Majed El-Shafie, a Christian reverend and human rights advocate from Egypt, shares his harrowing journey from Cairo’s dungeons to global activism from his Toronto office. As the founder of One Free World International, an organisation combating oppression across 20 nations, he bears deep scars from the torturous eight days spent in Abu Zabal Prison, which he describes as torment beyond imagination.
Born into a prominent Muslim family, Shafie’s life took a radical turn when he immersed himself in books about freedom and human rights. His childhood curiosity sparked rebellion; a simple question about the nature of peace led to punishment from a teacher, embedding a sense of justice and compassion nurtured by his mother’s teachings against hatred.
At 18, Shafie converted to Christianity, viewing faith as a personal bond with God rather than a communal label. This bold choice thrust him into conflict with Egypt’s oppressive regime under Hosni Mubarak, leading him to form an underground Christian rights group that quickly gathered thousands of supporters and bore his personal account of Egypt’s minority history.
In August 1998, Shafie faced brutal interrogation as government authorities raided his office, leading to his imprisonment in a cell reminiscent of Dante’s inferno. Describing the prison as hellish, he endured systematic and escalating torture, with guards intentionally keeping him alert and responsive out of sheer sadism, yet he maintained a remarkable resolve, shielding his dignity and faith.
During his ordeal, Shafie experienced surreal moments, such as facing German shepherds meant to intimidate him, only for them to snub their trainers and offer comfort instead. This surprising encounter reaffirmed his belief in miracles, redefining his torment into a testament of faith.
Despite suffering extreme physical and psychological abuse, Shafie refused to betray his values or his community, declaring defiance until he eventually escaped captivity, seeking refuge in Israel after a daring swim across the border. In Israel, he noted the striking contrast of humane treatment, reinforcing his resolve to help others who endure persecution.
Arriving in Canada in 2000, Shafie channelled his trauma into activism, advocating for religious minorities through One Free World International, addressing global injustices faced by many. In the wake of the recent Hamas attack on Israel, he returned, producing a documentary highlighting resilience against propaganda and antisemitism, showcasing unwavering support for Israel, a place that had once offered him refuge.
As a passionate speaker, Shafie draws attention to the hypocrisy surrounding global activism. He calls for deeper awareness among the international community and encourages Palestinians to liberate themselves from Hamas, condemning the violence and manipulations by the group. He reassures Israelis of their perseverance, proclaiming that faith can outlast mere physical assaults, echoing his own survival story of enduring faith.
Majed El-Shafie, a former Egyptian prisoner turned human rights activist, shares his journey from torture to global advocacy. Converting to Christianity led him to face severe persecution under Mubarak’s regime. He founded One Free World International to support persecuted minorities. After escaping to Israel, he found hope and resilience, ultimately settling in Canada and continuing his fight against oppression.
Majed El-Shafie’s journey from a Muslim upbringing in Egypt to a powerful voice for human rights highlights the resilience of faith in the face of persecution. His experiences in Abu Zabal Prison, coupled with trauma and determination, motivated his global advocacy for religious minorities. By fiercely opposing injustices, both in Egypt and beyond, he embodies hope for others suffering under tyrannical regimes, urging collective awareness and action against oppression.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
