2011 Alexandria bombing

Attack on Coptic Christians in Egypt November 2019 2011 Alexandria bombing the persecution of Copts Alexandria, Egypt Coptic Christians 31 15 47 N 29 59 31 E region:EG_type:event inline,title 2011 01 01 y 00:20 UTC+02:00 Suicide bombing 23Egypt church blast death toll rises to 23 https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE7010M020110104 Reuters 16 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110122192753/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE7010M020110104 22 January 2011 live 4 January 2011 97الصحة: ارتفاع عدد ضحايا حادث الإسكندرية إلى 21 قتيلا و97 مصابا http://www.masrawy.com/News/Egypt/Politics/2011/january/1/health_21.aspx 1 January 2011 Masrawy 1 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110104033546/http://www.masrawy.com/News/Egypt/Politics/2011/january/1/health_21.aspx 4 January 2011 dead Anti-Christian Sentiment and Islamic Extremism Twenty-three people were killed and another ninety-seven were injured in a bombing attack targeting Coptic Christians in Alexandria, Egypt, on New Year's Day, 1 January 2011. The attack occurred as the Christian worshipers were leaving a church.أسماء ضحايا ومصابى حادث انفجار الإسكندرية http://www.youm7.com/News.asp?NewsID=328202 2 January 2011 El Yom El Sabe 2 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110104053757/http://youm7.com/News.asp?NewsID=328202 4 January 2011 deadEgypt bomb kills 21 at Alexandria Coptic church https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12101748 1 January 2011 BBC News 1 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110101045135/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12101748 1 January 2011 live The attack was the deadliest act of violence against Egypt's Coptic Christians in a decade, since the Kosheh massacre in 2000 left 20 Copts dead.Fatal Bomb Hits a Church in Egypt https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/02/world/middleeast/02egypt.html?_r=3&hp 3 January 2011 The New York Times 1 January 2011 Kareem Fahim Liam Stack The target of the bombing was the Saints Church, a Coptic church located across the street from the Masjid Sharq El-Madina mosque.http://www.masrawy.com/ketabat/ArticlesDetails.aspx?AID=83328&ref=hp كتابات مصراوي – شاهد عيان : أول قتيل فى انفجار القديسين مسلم يبيع المصاحف Masrawy 3 January 2011 20 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20141210075905/http://www.masrawy.com/ketabat/ArticlesDetails.aspx?AID=83328&ref=hp 10 December 2014 dead dmy-allhttp://gate.ahram.org.eg/News/30605.aspx نيابة الإسكندرية تستمع لأقوال راعي كنيسة القديسين وإمام مسجد شرق المدينة – بوابة الأهرام Ahram 20 January 2013 Background Copts in Egypt complain of increasing persecution, from attacks by Muslim extremists and what they see as official discrimination by the state. Copts celebrate Christmas on 7 January. This was the second consecutive Christmas with violence. On Christmas Eve in 2010, a Muslim gunman fired on worshipers leaving a church in Upper Egypt, killing 7 people.https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/08/nyregion/08coptic.html?partner=rss&emc=rss Sorrow in Brooklyn for Terror in Egypt The New York Times Fahim Kareem A16 7 January 2011 22 January 2011 In the months prior to the incident, the religious ambiance in Egypt had been clouded by anti-Church sentiment, in particular regarding the public allegation made by Mohammad Salim Al-Awa that the Coptic Orthodox Church was storing weapons in churches and monasteries.http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/65471152-9030-4350-9448-79714469B785.htm الأخبار – عربي – محامون مصريون يتضامنون مع العوا Al Jazeera 15 September 2010 22 September 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100922032100/http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/65471152-9030-4350-9448-79714469B785.htm 22 September 2010 live In November, a group calling itself Al-Qaeda in Iraq announced that all Christians in the Middle East would be "legitimate targets." The Alexandria bombing occurred almost two months to the day after the attack on Our Lady of Salvation church in central Baghdad in what militants called a response to the mistreatment of Muslim converts by Egyptian Copts. Al-Qaeda's Iraqi affiliate claimed responsibility for that attack and made new threats against Christians. The group threatened to attack Egyptian Copts if their church did not free two Christians, it said had been "imprisoned in their monasteries" for having converted to Islam. The two women were Camilia Chehata and Wafa Constantine, the wives of Coptic priests whose claimed conversion caused a