Politics

‘Will I Be Welcome in the New Egypt?’: Omar Sharif’s Grandson Comes Out As Gay, Jewish

Omar Sharif, who starred next to Peter O’Toole in Lawrence of Arabia, is one of the world’s most recognized Egyptians.  However, his grandson may soon be replacing him in that regard.

On Sunday, Omar Sharif Jr. wrote an article in The Advocate in which he stated that he is gay, “half” Jewish, and afraid for the future of his native Egypt.

I write this article in fear. Fear for my country, fear for my family, and fear for myself. My parents will be shocked to read it, surely preferring I stay in the shadows and keep silent, at least for the time being.

But I can’t.

[...]

And so I hesitantly confess: I am Egyptian, I am half Jewish, and I am gay…I ask myself: Am I welcome in the new Egypt?

Will I Be Welcome in the New Egypt?: Lawrence of Arabia Stars Grandson, Omar Sharif Jr, Comes Out As Gay, Jewish

(Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Sharif Jr. left his native Egypt for the United States in January 2011, before Mubarak’s regime collapsed.  His article continues:

I write this article because I am not unique in Egypt and because many will suffer if a basic respect for fundamental human rights and equality is not embraced by Egypt’s new government. I write this article because as an Egyptian national newly acquainted with a land of freedom, I feel a certain privilege that I can finally express myself openly as well as artistically. I have a voice, and with it comes a responsibility to share it during this time of social and political change, no matter the risks.

He concluded by stating that he believes the Arab Spring is moving Egypt backward:

With the victories of several Islamist parties in recent elections, a conversation needs to be had and certain questions need to be raised. I ask myself: Am I welcome in the new Egypt?  Will being Egyptian, half Jewish, and gay forever remain mutually exclusive identities? Are they identities to be hidden?

The Jerusalem Post notes that actually, because his mother is Jewish, Sharif Jr. is a full Jew in the rabbinical tradition.

Sharif won a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for his role in Lawrence of Arabia:

Comments (44)

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  • flatdaddio
    Posted on March 20, 2012 at 11:40am

    I say go and knock yourself out, or they will do it for you..

    Report Post »  
    • rickc34
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 10:07pm

      Let’s send all the gays to egypt to protest with Obama as their leader.

      Report Post »  
  • Ecmog
    Posted on March 20, 2012 at 10:39am

    The Question
    I ask myself: Am I welcome in the new Egypt?

    The Answer
    NO

    The Solution For The Left…..
    Lets go protest against Israel

    Report Post »  
  • Dave In Arizona
    Posted on March 20, 2012 at 1:57am

    Jewish? Homosexual? Well, Kid, that’s two strikes against you and going to Egypt would be the third. Getting in might be easy, getting out (alive), not so much. Besides, who wants to go to such a dirty, filthy place as Egypt. Go to Israel you’ll have a better chance getting out alive. And the food’s better.

    Report Post » Dave In Arizona  
  • Netizen Kane
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 11:46pm

    How can someone be so completely detached from reality to even ask the question?

    Please, leave whatever cushy place your at, go to Egypt and speak your mind. Please. Did I say please? Yes, please…….go.

    Report Post » Netizen Kane  
  • Wakeup Maggie
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 11:34pm

    No, you won’t

    Report Post » Wakeup Maggie  
  • Blinda
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 11:10pm

    Sadly I am of the opinion that the Arab Spring has made the Middle East less safe for all of us regardless of religion or nationality or any other attribute. I pray for peace but it does seem the new “improved” Middle East is neither new nor improved.

    Report Post »  
    • sndrman
      Posted on March 20, 2012 at 12:50am

      while this “spring” is going on wonder what evil elements are planning against AMERICA,ISRAEL and so on……

      Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 10:15pm

    .

    ‘Will I Be Welcome in the New Egypt?’ Omar Sharif Jr. asks as he Comes Out Gay, & Jewish…..

    IDK, Why don’t you fly over there and make a Grand Entrance and find out?……..

    I bet they’ll glue your butt shut faster, than Richard Simmons can get a fat lady to sweat……….

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • The_Almighty_Creestof
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:06pm

    Of course you’ll be welcome! In fact, we’ll even throw you a party…B.Y.O.S.

    Bring
    Your
    Own
    Stones

    Report Post »  
  • Mark0331
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 8:31pm

    The Arab Spring…Barry cheered it on, and this is what its become. Glad I got to see the Pyramids before the Muslim Brotherhood blowns them up.

    Report Post » Mark0331  
  • Chuck Stein
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 8:19pm

    “I ask myself: Am I welcome in the new Egypt?” Looks like he is Egyptian, “gay”, half Jewish, and pure STUPID. How can anyone with two brain cells even ASK if such a person is “welcome” in Egypt today? The only question is “How long would he survive in Egypt?”

    Report Post »  
    • @leftfighter
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:38pm

      Uh, Chuck? It’s called a rhetorical question (ie an out loud question one already knows the answer to).

      Report Post » @leftfighter  
  • BeingThere
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:58pm

    Not the new or the old! LO effin’ L!!!!!

