Councillor Ahmed Yousef

On this June 1st you would have been 78. I remember you today and every day of my life. You taught me the meaning of hard work and devotion to others. Watching you as I grew up and realizing how difficult your life was as you ensured everyone else was comfortable, taught me to value every person, to appreciate that they are fighting their own battles, and that family is above all else.

When faced with difficulties, I remind myself of the insurmountable difficulties you faced and overcame. When I look into my children’s eyes I see your spirit shining through. When I receive recognition and accolades, I know that it’s because of you that I’m receiving it. You embodied integrity, honour, ingenuity and love. You always thought of others before yourself, half or more of your life was spent in a space resembling a prison cell on an offshore oil rig so you can provide for those you loved and those you didn’t even know. You gave yourself away to others and would be happiest in the simple surround of a green field on the farm.

Teaching me that life is about service to others and not personal gain is a lesson that can only be taught through action. The first time in my life to store your number in a cell phone, I didn’t know what to store it under. “Dad” didn’t cut it, and I had way too much respect and admiration to use your name; then it came to me. “Devotion!” You were devotion personified.

So, on this day I send you my love and wish you were here to see what little I’ve accomplished in hope that it will bring you a smile and a bit of pride. I’m eternally indebted to you for all that I have and all that I am. Until we meet again I promise to follow your example and teachings of learning at least one new thing each day, and to take every opportunity to make myself a little better so that I can serve those around me better. I do not weep for losing you, as you taught me that we will all go, but for that my children will not experience your presence as I have.

Happy birthday!
الفاتحة

On this day, 21st of May remembering the Circassian genocide, or Tsitsekun.

It was the systematic mass killing, ethnic cleansing, and forced displacement of between 95% and 97% of the Circassian people during the final stages of the Russian invasion of Circassia in the 19th century.

It resulted in the deaths of up to 1.5 million people and the destruction of Circassia, which was then annexed by the Russian Empire. Those planned for extermination were mainly the Circassians, who are predominantly Muslims, but other ethnic groups in the Caucasus were also affected, as part of the Caucasian War.

Remembering one of the greatest Formula 1 World Champions, Nikki Lauda. Lauda was an Austrian racing driver, motorsport executive and aviation entrepreneur, who competed in Formula One from 1971 to 1979 and from 1982 to 1985. Lauda won three Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles and—at the time of his retirement—held the record for most podium finishes (54); he remains the only driver to have won a World Drivers' Championship with both Ferrari and McLaren, and won 25 Grands Prix across 13 seasons.

NikiLauda