stir in Egypt.Deadly blast outside Egypt church http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/01/20111111533958901.html 27 January 2011 Al Jazeera 1 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110101050004/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/01/20111111533958901.html 1 January 2011 live Two weeks before the bombing an Islamist website called for attacks on a list of Egypt's churches, and included the church that was hit.Suspected suicide bomber kills 17 at Egypt church Saleh, Yasmine https://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110101/wl_nm/us_egypt_church_blast Yahoo! News 1 January 2011 2 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110201015453/http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110101/wl_nm/us_egypt_church_blast 1 February 2011 live"Suspected suicide bomber kills 21 in attack on Egyptian church". By Bill Roggio. 1 January 2011 Bombing An explosive device detonated in front of the Coptic Orthodox church of Saint Mark and Pope Peter in the Sidi Bishr neighbourhood in Alexandria.Explosion kills at least 21 at Egyptian church http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/01/01/egypt.attack/index.html?iref=NS1 1 January 2011 CNN 1 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110201024916/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/01/01/egypt.attack/index.html?iref=NS1 1 February 2011 dead Initial reports stated that it was a car explosion, however an Interior Ministry statement later declared that it was a suicide attack, through the Egyptian official news agency.Batty David Egypt bomb kills new year churchgoers https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jan/01/egypt-bomb-kills-new-year-churchgoers 1 January 2011 The Guardian 1 January 2011 London https://web.archive.org/web/20110102080238/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/01/egypt-bomb-kills-new-year-churchgoers 2 January 2011 livehttp://news.indiavoice.info/news/suicide-bomber-kills-21-in-egypt-2011010120146 Suicide bomber kills 21 in Egypt IndiaVoice 1 January 2011 1 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110201063709/http://news.indiavoice.info/news/suicide-bomber-kills-21-in-egypt-2011010120146 1 February 2011 usurpedInterior ministry: Suicide bomber behind Egypt church blast http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/01/01/egypt.attack/index.html?hpt=T2 1 January 2011 CNN 1 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110129014745/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/01/01/egypt.attack/index.html?hpt=T2 29 January 2011 dead At the time of the blast, several thousand Coptic Christians were attending midnight prayer service at the church at the occasion of the new year. The explosion resulted in scattered body parts, destroyed cars and smashed windows. 21 Coptic Christians were killed immediately following the explosion, or soon after, and about 97 people – most of them Christians – were injured. The remains were covered with newspapers until they were brought inside the church. Two more Copts died in the hospital over the few days following the attack, raising the total number to 23, all of whom were Coptic Christians. According to one eyewitness report, the first victim was a Muslim salesperson who sold Quran books across the street from the Saints Church. Forensic testing confirmed that the explosive device used was homemade and contained nails and ball-bearings. The Interior Ministry stated that the bomb was filled with small pieces of metal to serve as shrapnel,Chick Kristen https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/0101/Egypt-church-bombing-Why-some-point-to-Al-Qaeda-linked-group Egypt church bombing: Why some point to Al Qaeda-linked group The Christian Science Monitor 1 January 2011 and that a foreign-backed suicide bomber may have been responsible. Responsibility Egypt's former Interior Minister Habib Ibrahim el-Adly said on 23 January that evidence proved that the Salafi jihadist group Army of Islam planned and executed the attack. The group, based in Gaza,http://m.aljazeera.com/story/201112311414915283 Egypt blames Gaza group for bombing Al Jazeera 23 January 2011 30 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141006164228/http://m.aljazeera.com/story/201112311414915283 6 October 2014 dead quickly denied the charge, while also reportedly expressing support for the bombing.Army of Islam denies responsibility for Egyptian church bombing http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-01/23/c_13703737.