    Report Post » BeingThere  
  • Mary M. Tebbe
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:54pm

    I believe I wrote on this subject previously on theblaze, but it does bare repeating. The Jews of Judaism today may consider a child’s ancestral line through the mother, but that is not the way of the ancient Israelites. The ancient Israelites ancestry was measured through the line of the fathers, especially through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and therefore through Jacob’s 12 sons of Israel. Scripture NEVER tells us that our ancient heritage is to be considered through our mothers. That is the way of the Hamitic races. Rabbinical TRADITION is what Jesus called MAN-MADE TRADITIONS, and Jesus called those who lived by man-made traditions in the tribe of Judah hypro***crites, sn***akes, and vi***pers. In other words, Jesus did not think much of them.
    Sadly, many young people today are falling into satan’s trap and become partners in perverted sex. The Bible calls this a “spirit” of prostitution, and the “spirit” behind this perversion is a demon spirit. We take the gay lifestyle and try to glamorize it in our society today, but God isn’t laughing. The Bible tells us that people perish because of a lack of knowledge. People have ignored the laws of God, and they will not go unpunished.

    Report Post » Mary M. Tebbe  
    • jcannon98188
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 10:13pm

      What does the first half of your post have to do with your second half? I am so confused

      Report Post »  
    • Mary M. Tebbe
      Posted on March 20, 2012 at 2:56pm

      jcannon98188: Obviously I was answering a post ahead of me that must have been later pulled. Dah! The person that posted stated that the young man was 100% Jewish because he had a Jewish mother, even though his father was Egyptian.

      Report Post » Mary M. Tebbe  
  • Daveed
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:53pm

    Well, he spoke the truth about Egypt turning backwards. I liked Omar. In many a Classic movie. What percentage of Egyptian men are homosexuals? The women must be discouraged.
    Oh where or where are the manly men?

    Report Post »  
    • bitterclinger
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 8:38pm

      Daveed, Omar (the elderly actor) is quite the hardcore Muzz if I’m not mistaken and has aired his hateful views on America since his acting career ended who knows how long ago. You must’ve missed when he slapped a woman (a stranger) in the face in Qatar. It wasn’t his first foray into physical violence.

      http://bit.ly/GzIht5

      Report Post » bitterclinger  
  • whatthecrazy
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:41pm

    Uh what part of muslimes are taking over America did he not understand?All this putting everything out there about yourself can’t possibly be good.Poor fella thought he was in the land of the free.

    Report Post »  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:49pm

      Isn’t it interesting how the left believes America is so awful, that it needs “fundamental reform” more like the failing nations. And, yet, when people flee the murderous and/or failing nations, where do they turn?

      AMERICA – The land of the FREE and the home of the BRAVE !!

      God Bless America ! … Again

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
  • powedj
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:41pm

    If I were you Omar, I’d stay away from Egypt. The “peaceful” muslim brotherhood will surely separate you from your head.

    Report Post » powedj  
    • CatB
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:53pm

      He could try America (for now) .. though I would stay away from Dearborn Michigan ..

      Report Post »  
  • MammalOne
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:40pm

    Poor guy. No one should feel like they’re not welcome somewhere because of who they were born as.
    I hope you will, Omar. I really do.

    Report Post » MammalOne  
    • lukerw
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:58pm

      Dead Man… walking!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on March 20, 2012 at 1:29am

      Mammalone – There’s no scientific evidence that someone is born homosexual.

      Report Post »  
    • vaman
      Posted on March 20, 2012 at 8:59am

      There is no scientific evidence there is a god either.

      Report Post »  
  • KangarooJack
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:37pm

    Perhaps he should send his calling card like they did in the old days….then the host writes a reply as to if they are open for guests. Or if a Pineapple is sitting atop a fence post-then it’s ok to visit. Otherwise….I wouldn’t risk it.

    Report Post » KangarooJack  
  • TH30PH1LUS
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:32pm

    Other countries he should avoid (if he likes breathing): Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan…

    Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
    • Patriot of My America
      Posted on March 20, 2012 at 9:17am

      And do not forget Mexico, Aberzkan, and Serbia , Spain, England, Indoneisa, All Islamic strong holds.

      Report Post »  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:25pm

    Great the only other target he can paint on himself is, “he likes Rush Limbaugh, votes conservative, and, as a gay person, hates Lady Gaga.”

    Good luck with that, although, I bet the Brotherhood would like to have a talk with you, just a friendly little chat with a set of battery cables and a pair of pliers.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • LouC57
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:23pm

    Nuts! No pun intended…
    Another gorgeous man off the market, it ain’t fair, I tell ya.

    Report Post »  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:17pm

    in answer to your question ..will you be welcome in the new egypt…no…

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:15pm

    Well Junior I advise against going to Egypt if you want to keep your head,let‘s see you’re gay and half Jewish,pick a different country.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • chameleonx
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:10pm

    How can anyone be “half-Jewish”? Judaism is a religion and an identity. You’re either Jewish through your mother or you convert to Judaism.

    Report Post »  
  • SpeckledPup
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:06pm

    poor kid, he‘s dead meat now he announced he’s a double whammy hate target to those muslims.

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:06pm

    “The Arab Spring is moving Egypt backwards”? No way! Our beloved POTUS told us this was what democracy looks like! He never lies. (When he’s sleeping)

    Report Post » Gonzo  
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