In a beautiful showing of solidarity, Christians in Egypt are breaking bread alongside their Muslim neighbors despite a recent string of Islamic State attacks against their community. In May, ISIS gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying a group of Coptic Christians to a monastery, killing at least 29 people. The attack followed the bombing of two Christian churches on Palm Sunday by Islamic extremists that left over 100 people dead or injured. But the violence hasn’t stopped Copts from continuing a years-old traditional of preparing daily meals for Muslims in their communities during the holy month of Ramadan.
Awesome Interdenominational Worship in Egypt Following Season of Tragedy for Christians
According to the Christian Post, Copts are setting up tables in the streets near their homes and serve free home cooked meals to hungry passersby who are ready to break fast for the Iftar evening meal.
“They invited me and my kids, and I was surprised,” said Tarek Ali, a Muslim resident. “They laid the table out on the street with no difference between sheikhs, Christians or Muslims–they pulled everyone to the table to break their fast.”
While Copts, who make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s population of 92 million, are on edge after the recent string of attacks, they are refusing to let fear get in the way of their friendships.
“I’ve raised this man’s son (alongside my own son) and he’s Muslim,” said Dawoud Riyad, a Christian serving food in Cairo, while pointing to a neighbor. “We all live in the same square, we’re all brothers and friends.”
H/T: Christian Post
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