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20121107103512/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-01/23/c_13703737.htm dead 7 November 2012 8 February 2011 Xinhuanet 23 January 2011 Hamas, the governing authority of Gaza, condemned the attack, while expressing concern with the accusations against the Army of Islam and calling on Egypt to share its information regarding their involvement. Following el-Adly's dismissal from the Interior Ministry on 31 January, Attorney General Abdel Meguid Mahmoud opened a probe into his alleged involvement in the bombing. Coptic lawyer Ramzi Mamdouh, who originally presented the proclamation against el-Adly to the Prosecutor's Office, alleged that the attack had been orchestrated by the Interior Ministry's security apparatus with the intent to blame it on Islamists, escalate the government crackdown on them, and increase Western support for the government.http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/02/07/136723.html Ex-minister suspected behind Alex church bombing Al Arabiya 7 February 2011 20 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130120182322/http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/02/07/136723.html 20 January 2013 dead By July 2011, nobody had yet been brought to trial, and the Coptic Church threatened to sue the Interior Ministry.Coptic Church threatens to sue interior ministry over Alexandria church bombing http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/node/480165 Al Masry Al-youm 25 July 2011 Reactions Coptic community in Egypt Copts were deeply aggrieved by this attack, many believing that the Egyptian state security's failure to deal firmly with past attacks on Christians in Egypt contributed to this attack, while others went as far as to directly blame the State Security for the bombings. One member of the Coptic community declared, "The government is the reason this happened. They are the terrorists who attack us every day." Following the bombing, several thousand Copts took to the streets in protest. Furious Christians clashed with Egyptian police and Egyptian security forces."Deadly church blast sparks Christian rage in Egypt" https://web.archive.org/web/20110103191004/http://www.euronews.net/2011/01/01/deadly-church-blast-sparks-christian-rage-in-egypt/ 3 January 2011 . Euronews, 1 January 2011 Christians and Muslims pelted each other with rocks, and cars were torched. After these overnight protests, more than 100 Christians protested the following morning near the church that was attacked, chanting "We sacrifice our souls and blood for the Holy Cross" and "O Mubarak, the heart of the Copts is on fire". The Egyptian police reacted by firing rubber bullets and tear gas at the Christians. In Cairo, about 4,000 Christians and Muslims demonstrated against terrorism in the predominantly Christian neighborhood of Shubra.أربعة آلاف مصري تظاهروا ضد الإرهاب في" شبرا" http://www.elaph.com/Web/news/2011/1/622220.html 1 January 2011 Elaph 1 January 2011 (in Arabic) The demonstration lasted for six hours and was joined by both government and opposition members of the Egyptian parliament and a number of political figures, including a former minister and Tomorrow Party founder Ayman Nour. In the same neighborhood of Shubra, thousands of Coptic Christians clashed with riot police for three consecutive days, resulting in injuries to both Coptic civilians and riot police soldiers.Slackman Michael https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/04/world/middleeast/04egypt.html Clashes Grow as Egyptians Remain Angry After an Attack The New York Times 4 January 2011 Thousands of Copts demonstrated at the Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner in Cairo. The demonstrators called for the resignation of the Egyptian government. They chanted, "With our souls and blood we redeem our Cross". They then clashed with the Egyptian security forces, resulting in injuries to 12 of the Coptic demonstrators. In addition, thousands of Coptic Christians demonstrated outside the Egyptian ministry of foreign affairs and the state television buildings for two consecutive days. Pope Shenouda III strongly condemned the "criminal assault", blaming it on "forces that wish no good for Egypt". The Pope also called upon the government to "speedily arrest and prosecute the perpetrator of this criminal act." His personal secretary said the incident had "severely grieved us, because it is very alien to the love and harmony in which the nation lives".Sadiq Ashraf http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/2983/Egypt/Politics-/Despite-attack,-Pope-Shenouda-will-preside-over-Ch.aspx Despite attack, Pope Shenouda will