Return… Between the Grace of Hospitality and the Duty of Belonging

Brigadier (Retd.) Omar Mohamed Othman
Only a few hours separate me from returning to my homeland, God willing. In these moments, emotions intertwine in a way that is difficult to organise: a sense of relief at the nearness of return, a measure of longing for what once was, and another layer of concern about what lies ahead. Three years is not a fleeting period, yet it has not been easy—filled as it has been with experiences, details, and defining moments.
Exile, as is often said, reveals people’s true character—and this I have witnessed first-hand. Simple gestures in appearance, yet profound in meaning: a kind word, a sincere act of support, or even the quiet reassurance that one is not alone. It is these small things that lighten the burden of difficult days and make endurance possible.
In this regard, I cannot pass without acknowledging Egypt, its leadership and its people. What we found there was not merely residence or temporary refuge, but genuine warmth and inclusion. Daily interactions were marked by respect and consideration, accompanied by sincere human gestures and a sense of being among one’s own.
Egypt was not simply a host country; it was, quite simply, a place where many of us found support in times of need. This is not something that can be forgotten. My gratitude is not a formality, but an acknowledgement of a real kindness—one that is spoken of openly, preserved in the heart, and repaid with loyalty for as long as we live.
And yet, despite all this, returning home remains the natural course. Not because the path ahead is easy, but because it is the path we must take. Return is not merely a change of place, nor a resumption of a waiting job; it is a return to responsibility in its fullest sense—a human and national duty shaped by belonging and demanded by reality in all its challenges.
We return carrying what we have learned—not as memories alone, but as experience needed for the coming phase. We return knowing the road will not be easy, but also knowing that standing upon it is a duty, not a choice.
Egypt will always hold a place in memory and in the heart—a place that cannot be erased. Our gratitude to it, both leadership and people, will remain ever present for what was offered at a time when support meant so much.
As for us, our duty now is to be where we ought to be, and to contribute—each from his or her position, and with whatever effort and capacity we possess—to what benefits our country and our people.
For return is not an end… but a different beginning—one in which we hope to rise to the level of responsibility it demands.

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