Christian church in Egypt is protected by Muslim "human shields"

This past Friday in Egypt when Coptic Christians were attending Christmas services, the churches were tightly monitored by explosives detection teams and police.  Drivers were banned from parking in front of churches while armoured cars were stationed nearby.

Dozens of police were deployed around the Saints Church in Alexandria which was targeted in last week's attack, which killed 21 people.

Security officials said at least 70,000 officers and conscripts had been deployed across the country to protect the Christians celebrating Christmas.

Muslims showed up at Coptic churches to help by acting as "human shields," with famed Muslim Mohamed El-Sawy explaining, "We either live together, or we die together."Dalia Mustafa, a student who attended mass, said, "This is not about us and them.  We are one. This was an attack on Egypt as a whole, and I am standing with the Copts because the only way things will change in this country is if we come together."

This feeling of brotherhood ("One people, one blood") among Egyptians regardless of religion is prominent throughout the country.  It is seen in the pledge of Muslims who will collectively fight the threat of Islamic militants towards an Egypt free from sectarian strife.  It is seen as banners went up depicting mosques and churches, crosses and crescents, together in unity as one.

Movie stars were among the human shields as were thousands of citizens who believe Islamic attacks are against all of Egypt.  At the Cleopatra Church in Heliopolis Khaled, a Muslim attendee, said, "It's an honor to be among you today and [to] celebrate [Coptic] Christmas with you."

The front pew at a church in the Cairo district of Omraneya was filled with well-known Muslims from the neighborhood. Father Hanna thanked them for attending, "This is the way our Egypt climbs new heights and become prosperous."


Original article with video, click here.

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