preside over Christmas Mass in Abbaseya cathedral Ahram Online 1 January 2011 The top cleric in Alexandria, the Patriarchal Vicar Hegumen Ruweis Marcos, said that the Egyptian government and security forces wanted to blame the bombing on a suicide bomber instead of a car bomb in order to write off the crime as something carried out by a lone attacker. He also denounced the lack of protection in front of the church, stating he was surprised to find only three soldiers and one officer guarding the church at such a sensitive time in spite of the recent numerous threats against Copts. The Synod of priests in Alexandria unanimously criticized the lax attitude of the Egyptian authorities towards the public expression of hatred against Coptic Christians. In a statement issued by the Synod, the priests said that the attack on the church was "the result of anti-Christian mobilization and the lies recently propagated against the Coptic Orthodox Church." On the Sunday following the bombings, Coptic parishioners at the bombed church of Saint Mark and Pope Peter expressed anger, and protested discrimination that Christians in Egypt are facing.http://www.elaph.com/Web/news/2011/1/622368.html?entry=homepagemainmiddle قداس احد حزين وغاضب في كنيسة القديسين في الاسكندرية Ahram Online 2 January 2011 2 January 2011 One of the parishioners declared "in this country, we cannot even pray in churches." Another blamed the anti-Coptic sentiments spread by the Islamic mosques. The priest of the church blamed "Islamic fanaticism" and "Islamic extremism". He called upon the Egyptian government to ensure the rights of the Christians in "life, prayer and work". Officials of the Coptic Orthodox Church announced that prayers for Eastern Christmas would still be held, but that celebrations would be canceled. Coptic community in the diaspora Memorial services were held in Coptic churches across Europe in memory of the victims of the bombing. The Coptic Orthodox Church in Britain issued an official statement condemning the massacre, and expressing concern that incidents of violence and terror against Christians in Egypt were increasingly spiraling out of control.Official Press Release of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom http://coptsunited.com/Details.php?I=340&A=2801 5 January 2011 4 January 2011 The statement also criticized the fact that crimes against the Copts in Egypt were going unchecked and unresolved, and their perpetrators were not brought to justice. In Montreal, Quebec, Canada, all five Coptic churches in the city decided to proceed under tightened security with the Eastern Christmas Eve mass on the eve of Eastern Christmas but decided not to hold any celebrations.Coptic Orthodox Christmas to be low-key – Tight security: On alert after bombing in Egypt https://montrealgazette.com/life/Montreal+Coptic+Orthodox+Christmas/4054183/story.html 5 January 2011 Montreal Gazette 4 January 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110223234517/http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Montreal%2BCoptic%2BOrthodox%2BChristmas/4054183/story.html 23 February 2011 http://www.thespec.com/news/world/article/473776--harper-meets-with-coptic-christian-priests Harper meets with Coptic Christian priests 16 December 2014 The celebrations were canceled in honor of the victims of the Alexandria massacre, and money that was to be spent on the celebrations was sent to the families of the victims in Alexandria. About 4,000 Coptics and some Muslim supporters marched on 19 January in central Sydney, calling on Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd to address the issue of persecution of Copts in Egypt.Australian Coptics protest persecution http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8199070/australian-coptics-protest-persecution Morello Vincent 22 January 2011 9 News 19 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110122050847/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8199070/australian-coptics-protest-persecution 22 January 2011 dead dmy-all Domestic The Egyptian government issued a statement immediately following the bombing blaming "foreign elements" for the planning and execution of the bombing. President Hosni Mubarak promised in a televised address that terrorists would not destabilize Egypt or divide Christians and Muslims. He said the attack "carries evidence of the involvement of foreign fingers" and vowed to pursue the perpetrators.