Mohamed Kamal Ibrahim El Sawi

Kamal El Sawi, aged 79, peacefully passed away in his sleep October 10, 2022 at his home in Highland, Maryland. Kamal was born and grew up in Cairo, Egypt where he completed his Bachelor of Social Work at Helwan University (1963-1967) then worked at the Ministry of Social Affairs. As a student he won Egyptian National Literary awards and served as President of the Egyptian Student Union during those turbulent political times. While at the Ministry of Social Affairs he conducted development research programs and evaluated proposals for development projects with other Egyptian and international organizations. He served as the Acting Director of the Rural Council of the New Valley Governorate in Egypt where he coordinated programs and activities with other Ministries and International Organizations from 1970-1972.

In 1972 he was selected to participate in an exchange of Social Workers from Egypt to the USA where he assisted with 4-H Youth Development programs through the University of Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service, where he met his future wife, Gwen Western (El Sawi). He returned to Egypt in 1973 where he continued to work for the Ministry of Social Affairs. Kamal and Gwen were married on September 11th, 1974 in Cairo, Egypt. Kamal immigrated to the US in 1975 where he was awarded a full International Fellowship/Scholarship to The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced Studies. He completed his Master of Arts degree in International Relations focusing on international economics, American Foreign Policy and Middle Eastern Studies (1976-1979).

Throughout his career he served as advisor, consultant, analyst, and translator to multiple agencies and organizations including PSC, USIA-Voice of America, ABT Associates, PRC System Sciences Co., Cheechi and Company and The Johns Hopkins SAIS Library. He worked for the Department of Defense as a Senior Analyst from 1992 to 2008 when he retired from full time work.

Kamal played an active role in bringing the Egyptian American community together in the Washington, D.C. area. He was a founding member of the AEA (American Egyptian Association) and advocated throughout his life for international development and understanding, democracy, and sustainable development.

He was an avid gardener who took special pride and joy in his orchids, dahlia’s, stargazer lilies, and daffodils by the hundreds. He planted and propagated peppers of every size, shape and level of hotness. He was happiest when he could work with his hands and plant seeds, bulbs, and flowers. He deeply loved his beloved “Creekhouse” and his beloved family.

Kamal was happiest when his grandchildren came for a hug, when friends gathered around the open fire, pizza, and discussions around the table as well as every opportunity to explore ideas and issues. A natural teacher, he loved a good debate andin-depth discussions and had an incredible knowledge of history and international relations.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gwen Western El Sawi, his son Omar, and his wife Tracy and their children, Alexander, Hunter, and Emerson. His daughter and her family: Ammera and Dennis Schmidt and their children, Skyler Schmidt and Leila Schmidt, His sister: Nagda El Sawi, her daughter Areej Kahlil and her husband, Walid El Melgy and her son Mohab El Melgy and Nagda’s son, Argaad Khalil and his son, Adam Khalil. He was preceded in death by his father, Ibrahim El Sawi and his mother Rawhia Abd de Gaffer and Rana, Argaad ’s late wife.