Egyptian Week Received Warmly

The Albany Jewish community reacted warmly to the first Egyptian Week promotion held here, which took place at the Nelson Rockefeller Mall from July 30 to Aug. 6. Wadie Hermina, the Egyptian government official in charge, was honored at a reception arranged by the Greater Albany Jewish Federation, and officers of the Federation attended the opening of Egyptian Week.

Hermina told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in an exclusive interview that he was extremely gratified by the Jewish community’s welcome and cooperative attitude. He is especially interested in attracting American investment in modern technology in Egypt, but said he also envisions future joint ventures in economic development between Israel and Egypt.

During the week, Hermina, who is the Egyptian delegate to the Arab-American Council for Cultural and Economic Exchange, presented displays of handicrafts, slides and posters at the mall, part of the N.Y. State office complex.

“Most of Egypt’s economy now is related to daily living — textiles and farming,” he said. Expanding the economy into technological and computer age development, with investment from the U.S. or other countries, is part of Egypt’s program for peace for the future.

The purpose of Egypt Week is to attract this investment, and also to improve relations between Egypt and the U.S. “We also want to promote better understanding of Egypt here,” Hermina said, “because many Americans think of Egypt as only desert and pyramids. Actually, we’re very civilized.” Prior to the Albany exhibit, which Hermina said was arranged through Governor Hugh Carey’s office, he held an Egyptian Week in Plymouth Meeting, Pa. Winter promotions are planned for Texas and Mich.