Over 600 members of the Egyptian community attended the Coptic Christians Against Persecution event at the Westin Hotel in Lake Mary on Aug. 22. This event was held in support of the Egyptian people against the Muslim Brotherhood and their burning of Mosques, churches and the killing of innocent people.
Mohamed Morsi was the first democratically elected president after Egypt’s previous president, Hosni Mubarak, was overthrown. Morsi, who faced accusations from activists, was not implementing social and economic reforms that the country needed.
An activist group known as the Tamarod called for the resignation of Morsi on June 30, bringing millions to the streets on the anniversary of Morsi’s inauguration. The supporters had been camped out for weeks demanding the president be put back into position; the move against the camps resulted in hundreds of casualties, and left the effort to get Morsi back into power isolated.
With a democratic leader forced out of office, many are questioning if Egypt will continue to be democratic, or if a new form of government will take place. “I don’t think democracy is the best for the Egyptian people, they riot and protest and with the way democracy works, it wouldn’t be the best for Egypt,” said senior Andrew Abdelnour.
“You feel judged because of your religion. Taxi drivers won’t even stop for you if you are Christian,” said senior Angela Abdelnour. Once in power, Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood tried to impose their religious preferences on the population leading to major protests and general displeasure among the people.
Faith leaders at the August meeting asserted that the overthrowing of Mohamed Morsi and his regime was the right thing to do, due to widespread displeasure throughout the country. “The purpose of the meeting was to spread awareness and gain support on the matter.” said teacher Viola Abraham. Both major religions in Egypt were represented in this meeting, both Christian and Muslim, despite their differences they united to come to a solution and seek support for their country they represent.
“The speakers at the meeting were talking about what has happened already instead of what we can do to raise support and help our people,” said Abraham.