Seeds of Revolution
In a small village called Mit Abu Al-Kom, nestled along the Nile River in Egypt, a special baby boy was born on December 25, 1918. His name was Anwar Sadat.
Little Anwar lived in a simple mud-brick house with his family. His father worked hard as a clerk in a military hospital, while his mother, Sit Al-Berain, told wonderful stories about Egypt's rich history.
"Mama, tell me again about the pharaohs!" young Anwar would say, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"My dear son," she would begin, pulling him close, "our Egypt was once the greatest land in all the world. But now we must work hard to make it great again."
Growing up wasn't always easy. British soldiers walked the streets of their village, making rules for the Egyptian people. Young Anwar didn't like seeing his country controlled by others.
“Why do the British tell us what to do in our own home?” he asked his father one day.
"It's complicated, my son," his father replied softly. "But remember – nothing stays the same forever."
As Anwar grew older, he made an important friend named Gamal Abdel Nasser. They shared big dreams about making Egypt free and strong again.
When Anwar was 20, he joined the military academy. This was a big step toward his dream of helping Egypt.
One day, while training at the academy, Anwar and Nasser sat under a palm tree during their break.
"Brother," Nasser said seriously, "we must do something to change things in Egypt."
Anwar nodded firmly. "Yes, we must help our people be free."
Together with other young officers, they formed a special group called the Free Officers. They wanted to make Egypt better for everyone. They met in secret, planning how to make their country independent and strong.
The Young Revolutionary
Anwar worked very hard to be a good soldier. But more than that, he became known for his brave ideas about freedom. He wasn't afraid to stand up for what he believed in.
Some of his most important beliefs were:
- Egypt should rule itself
- All Egyptians deserve a good life
- The country needed new, young leaders
- Peace was important, but so was being strong
Even when things got difficult, Anwar kept his hope alive. He knew that one day, Egypt would be free to make its own choices. His mother's stories about Egypt's great past helped him imagine an equally great future.
"Remember, my children," he would later tell his own kids, "change starts with brave dreams."
Young Anwar had no idea then that his dreams would take him far beyond his small village. He would one day become one of Egypt's most important leaders. But for now, he was just a young man with big hopes, ready to fight for his country's freedom.
The sun set over the Nile River, casting long shadows across the village where it all began. As stars appeared in the sky, Anwar looked up and smiled, knowing his journey was just beginning.
The Rise to Power
The warm Egyptian sun rose over Cairo on July 23, 1952. Anwar Sadat and his friend Nasser were ready for a big day. They had planned something very important – to change Egypt forever!
“Today is the day, my friend,” Nasser whispered to Sadat. Their group, the Free Officers, was going to take control of Egypt from King Farouk.
This day would become known as the Egyptian Revolution of 1952.
The plan worked! The Free Officers took over without hurting anyone. King Farouk had to leave Egypt, and the country became free to rule itself.
“We did it for Egypt, for our people,” Sadat told the crowds who came to celebrate. “Now we can make our country better!”
Working with President Nasser
Nasser became Egypt’s new leader, and Sadat worked right beside him. They were like brothers, helping each other make Egypt stronger.
Sadat had many important jobs:
- He talked to other countries about helping Egypt
- He helped write new laws
- He made speeches to tell people about their plans
- He became the vice president
But then something very sad happened. In 1970, President Nasser got very sick. One day, Sadat was called to an emergency meeting.
“President Nasser has died,” they told him. The whole country was crying.
Becoming President
Nobody expected what happened next. Sadat, who started as a poor village boy, became the new president of Egypt! Many people didn’t think he could do it.
“He’s not strong like Nasser,” some people said.
But Sadat smiled and told everyone: “Watch me make Egypt even better!”
“I will work hard to bring peace and make our country strong. Every Egyptian will have a better life.”
Sadat surprised everyone. He wasn’t just Nasser’s helper anymore – he was his own kind of leader. He had new ideas about how to help Egypt.
