Egypt: Help for attacked Coptic Christians in Abou Qurqas

Village of Abou-Qorqas seen from the church’s roof. @ACN
Village of Abou-Qorqas seen from the church’s roof. @ACN

One might well imagine the town of Abou Qurqas, around 2 hours drive from Cairo, to be a peaceful place to live, were it not for the events of 18 April 2011, That day the people of the town, Muslims and Coptic Christians alike, set out as usual to go to work or open up their shops, while the little children hurried off on foot to school. But this peaceful image was soon shattered by the events that followed.

As if from nowhere, islamists appeared in front of the Coptic church and announced their intention of shutting it down. The news spread like wildfire, and priests and faithful hurried to the spot to defend their church against the threatened closure. Then police appeared, armed with bayonets, and went for the Copts, while the islamists looted their homes and businesses. Afterwards, the Coptic news agency "Word Press" quoted Coptic Orthodox Auxiliary Bishop Macarius of Al Minya and Abou Qurqas, as saying, "At least 20 houses were destroyed. It was terrible for the Copts who were living in those houses, for the Muslims set them on fire while they were still inside. To save the people trapped inside they had to tear down the walls in one case, while others escaped by jumping across the roofs of neighbouring houses."

One of the victims was Adel Abdallah. His house was burnt down and his elderly mother was thrown from a second-floor balcony by the islamists. And yet, as Bishop Macarius explained, "Strangely, according to my understanding, nine Copts were imprisoned and interrogated by the military tribunal in Cairo, whereas not one single Muslim was arrested for the looting, despite the fact that they could be easily identified by means of video footage." The losses have been terrible, as borne out by the long list detailing the names of the victims and the losses they have suffered.

"There are 65 families affected, and their total losses amount to around 3.43 million Egyptian Pounds', reports Coptic Catholic Patriarch Antonios Naguib who has checked the list. "The attacks by the islamists have left at least one person dead and dozens of wounded. Many houses and businesses have been looted and burnt down, Several people have been driven out of the homes they owned or rented", he continued.

There are many individual tragedies of varying degrees of severity. While Adel Boshra is bewailing the loss of his stolen cow. Adel Abdullah, whose mother is lying in a coma after being thrown from the balcony, has been robbed not only of his home but also of his freedom, His attackers locked him in prison, where he is now paying for a crime that he never committed. Who will now speak up for these people?

The Coptic Christians in Egypt, have suffered discrimination for years now, They are almost on their knees: The various dioceses of Egypt have been collecting money for the victims of the attacks in Abou Qurqas on April 18 and have raised 150, 000 Egyptian Pounds (around 18,000 Euros) But it is not enough to get everyone back on their feet. Now ACN has stepped in and is hoping to be able to give 50, 000 Euros, Even this is only a drop in the ocean, but one that will help nonetheless. In fact any donation, however small, will help the Coptic community to hold out against the constant victimisation they endure. As Blessed Mother Teresa once said, ''We are not many; no more than a tiny army. It is true that what we are doing is only a drop in an ocean of need. But without our work this ocean would be poorer, by this one drop."

To know about this and many other similar projects in favour of the pastoral needs of the suffering Church, please contact our national offices.