Coptic Christian: "There are too many lies about Israel!"

MembersCoptic Christian: “There are too many lies about Israel!”

Even at a young age, Boutros (not his real name) felt a calling from God. “I’ve been following this call since I finished my studies,” the Coptic Christian told me. He has lived in Israel for many years, residing and working in a challenging neighborhood in Jerusalem. A few weeks ago, we met for breakfast at a local café. Boutros speaking favorably about Israel can put him at risk, so I have changed his name for his safety.

Aviel Schneider

Aug 16, 2024 at 11:30 am

| Topics: CHRISTIANS

Boutros is a pleasant conversationalist, always smiling. He recounts how, after studying in Egypt, he wanted to live in a monastery in the desert. “I visited monasteries all over Egypt, but there I felt at home. The abbot told me to come back in a year if I was sure I wanted to be a monk.” Boutros asks how I view Israel, whether I see it as an organic part of the Middle East. I respond that while Israel is part of the Middle East, it is not a typical country for the Arab region. Mentally and spiritually, Israel is an outsider among the Arab nations. Boutros nods. “I see it that way too. People don’t really understand Israel,” he says. “Once, when I flew from Tel Aviv to Egypt, the ground staff at Cairo airport were outraged because I had come from Israel. They said the Israelis are our enemies, how can you have been there? I showed them on their monitor that I had flown from Tel Aviv to Cairo with Egyptair. If TLV is on your screen,...

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