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12103248 Egypt's president calls for unity after church bombing BBC News 1 January 2011 Many doubt that the perpetrators will be pursued, citing the Mubarak regime's preference for handling violence against the country's Christian minority through a reconciliation process between the perpetrators and the victims, rather than prosecution of the perpetrators. https://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2011/0104/Coptic-church-bombing-in-Egypt-Mubarak-must-prosecute Coptic church bombing in Egypt: Mubarak must prosecute The Christian Science Monitor 4 January 2011 2 The governor of Alexandria, Adel Labib, accused Al-Qaeda of planning the bombing, without giving any further details.http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/world/AlQaeda-linked-to-Egypt-blast.6677146.jp Al-Qaeda linked to Egypt blast Maggie Michael Scotland on Sunday 2 January 2011 2 Many Egyptians expressed their disappointment regarding the government's claims that Al-Qaeda and foreign elements were behind the massacre, seeing those claims as a way for the government to evade the issue of growing sectarian divisions in the country. In a message to Pope Shenouda III, Patriarch Theodore II of the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria strongly condemned the "brutal criminal attack" against a church "where prayers were being recited for the peace of Egypt, for the peace of those in power, and for the peace of the world."http://freecopts.net/arabic/2009-10-15-12-56-17/2009-07-01-03-25-21/8218-2011-01-02-10-46-13 بطريرك الروم يعزى البابا شنودة فى ضحايا كنيسة القديسين Free Copts 2 January 2011 3 January 2011 6 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110106202906/http://freecopts.net/arabic/2009-10-15-12-56-17/2009-07-01-03-25-21/8218-2011-01-02-10-46-13 dead Patriarch Theodore II also described the victims as "Martyrs of the Church". Refaa al-Tahtawi, spokesman for Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's main institution based in Cairo, appeared on television to denounce the attack, which he said targeted "Egyptian national unity". He also appealed to Christians and Muslims for calm. The attack was also condemned by the Muslim Brotherhood,http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=27729 Students, Opposition, and International Groups Condemn Church Bombing – Ikhwanweb 16 December 2014 who also called upon Muslims to protect Christian churches.http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=27062 Egyptians Unite against Al-Qaeda Threat to Copts – Ikhwanweb 16 December 2014 On the eve of the Coptic Christmas on 6 January 2011, Egyptian Muslims showed up at churches during mass service offering to serve as a "human shield" against any possible further attacks.Fox News Egypt's Muslims Attend Coptic Christmas Mass, Serving as 'Human Shields' http://nation.foxnews.com/coptic-christians/2011/01/15/egypts-muslims-attend-coptic-christmas-mass-serving-human-shields 15 January 2011 21 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110130120729/http://nation.foxnews.com/coptic-christians/2011/01/15/egypts-muslims-attend-coptic-christmas-mass-serving-human-shields 30 January 2011 dead Both government and independent newspapers warned that civil war could break out in Egypt unless Muslims and Christians close ranks. Newspapers also urged the Egyptian government to focus on the situation of the Copts, who often complain of discrimination. https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gM4ojQSkgen45AIWUkmRXYIsEFwA?docId=CNG.d0742101cf6091a508d93992474e7181.1e1 https://web.archive.org/web/20110105075334/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gM4ojQSkgen45AIWUkmRXYIsEFwA?docId=CNG.d0742101cf6091a508d93992474e7181.1e1 dead 5 January 2011 Egypt media warn of civil war after bombing Agence France Presse 2 January 2011 2 January 2011 In an interview that aired on Al-Fareen TV (Egypt) on 3 January 2011 (as translated by MEMRI), Former Egyptian Deputy Minister Abdallah Al-Ash'al stated that: Today, many young people in Egypt are unhappy. They flee the country and prefer to die on the shores of the Mediterranean, because they have no job opportunities here...The Mossad has exploited this. The people who carried out this attack are Egyptians, but the Mossad exploited them...Are these nothing but theories? No. When Israeli military intelligence chief Amos Yadlin submitted a report about the past four and a half years, he stated clearly that Israel was exploiting the peace treaty in order to infiltrate Egypt.Egyptian Intellectuals Accuse the Israeli Mossad for the Alexandria Church Bombing, MEMRI TV, Clip No. 2747, 2–3 January 2011. International community In the days following the attack, Pope Shenouda III met with the ambassadors of the US, the UK and Bosnia and Herzegovina, who expressed the condolences of their respective countries to the Pope and to the Coptic Church.