Yasser Jalal: My mission in the Senate is to defend art and creators

The Egyptian artist Yasser Jalal expressed his immense happiness and great pride following the issuance of the decision to appoint him among the list of appointed members in the Egyptian Senate, which was recently announced by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and included 100 personalities from various specialties.
In statements, Jalal said that he received a flood of congratulations and blessings immediately after the announcement of the decision, both from within the artistic community and outside it, pointing to prominent names that supported him, including star Ahmed El-Sakka, director Ahmed Shafik, actress Mervat Amin, screenwriter Ayman Salama, and artist Mostafa Abu Sari, among others.
He added that his first day after the decision was busy, as he spent long hours registering his data and completing the administrative procedures related to the appointment, noting that "the procedures are exhausting but necessary, and apply to all appointed members."
Yasser Jalal confirmed that his appointment to the Senate clearly reflects the political leadership's support for art, culture, and creativity in Egypt, and embodies President El-Sisi's belief in the importance of soft power and its role in shaping societal awareness.
* The voice of art in Parliament
Jalal emphasized that he will not be just an added name to the council list, but will strive from the very first moment to fully assume his responsibilities and work to convey the voice of Egyptian artists and creators to decision-makers.
He added:
"I aspire to be an extension of the journey of the pioneers of art who preceded me in this role, such as Mahmoud El-Meligy, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, and Amina Rizk. I will dedicate my time to discussing the issues of art and artists within the council, and I will work to represent them in a manner befitting the history of Egyptian art."
The Egyptian artist affirmed his commitment to being present at the council sessions, pointing to the importance of activating the presence of art in every influential scene within Egyptian society, especially in light of the challenges facing culture and creativity.
* Presidential decision .. and prominent names
The "Official Gazette" published, on Sunday, October 11, a presidential decision appointing 100 members to the Senate, in issue number 41 "follow-up", which included prominent names from various sectors.
* Among the appointees:
_ Dr. Shawki Allam, former Grand Mufti of the Republic.
_ MP Abdel Hadi Al-Qasabi, former majority leader in the House of Representatives.
_ The media figures Saif Zahir and Mohamed Shabana.
_ Artist Yasser Jalal.
_ Islamic thinker Tharwat Al-Kharbawi.
_ Former Minister of Investment Sahar Nasr.
* About Yasser Jalal
Yasser Jalal was born in Alexandria in 1969, he is the son of the late theater director Jalal Tawfiq, and the brother of artist Ramiz Jalal.
He began his artistic journey early in childhood, appearing for the first time in 1982 in the series "Mohammed, Messenger of God", before graduating from the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in 1990.
Over the years, Jalal has presented many secondary roles until he launched his first leading role in the series "The Shadow of the President" in 2017, achieving great public success.
This was followed by notable works including: Rahim, Touching Shoulders, The Fattah, The Choice.
His latest work was the series "Joudar" which aired last Ramadan and received a great response from the audience.
* Artists in Parliament .. The voice of soft power does not fade
Yasser Jalal's appointment comes in the context of increasing state support for art as one of the pillars of soft power, as artists and intellectuals have previously held similar positions within legislative institutions, to be a voice that expresses the concerns and aspirations of the creative sector, ensuring its presence in decision-making circles.