Rest In Peace, Your Majesty

By Majed El Shafie

I came to Canada 20 years ago. As a refugee from Egypt, I did not know much about “the Queen of England.” Kings, queens, and royals were fancy things that did not impact my life. I quickly learned how wrong I was. And today, I was sad to learn The Queen had died. 

I was tortured in the an Egyptian prison for my Christian faith. I escaped and was so incredibly lucky to be accepted by Canada as a refugee. The rush of excitement and uncertainty of arriving in Toronto filled me with so much joy. 

I had little more than the clothes on my back and $100 in my pocket. But that day I felt so rich. Rich with freedom and hope. I was sure the worst of my life was behind me, but I did not know what was to come.

With the support of Canadians, I was able to rebuild my life and I created One Free World International to help other people around the world who are persecuted for their beliefs. In the years that followed, I was lucky to become a Canadian citizen.

In those early years in Canada, Queen Elizabeth became a big part of my life and I learned how big a role she served in the lives of Canadians and other countries in the Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth was the mother for each nation.

She united our countries in times of need, and offered steady leadership and reassurance in our hour of need. Studying to become a citizen of Canada, I learned about her role in our government as Head of State, and year after year, saw her serve so dutifully with grace and care.

She was a patriotic mom. Standing in front of a citizenship judge, the day I became a Canadian citizen, I swore an oath to:

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen.”

For the work we have done through One Free World International, in 2012 I was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Filled with pride and gratitude. It was a tremendous honour to have our work recognized by the same Queen I had sworn an oath to.

Today we pray for the Queen’s soul and remember her life. We thank her for her service and dedication in guiding our countries for over 70 years. Rest in Peace, Your Majesty.

She was Queen to the Commonwealth, and a mother to the nations.