On Dahshur

From the youth branch of Santa Verena Charity

On July 27 in Dahshur, Badrasheen, 40 km south of Cairo, a Coptic launderer Sameh Samy inadvertently burned the shirt of his Muslim client, Ahmad Ramadan.

A verbal fight ensued that escalated resulting in the death of a Muslim man. Following the news about his death, hundreds of Muslims marched the streets torching and looting Coptic businesses and homes. The incidents took place in the presence of hundreds of security forces. In fear for their lives, all the Coptic families in the village abandoned their homes and belongings behind and relocated to neighboring areas. The priest of the village was escorted out after he was covered by a white drape in a police car to shield him from the angry mob.What followed was a three-day spree of looting and destroying Copts’ homes and businesses. What amounted was collective punishment of all Copts in town, also turned into an all-out attack against Copts, their homes and businesses. Some 120 Coptic families were obliged to leave town hurriedly for fear of their lives.

The Coptic launderer, his father and brother, after being assaulted by the mob, were detained by the police on charges of murder and possession of explosives. Five arrest warrants were issued for 5 Muslims who are still at large.

Those incidents of violence, collective punishment, and prejudices towards Copts have been rising in frequency and intensity. These families are in dire need of help.

If you or anyone you know is interested in giving a monetary donation to the Coptic families in Dahshur whose houses and business have been destroyed, please make checks payable to Santa Verena Charity and in the memo write “Dahshur Victims.” God bless you and please keep the people of Dahshur in your prayers.