10 Years ago today, the Arab Spring in Egypt officially began. The Arab Spring was a series of anti-government protests, uprisings, and armed rebellions that spread across much of the Arab world. It began in response to oppressive regimes and a low standard of living, starting with protests in Tunisia. From Tunisia, the protests then spread to five other countries: Libya, Egypt, Yemen, Syria, and Bahrain, where either the ruler was deposed or major uprisings and social violence occurred including riots, civil wars, or insurgencies. I was very lucky to be in Cairo in those days with a group of Arabic students from Israel. It was the most powerful experience I had; the excitement, the fear, the winds of change, the power of the people and the tear gas :) Marching through the streets of Cairo towards Tahrir Square was a defining moment for me. I couldn't go back home and just leave this experience behind... These events lead me to study Middle Eastern history and try to understand the neighborhood I live in. I was always fascinted by the intense forces of this region, the languages, the religions, the different cultures and ethnic groups, the arts and music, symbols, fashion and jewelry. I am grateful for being able to combine my two passions for beauty and history and in many ways I feel like I owe this to the Egyptian people and the 2011 revolution that affected the course of my life 🙌🏽
