Egyptian Christians face constant proselytism, discrimination
(May 09, 2012) Christians in Egypt face constant proselytism and discrimination said
a Jesuit historian and Islamic Studies professor. Discussing the situation of
Christians in various Middle Eastern nations, Fr. Samir Khalil described the barrage
of Muslim proselytism that Egyptian Christians regularly face. He said “The whole
day and during the whole year, you are bombarded with Islamic propaganda starting
at five in the morning.They start their preaching using megaphones and this is five
times a day. Then you have the radio and television.Often your neighbours play these
programs at a high volume and you cannot complain because your neighbour will justify
by saying that its God’s word.” Fr. Samir said the television and film are also inundated
with Islamic propaganda. In the schools, the boys and girls start their day with Islamic
teaching. It starts when the students are outside where they are again inundated
by Islamic propaganda, which is called Khutbah. When there is a transition from one
teacher to the next, the same ritual is again repeated, he said. Regarding employment,
Fr. Samir said when one is looking for work particularly in the public sector, you
are asked for your name, which is normal, but in Egypt, you are asked your name, your
father’s name and your grandfather’s name, and if there is no mention of Mohammed
in your series of names then you are known to be a Christian and it could be a reason
for a refusal of a job. He added that there is discrimination also in the university.