Our Story
Egyptian Heritage is a community organization based in Greater Philadelphia, dedicated to celebrating and preserving Egyptian culture and history.
How We Started
Egyptian Heritage was founded in Greater Philadelphia by Fathy Elhadidy and Amr Ibrahim, two lifelong friends who recognized a need within their community. Both born in Egypt, the two grew up together in the Philadelphia area, attending the same middle and high school before going on to study together at La Salle University. Across the region, other immigrant communities had built lasting traditions that kept people connected to one another and to home, even while building new lives far from it. The Egyptian community had no equivalent gathering point — no established tradition of its own to bring people together. Our founders set out to change that.
The organization's first initiative was modest in scale: a small, six-a-side Eid soccer tournament, organized to give Egyptian families and individuals in the area a reason to gather. It drew a turnout that made clear the need was real. What began as a single afternoon on the field has since grown into a sustained calendar of programming — soccer leagues, World Cup watch parties, Eid celebrations, and community gatherings held throughout the year.
Egyptian Heritage's purpose has not changed since that first tournament: to build community for Egyptians and Egyptian immigrants across Greater Philadelphia, and to make sure that connection to culture and to one another remains accessible to every family, including those with the fewest resources to access it elsewhere.
Our Founders
Fathy and Amr were both born in Egypt and grew up together in the Philadelphia area, attending the same middle and high school before studying together at La Salle University — a brotherhood that laid the groundwork for Egyptian Heritage.
Fathy Elhadidy
Co-Founder — Senior Software Engineer
Born in Benha, Egypt, Fathy came to Philadelphia with his family at nine years old and has called it home ever since. He double majored in Computer Science and Information Technology at La Salle University and now works as a Senior Software Engineer, bringing that same builder's mindset to Egyptian Heritage. Growing up, he never lost touch with where he came from — the language, the food, the soccer, the traditions — and having grown up without a real gathering point for the Egyptian community here, Fathy co-founded Egyptian Heritage to build exactly that: a place where that connection to home stays close, no matter how far from Egypt you've grown.
Amr Ibrahim
Co-Founder — Doctor of Physical Therapy
Born in Beheira, Egypt, Amr moved to Philadelphia with his family in 2009, where he grew up and later earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Temple University. Through it all, his connection to Egypt has remained a huge part of who he is — from the language and food to soccer, traditions, and the people. Amr co-founded Egyptian Heritage after recognizing the need for a space where Egyptians could come together, celebrate their culture, and stay connected to their roots, with the hope of bringing a piece of Egypt closer to home for generations to come.
What We Stand For
Heritage
Honoring thousands of years of Egyptian history, art, and tradition, and keeping it alive for the next generation.
Access
Keeping participation affordable and welcoming for immigrant and underprivileged families, so cost is never the reason someone misses out.
Community
Creating welcoming spaces where anyone curious about Egyptian culture can learn, celebrate, and belong.
Education
Sharing accurate, engaging stories about Egypt's past and present through talks, exhibits, and hands-on programming.
Follow Our Journey
Follow along with our events and community moments on Instagram.
@egyptianheritage1Want to support what we do? Sponsor our next event or get in touch.