Hundreds of Christians and Muslims attended a celebration in Dobara Church on Friday afternoon for Christmas. A choir recited hymns during the ceremony.
A number of public figures were in attendance, including former presidential hopeful Hamdeen Sabbahi, head of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party Mohamed Aboul Ghar, activist Ahmed Harara, Omar Makram Mosque preacher Mazhar Shaheen, television presenter Bothaina Kamel and journalist Alaa al-Aswani.
Kamel presented a shield dedicated by the “We See You” movement in recognition of the church’s efforts toward peacemaking since the start of the revolution.
Shaheen led a march of the youth members of various political forces and parties from Omar Makram Mosque to the church after performing Friday prayers.
They chanted: "Muslims and Christians are one hand."
"Congratulating Copts on their festivals is a national duty for everyone, because they are part of society and belong to this homeland, and no one can strip them off of that affiliation,” Shaheen told Al-Masry Al-Youm.
"Love between Muslims and Christians has to prevail,” he continued.
He called on all Muslims to offer congratulations to Copts in Egypt on Christmas, pointing out that Copts offer Muslims their best wishes on the occasions of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