سكوبي تلتقي البابا شنودة وتقدم عزاء واشنطن في ضحايا كنيسة القديسين http://www.masrawy.com/News/Egypt/Politics/2011/january/4/consolation_washington.aspx 10 January 2011 Masrawy 4 January 2011 https://archive.today/20130128132738/http://www.masrawy.com/News/Egypt/Politics/2011/january/4/consolation_washington.aspx 28 January 2013 dead dmy-all Vatican City: Pope Benedict XVI of the Roman Catholic Church denounced the attacks in his New Year address. He also appealed for religious freedom and religious tolerance in the Middle East, and urged world leaders to defend Christians against discrimination, abuse and religious intolerance which are today striking Christians in particular.Pope leads condemnation of Egypt church attack https://vancouversun.com/news/Pope+leads+condemnation+Egypt+church+attack/4048033/story.html 2 January 2011 Vancouver Sun 1 January 2011 4 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110104044823/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Pope+leads+condemnation+Egypt+church+attack/4048033/story.html dead United Kingdom: Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams condemned the bombing, declaring that "The New Year's Eve attack on Christians in Alexandria is yet another dreadful reminder of the pressure Christian minorities are under in the Middle East, echoing the atrocities we have seen in recent weeks", in reference to the attack on the church of Our Lady of Salvation in Iraq, carried out by the Islamic State of Iraq.Car bomb in Egypt kills at least 17 outside Christian church https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/8235037/Car-bomb-in-Egypt-kills-at-least-17-outside-Christian-church.html 2 January 2011 The Telegraph 2 January 2011 London https://web.archive.org/web/20110101162931/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/8235037/Car-bomb-in-Egypt-kills-at-least-17-outside-Christian-church.html 1 January 2011 live United States: U.S. President Barack Obama condemned the bombing, stating that: "The perpetrators of this attack were clearly targeting Christian worshipers, and have no respect for human life and dignity. They must be brought to justice for this barbaric and heinous act."https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/78468-obama-condemns-attacks-one-clearly-targeting-christians/ Obama condemns attacks, one 'clearly targeting Christians' Bridget Johnson The Hill 16 December 2014http://udsalg.sko-online.net/?page_id=6 Asics udsalg – Udsalg Obama also offered assistance to the Egyptian government in responding to the "terrible event." Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper met with Coptic Christian leaders to condemn the Alexandria massacre and to confirm that Canada stands behind the right of the Copts to safely practice their faith. He also declared that the international community must stay vigilant against such violence against Coptic Christians. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon issued a statement stating that "Canada condemns this latest vicious attack by extremists against Egypt's Coptic community," and offering his sympathy with the families and friends of the victims.http://coptsunited.com/Details.php?I=340&A=2800 Copts United 16 December 2014 The statement also called upon Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak to close ranks and confront the terrorists who were behind this deplorable attack. France: On the day of the bombing, French Prime Minister François Fillon, who was vacationing in the Upper Egyptian city of Aswan, visited the Coptic Orthodox cathedral in Aswan to pray for the souls of the victims, to express solidarity with the Coptic community and to express France's commitment to defending religious freedom in Egypt and the world.Egypt minister pelted, fears of sectarian unrest http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/World/Story/A1Story20110103-256060.html 3 January 2011 Asia One 3 January 2011 31 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110131211702/http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/World/Story/A1Story20110103-256060.html deadEgypt Christians vent anger over bombing https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/world/egypt-christians-vent-anger-over-bombing/news-story/ec16702e6eb0aa60b8ec3700598b303b 3 January 2011 Asia One 3 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110201063735/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/egypt-christians-vent-anger-over-bombing/story-e6frg6so-1225980959860 1 February 2011 subscription live French President Nicolas Sarkozy denounced the "blind and cowardly crime" against Christians in Egypt and expressed his "shock and great sadness". Sarkozy also called upon Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak to "find and punish the perpetrators and sponsors of this indiscriminate and cowardly crime."