“We need to think different,” he told his team. “The old ways aren’t always the best ways.”
Making Changes
As president, Sadat started making big changes. He wanted to:
✨ Make friends with more countries
✨ Help poor people get more money
✨ Build new cities and roads
✨ Make Egypt stronger
Some people liked these changes, but others didn’t. It wasn’t easy being president, but Sadat kept working hard. He remembered what his mother told him when he was little: “Nothing good comes easy, my son.”
Every night, Sadat would look at the pyramids from his window and think about Egypt’s future. He knew there were bigger changes coming, changes that would surprise the whole world.
The sun set over Cairo, just like it did on that revolution day in 1952. But now, instead of planning a revolution, President Sadat was planning something even bigger – peace.
Breaking Soviet Chains
The hot summer of 1972 brought big changes to Egypt. President Sadat stood at his palace window, watching Soviet ships in the harbor. He had made up his mind – it was time for Egypt to stand on its own!
“Egypt must be free to make its own choices,” Sadat said to his advisors. “We cannot let other countries tell us what to do.”
A Brave Decision
Back then, the Soviet Union (a very powerful country) had many soldiers in Egypt. They told Egypt what to do, like a big brother bossing around a little brother. Sadat didn’t like this at all!
Sadat made a big decision: He told all Soviet soldiers to leave Egypt.
“But Mr. President,” his worried advisors said, “we need their help!”
Sadat smiled and replied, “Egypt is strong enough to help itself.”
Making New Friends
After the Soviets left, Sadat started making new friends around the world. He wanted Egypt to:
Trade with more countries
Make more money
️ Build new things
Have peace with neighbors
He especially wanted to be friends with America. This was a big change! Before, Egypt and America weren’t very friendly.
Getting Ready for Change
But Sadat knew Egypt needed to be strong. He looked at maps of the Suez Canal, which Israel had taken in a war. He wanted it back.
“We will show everyone that Egypt is strong. Then we can make real peace.”
He started training Egypt’s army. Not to hurt anyone, but to show that Egypt was powerful. He wanted other countries to respect Egypt.
A New Egypt
Soon, things started getting better:
- Stores had more food and things to buy
- People got better jobs
- New buildings went up everywhere
- More tourists came to visit
“See?” Sadat told his people. “We can do amazing things when we believe in ourselves!”
Looking to the Future
One evening, as the sun set over Cairo, Sadat wrote in his diary: “Egypt is like a bird. We had one wing tied down by the Soviets. Now we are free to fly with both wings!” ✨
What People Said:
“President Sadat is very brave to make such big changes.”
But Sadat wasn’t finished yet. He had an even bigger surprise planned – something that would shock the whole world. He was thinking about peace, real peace, with Egypt’s old enemy, Israel.
As he walked through his garden that night, looking at the stars, Sadat smiled. The biggest adventure was just beginning.
The Jerusalem Journey
On a cool November morning in 1977, President Sadat sat in his office, looking at a blank piece of paper. He was about to write the most important speech of his life.
“Sometimes,” he whispered, “peace needs someone to take the first step.”
A Surprising Announcement
The next day, Sadat stood up in Egypt’s parliament. Everyone was quiet, waiting to hear what he would say.
“I am ready to go anywhere for peace. I will go to Jerusalem. I will go to the Israeli parliament!”
The room exploded with gasps! Nobody could believe their ears. No Arab leader had ever visited Israel before.
A Brave Journey
Many people tried to stop him:
- Friends said it was too dangerous
- Other Arab countries got very angry
- Some people called him a traitor
- His family worried about his safety
But Sadat stood firm. “I want the children of Egypt to grow up without war,” he said. ️
Landing in Israel
On November 19, Sadat’s plane landed in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Begin was waiting to shake his hand.
For the first time ever, an Arab leader stepped onto Israeli soil in peace!
“Welcome to Israel,” Begin said with a smile.
“Thank you for having me,” Sadat replied warmly. “Let’s make history together.”
