There are many ways one may serve a community or country. Many ways one might distinguish oneself through altruistic words and deeds that set an example to the citizens of their home. This year on the King’s Birthday, Australia proudly awarded the Order of Australia to many deserving Aussies. Among these names were two Egyptian expatriates.

Earning this prestigious award is exceedingly difficult, and to  even be nominated is a vast achievement in and of itself. Today, FAEA celebrates the receipt of The Order of Australia Medal (OAM)to Imam Alaa Elzokm, and Professor Rifaat Yassa Ebied.

The Medal

The Order of Australia is a medal given in reward for distinguished service in either communal or military service. The first Order of Australia was awarded on Valentine’s Day 1975, by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Until this point, Australians would receive British honors in recognition of their service.

Since 1976, anyone can be nominated for the Order of Australia, and anyone can nominate. The honor is even open to people that are not Australian citizens, but whose actions greatly impact Australia or certain Australian communities.

To receive one of these medals is to be recognized for incredible achievement in many areas. In the past those who received the order have made significant contributions through charity, medical work, scientific research, community leadership, and outstanding military service.

Imam Alaa Elzokm

More than 30 years ago, the city of Itay El Baroud was introduced to the first of our awardees. Imam Alaa Elzokm grew up in the city that neighbored the Nile Delta. He was taught the Qur’an by his mother. He would memorize a passage then play with his friends as his mother memorized the same one. When he returned his mother would test him – a friendly contest between a doting mother and loving son.

As a child he took part in a Qur’an contest, where he bested around 5000 other competitors.

Growing up, he was educated in the prestigious Al-Azhar University. During this time he was in a courtship with his now wife Rheme Al-Hussein. The pair were engaged over Skype, as Hussein was already living in Roxburgh Park while Imam Elzokm was still with his family in Itay El Baroud. They sealed the engagement with a recitation of the first page of the Qur’an. He moved here shortly after, and in a tea ceremony in front of several hundred people – married Rheme Al-Hussein.

The Imam is known for his passion for soccer, and regularly plays with his Mosque’s youth after prayers. He has a reputation as an incredibly aggressive player, rarely passing, frequently shooting. He leads his community not only from the front of a mosque but from within the people. He is one with his congregation, not merely guiding from the lofty perch of his authority and piety. A man humbled by the responsibility of his leadership position, rather than corrupted by the power that comes with it.

Imam Alaa Elzokm advocates for women’s education. He sees the criticism of the more ignorant and fearful Australian elements and actively works to discredit it. He wears his holy garb in public, taking the concerned glances and tittering jeers of those around him as a chance to show that they have no reason to fear him – to fear any Muslim. He tells his congregation that it is up to the community to show Australians that their fears are unfounded, that terrorism is not inherent in Islam. He criticisms those who read the words of the Qur’an that advocate for the killing of unbelievers literally, recognizing that the words were written at a time when “Islam was under siege.” and is no longer relevant or helpful in the world today.

Notable for his advocacy for equality, education, spiritual enlightenment, and co-operation between the faithful and secular, Imam Alaa Elzokm is a beacon of hope. Directly fighting against the racism that Australia has fallen victim to, as well as working to overcome common misconceptions and difficulties faced by the Muslim community. He was awarded the Order of Australia on the King’s Birthday for ongoing services to the Islamic community.

Professor Rifaat Yassa Ebied

A nation’s greatest asset is its people, and its people are only as good as the education they have received. In this regard few can match the monumental achievements in education (particularly in the area of Semitic Languages) as Professor Rifaat Yassa Ebied.

Having started his journey in academics with holding positions at universities in Egypt and then in England, the Professor remembers that his career “culminated with [my] appointment as foundation professor of Semitic studies at the University of Sydney in 1979.”

Since that fateful year, the professor has worked in numerous capacities facilitating the education of Semitic languages in Australia. He was instrumental in the study and publication of ancient documents, books, and articles of texts in Arabic, Hebrew, and Syriac.

In the 1980’s he was responsible for the introduction of teaching the Arabic language in New South Wales schools. From 1981 to 2001, Professor Ebied served as chair of the Arabic Syllabus Committee and Arabic Examination Committee of the Board of Studies. In this capacity, he was given the responsibility of designing four Arabic language courses nation-wide.

In 2003 he was awarded the Centenary Medal for services to Australia, Humanities, and Asian Studies.

The Professor was president of the Australian Egyptian Forum Council, and in 2021 was formally awarded the Premier’s Multicultural Community Award for translating language.

He has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal for Services to Education.

Recognition of Service

These two fine people deserve the recognition that an Order of Australia Medal grants them. One, a significant leader shouldering the burden of the fear of his community while working to allay them. The other, a leader in the integration of language and study in the country he came to call home.

Although my research didn’t produce as much information as I would have liked, this writer relishes the opportunity to interview both of these men. Please, keep an eye on this site for our upcoming interviews with both Imam Alaa Elzokm, and Professor Rifaat Yassa Ebied in the near future.