Haroun Habib, Gabr Fellow. December 10th 2013

“There are seldom times that a truly transformative opportunity comes along in one’s life. For me, the Gabr Fellowship was one such opportunity. I enjoyed most of all learning from and cultivating life-long friendships with other young American leaders and our Egyptian counterparts. Also, meeting with thought-makers and influencers in policy, foreign affairs, health care, corporate business, media and communications, as well as with artists, community advocates, and cultural ambassadors, provided us with a multi-faceted glimpse into life in America and Egypt, clarifying differences and illuminating the many similarities of the two nations. Serving as the backdrop to the formal program, which allowed us to discuss critical issues in seminars and discussions, it was the informal, unstructured time during our traveling together to the various cities we visited that enabled us to really create cross-cultural understanding. It has been an honor and privilege for me to in the first cohort of Gabr Fellows, and I’m increasingly encouraged to believe that even 10 Egyptians and 12 Americans, as well as other young people who desire to create a world of peace and progress, will be able to do so because as Margaret Mead has said: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." We hope to do so. ”