Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

There is a politically-motivated yearslong disagreement about the exact number of Copts in Egypt. Copts tend to exaggerate saying that they are between 10-15 million, a figure contested by Muslim extremists who put it at only 3-5 million.

However, the shocking information I have obtained is that the number, according to a civil registry official, is about 17 millions, in addition to three million Copts living in different countries abroad and carrying the Egyptian nationality.

Therefore, there are already 20 million Copts.

This is a large number that makes the evacuation process of the Coptic community extremely difficult, not only because of religion, but also because of the complexity of the undeniable socio-economic affairs in Egypt.

I was, for instance, disturbed by the actions of 'Abd al-Mun'im al-Shahāt, who presents himself as the spokesman of the Salafist Da'wah (Call), during a talk show when he told George Ishaq to change the way he was sitting when talking to him.

Shahāt rejected all of Ishaq’s political views and struggling history. Ishaq was a patriot when the notorious state security apparatus was in full power, while in fact Shahāt was a mere toy in this once-dreaded organization's hands.

Copts should always be aware that the extremist religious groups detest them and dream of the day to see them departing Egypt.

Above all, Copts must know that this country is their homeland; not out of the idea that they are the original owners of this country and Muslims were only guests, but out of the notion that they have rights to this land just like any other citizens.

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