Muslim-Christian Unity

Often, our perceptions of a place are shaped by the headlines that make the front pages of the newspapers. While sectarian tensions are on the rise in Egypt, for every conflict that is publicized there are numerous unsung stories of tolerance and living-side-by-side that don't make the headlines.

Following the bombing of the Coptic church Alexandria this past New Years (which initially prompted me to write this blog), many Muslims went to Church with their Coptic friends and either stood outside barricading the church or went inside acting as human shields. In Tahrir Square, Christians stood over their Muslim counterparts defending them as they prayed. This sort of solidarity has a historical precedent in Egypt which should not be ignored as Egypt works now towards constructing a new future for itself, in which religious freedom and minority rights will hopefully be enshrined.