FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2011
Arab Canadians extend their greetings and solidarity to Coptic Egyptian Christians
The Canadian Arab Federation wishes Arab Orthodox Christians and, in particular, the Coptic Egyptian Christian Community a Merry Christmas.
As Coptic Egyptian Christians celebrate Christmas worldwide, the occasion is no doubt marked by sadness and pain. Christians along with their places of worship have been targeted around the world in recent months. This wave of violence has now spilled into Egypt and raises grave concern.
The Canadian Arab Federation sends its condolences to all of those impacted by the violence. There is no doubt that such attacks are aiming to undermine the unity and peaceful co-existence in their respective countries. Stirring ethnic and religious strife are the goals of such crimes. It is, therefore, heartening to see the large numbers of Muslim Egyptians who joined their Coptic brethren for Mass in Coptic churches throughout the world. Coptic Masses in Egypt have been attended by record numbers after the attack. Canadian Arab Federation Vice President, Ehab Lotayef, was one of many Egyptian Muslims who attended the Coptic Mass in Montreal.
Khaled Mouammar, CAF National President says: "The attack on Saints Church in Alexandria on New Year's Eve is a criminal act that not only disgusts me as a Christian, but also disgusts and shocks Muslims throughout the Arab world."
The Canadian Arab Federation is committed to supporting all efforts to heal the rift caused by these cowardly acts.
"Coptic Egyptians are a pillar of Egyptian society. Their past, present and future contributions are an integral part of Egypt. This attempt to drive a wedge between Muslims and Coptic Egyptians will necessarily fail. Coptic Egyptians are Egypt. They cannot be separated from it," stated Mohamed El Rashidy, CAF Director.
For more information, please contact:
Khaled Mouammar
CAF National President
416-879-6766
Established in 1967, the Canadian Arab Federation is a national, non-partisan, non profit and membership-based organization. CAF represents Canadian Arabs on issues relating to public policy.
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