“Partners in Homeland”: Muslim-Coptic Partnership Initiative Launched in Egypt

 

 

A team of volunteers not affiliated with any religious or political party, from the Rehab City and New Cairo district joined together in an effort to propose visions for an ideal model of the Egyptian society. The group envisioned harmony, compassion love and cooperation between all sects, nationwide.

Adopting the title “Partners in Homeland”, the group focuses on strengthening the bonds of humanity and social links between all sections of society without distinction or discrimination of religion or race.

The initiative will work on reinforcing and merging the relations between fellow countrymen Muslims and Christians alike in addition to their integration in community work in an effort to build and develop the Egyptian citizen. In turn, such efforts will correct misconceptions, and alleviate tension advocated by the ousted former regime over the years. The initiative hopes to win support in the Rehab, and New Cairo, districts with future plans to expand to other areas nationwide.

The founder of the team “Partners in Homeland”, Emad Sayed Awad Allah explained that the idea came to him while he was in Tahrir Square after experiencing the spirit of solidarity between the people. “We had a Christian young man with us named Hany and we felt that we were as one with him without discrimination. This triggered the idea and brought back memories of childhood where we were as one with the Copts, free from sedition and strife”, he said.

He continued, during an interview with Ikhwanweb: "I spoke with a friend of mine who knew some Christians and introduced the notion. Later I met with Mr. George Morris, from the Church Community, who welcomed the very idea. We then organised a meeting between Copts and Muslims and discussed together how to begin the proposed initiatives. It was then decided that we would organize joint activities illustrating that we are one wanting to live together just as we did during the January revolution and throughout history beginning from the 1919 revolution”.

According to Emad Sayed, the brains behind the proposed Muslim and Copts Partnership Initiative in Egypt, the programme proved to be successful after discussions were made to establish the principles and rules of the Partnership.

Al-Sayed told Ikhwanweb: “A committee of 18 members, 9 Muslims and 9 Copts has been formed to support the Partnership made especially following voiced fears concerning the treatment of Copts in the new Egyptian state following the revolution”.

He pointed out that the initiative was widely accepted by both Muslims and Copts where the Muslim Brotherhood participated and supported the idea after reading into its agenda.

“The future of the relationship between Muslims and  Copts is bright and promising especially with the expected formation of a civil state, and will not be affected by any attempts to deepen polarization in Egyptian society,” he said.