Speaking to the World
The next day, Sadat spoke to Israel’s parliament, called the Knesset. The whole world was watching on TV!
“We have all suffered enough. Let us make peace. Let us build a new future for our children.”
Even people who didn’t like each other started crying together. It was that powerful! ❤️
Coming Home
When Sadat returned to Egypt, some people were happy, but others were very angry. He knew this might happen.
Sadat’s Words:
“Sometimes doing the right thing isn’t easy. But peace is always worth it.”
That night, Sadat wrote in his diary: “Today we planted a tiny seed of peace. With care and patience, it will grow into a strong tree.”
The world had changed. For the first time, people could see that peace between Arabs and Israelis was possible. Sadat’s brave journey had opened a new door, and now anything seemed possible! ✨
Camp David Triumph
The sun was rising over a beautiful forest in Maryland. President Sadat walked through the quiet woods of Camp David. It was September 1978, and he was about to start the most important talks of his life.
“Today,” he thought, “we have a chance to make real peace.”
Three Leaders Meet
At a big wooden table sat three important men:
- Anwar Sadat from Egypt
- Menachem Begin from Israel
- Jimmy Carter from America
Camp David was the American president’s special house in the woods. It was peaceful and quiet – perfect for important talks!
Hard Work for Peace
For thirteen long days, they talked and talked. Sometimes they got angry. Sometimes they almost gave up.
“Why is this so hard?” Sadat asked President Carter one night.
“Because,” Carter smiled, “you’re doing something that’s never been done before.”
Breaking Through
On day twelve, something amazing happened! Begin and Sadat finally agreed on the big things:
– No more fighting between Egypt and Israel
– Give back land that was taken in war
– Let ships from both countries use the same water paths
– Help each other be good neighbors
A Happy Moment
President Carter watched as Sadat and Begin shook hands. Both men were smiling big smiles!
“This is a victory for all our children,” Sadat said.
“And their children too,” Begin added.
Coming Home a Hero
When Sadat flew back to Egypt, some people were very happy. They threw flowers and cheered!
Big News:
The whole world was excited! Sadat and Begin would both get a special prize called the Nobel Peace Prize. It’s given to people who work hard for peace.
That night, Sadat wrote another note in his diary: “Today we didn’t just talk about peace. We made peace real!” ✌️
But even as people celebrated, some were still angry. Making peace was brave, but it could also be dangerous. Sadat knew this, but he believed peace was worth any price.
The Final Days
The morning sun sparkled over Cairo in October 1981. Anwar Sadat stood tall and proud, watching soldiers march in a big parade.
Little did he know this would be his last parade.
Danger in the Air
Some people in Egypt were still very angry about the peace deal. They didn’t want to be friends with Israel.
“Peace is the only way forward,” Sadat had told his wife Jehan that morning. “I must stay strong.”
The Last Stand
As military trucks rolled by, Sadat stood up to salute. Suddenly, everything changed. Bad men jumped out of a truck with guns!
A Hero’s Legacy
Anwar Sadat died that day, but his dream of peace lived on. His brave choices changed the world forever. ✨
– Being brave means doing what’s right, even when it’s hard
– Peace is better than fighting
– One person can change the world
Remembering a Peacemaker
Today, people remember Sadat as a hero who dreamed big:
“I want all children to grow up without war,” he once said. “I want them to be friends, no matter where they come from.”
The peace between Egypt and Israel that Sadat worked so hard for still stands today. Many people work to keep his dream of peace alive.
A Lasting Hope
Jehan Sadat, his loving wife, wrote later: “My husband believed peace was worth any price. He gave his life for what he believed in.”
Anwar Sadat’s story shows us that one person can make the world better. He turned enemies into friends and showed that peace is possible, even when it seems impossible.
“Sometimes,” Sadat once said, “you must be brave enough to do what others think cannot be done.”
His courage and hope for peace continue to inspire people all around the world. When we remember Anwar Sadat, we remember that peace is always worth working for, no matter how hard it might be. ️