level of cooperation with the Egyptian Consulate General in New York.
Egan highlighted the strength of the modern partnership between the two countries, saying:
“It is a partnership built on shared interests, mutual respect, and a common vision for stability in a critically important region of the world. The United States values Egypt as a vital partner.”
She added that, over recent months, the governments of the two countries had worked closely and tirelessly on a wide range of issues affecting both peoples, most notably the promotion of peace and security in the Middle East.
She reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to continuing its cooperation with Egypt as a partner in advancing regional stability, expanding economic opportunities, and working toward a peaceful Middle East.
Sherif Soliman Expresses Pride in His Egyptian Heritage
The celebration also featured the participation of Mr. Sherif Soliman, a representative of the Mayor of New York City, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget, and one of the most prominent American officials of Egyptian heritage.
Soliman oversees financial policies and budgets relating to dozens of New York City agencies and authorities.
In his remarks, he expressed his great pleasure at participating in the Egyptian National Day celebration and affirmed his pride in his Egyptian roots and the feelings of belonging, pride, and patriotism that the occasion inspires among members of the Egyptian community.
Soliman noted that the connection felt by many members of the Egyptian diaspora is further strengthened by their love for and attachment to New York City, saying:
“It is an honor to serve with Mayor Mamdani as the City’s Budget Director, and I am pleased to know that my work in this position helps shape government, public services, and opportunities available to so many—not only within our community, but for all New Yorkers.”
He added:
“We are proud to have a mayor who works tirelessly to find solutions that make our city more affordable, improve our quality of life, and provide effective services; a mayor who understands what matters to families when they gather around the dinner table, who recognizes that our greatest asset is our people, and who does not hesitate to congratulate our beloved Egyptian national team, praise its achievements, and wish it success in advancing to the next stage.”
Hunter College President Welcomes the Celebration
Dr. Nancy Cantor, President of Hunter College, welcomed the opportunity for the college to host the celebration.
She praised the presence and contributions of Egyptians in New York City, as well as the role played by academic and cultural institutions in promoting dialogue and mutual understanding among diverse communities.
She emphasized that Hunter College, whose students come from a wide range of cultural and social backgrounds, remains committed to cooperating with diplomatic missions, cultural institutions, and community organizations throughout New York City in ways that strengthen diversity, participation, and human connection.
The selection of Hunter College as the venue reflected the Egyptian Consulate’s commitment to engaging with American academic and cultural institutions and presenting Egypt’s national celebration within a framework combining diplomatic, community, and cultural dimensions.
Tanoura Performance and Traditional Egyptian Cuisine
The celebration featured a distinguished performance of Egypt’s traditional folkloric Tanoura dance, which was warmly received by the audience and reflected the diversity and richness of Egyptian cultural heritage.
The Consulate also hosted an impressive buffet featuring a wide selection of traditional Egyptian dishes, adding an authentic Egyptian atmosphere to the occasion and allowing guests to experience an important aspect of Egyptian culture.
Promoting Egyptian Tourism and EgyptAir Tickets
As part of efforts to promote tourism to Egypt, and in cooperation with the EgyptAir office in New York, the Consulate held a raffle for two round-trip airline tickets on the New York–Cairo–New York route.
The Consuls General of Georgia and Slovakia won the two tickets, amid applause and congratulations from those in attendance.
The celebration also provided an opportunity for friendly exchanges among participants, reflecting Egypt’s strong presence and respected standing within New York City’s diplomatic and cultural communities.
It enabled guests to exchange congratulations on the national occasion and further strengthen communication between Egyptian and American institutions.
The event concluded with commemorative photographs in an atmosphere filled with pride in Egypt’s national identity and appreciation for the role of Egyptians abroad in promoting a positive image of their country and strengthening its relations with American society.
