Living in Peace

First night of 2011 in Egypt was not a peaceful night. A group; regardless of their nationalities, religion and real intentions, decided that Egyptians won't have a  peaceful 2011 start. A national-made bomb exploded right infront of El Kedisein Church in Alexandria, destroying the enterance of both the church and the mosque right infront of it. Both religions suffered of the same exact casualties, and I mean both Religions. People died, others wounded,that's the expected of a bomb explosion. Yet the whole nation is deeply wounded, a deep UNITED wound.

Grandparents keep telling stories about old Egypt, where one house would have a muslim family, a christian family and a jewish family all raised up to ONE big family. No discriminations, no offences, No terror. One religious event would be shared by all. Old Egyptian flag was of a white crescent with three white stars on a green background. The three stars symbolised the three component territories of the Kingdom, namely Egypt, Nubia, and Sudan, whilst the green symbolised the predominant religion of the country, Islam. It has also been suggested that the three stars represented the three religious communities of the country: Muslims, christians and Jews. I keep wondering what If such union would have lasted till today, how far would have we reached!

I keep recalling an old relative telling me about 6th of October war, and how all nation members; both religions, united and fought for our freedom. I wonder would have we won this war if such union didn't happen? would have we accomplished any political, economical, or social progress if we were not united?

Back to 2011, and less than half a month later a muslim police representative have made another terrorist attack but this time he randomly shot passengers on a trian coming from upper Egypt. One dead, 4 casualties all from one family who were heading to Cairo to buy their daughter her wedding Shabka. Ironically all are christians, but a muslim eyewitness who tried to stop the killer and miraclously was not shot but managed to take the killer's jacket helped the investigation team to capture the killer.

Every couple of days we hear and read about christian(s) helping muslim(s) or vise versa. I strongly believe that egyptians will remain as brave, loyal, decent and loving as always. God protect my beloved home.