(Sarkozy) Attack in Egypt: "an indiscriminate and cowardly crime" http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/7767865-sarkozy-attack-in-egypt-an-indiscriminate-and-cowardly-crime 1 January 2011 Elaph 1 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110201061517/http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/7767865-sarkozy-attack-in-egypt-an-indiscriminate-and-cowardly-crime 1 February 2011 dead dmy-all In a written statement, MEP Marine Le Pen lent her support to the Coptic Christians.http://www.nationspresse.info/?p=120506 Marine Le Pen lends her support to the Coptic Christians Nations Presse Info 3 January 2011 4 January 2011 fr https://archive.today/20120909024405/http://www.nationspresse.info/?p=120506 9 September 2012 dead dmy-all Italy: The Italian foreign ministry issued a statement "firmly condemning" the attack and confirming that Italy would "continue to make its voice heard to ensure the full protection of religious freedom in all the circumstances".أوباما يدين الاعتداءين الارهابيين في مصر ونيجيريا وردود فعل عربية وعالمية http://www.elaph.com/Web/news/2011/1/622244.html 2 January 2011 Elaph 2 January 2011 Germany: German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her condolences for "this barbaric act of terror".,http://www.abendblatt.de/vermischtes/article1744215/22-Tote-bei-Selbstmordattentat-in-Aegypten.html 22 Tote bei Selbstmordattentat in Ägypten de Hamburger Abendblatt 2 January 2011 Bundesaußenminister Guido Westerwelle zeigte sich bestürzt über den Anschlag und erklärte: 'Ich verurteile diesen Akt der Brutalität gegen Menschen, die bei einer Messe friedlich das neue Jahr begehen wollten, auf das Schärfste' (lit.: Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Guido Westerwelle uttered his dismay about the attack and declared: 'I most strongly condemn this act of brutality against people who wanted to peacefully celebrate the new year with a mass'). However, Stefan Mueller, parliamentary leader of the junior coalition party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), called on Angela Merkel to go further, by linking development aid to the treatment of Christians in relevant countries. European Union: The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union Catherine Ashton condemned "unreservedly the attack against innocent Copt worshipers", stating that "there cannot be any justification for this attack" and that "the right of Christian Copts to gather and worship freely must be protected."Ashton condemns attack on Coptic worshippers in Alexandria http://enpi-info.eu/mainmed.php?id=23668&id_type=1&lang_id=450 4 January 2011 iLoubnan 3 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110720155925/http://enpi-info.eu/mainmed.php?id=23668&id_type=1&lang_id=450 20 July 2011 dead dmy-all Russia: The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the attack in the Egyptian city of Alexandria by issuing the following statement on the day of the terrorist attack: "Moscow strongly condemns this criminal attack of extremists. Such bloody acts, resulting in the death and suffering of innocent people and provoking interconfessional strife are unjustifiable"http://www.rian.ru/world/20110101/316361550.html МИД РФ решительно осуждает преступный теракт в Египте РИА Новости 16 December 2014 On the same day, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sent his condolences to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak saying: "It was with a deep sorrow that I learned about the criminal blast near the Christian church in the city of Alexandria on the night of 1 January 2011. Please convey my sincere condolences to the relatives of the victims and my wishes for a fastest recovery to the injured. Strongly condemning the bloody attack of extremists, I wish to assure you that Russia was and will be on the side of Egypt and its people in the uncompromising fight that ensues against the violent challenges of terrorism."http://www.rian.ru/world/20110101/316288929.html Медведев выразил соболезнования президенту Египта в связи с терактом РИА Новости 16 December 2014 Lebanon: In Lebanon, Amine Gemayel former President of Lebanon and leader of the Kataeb Party called the crime a "massacre" and a "genocide", stating that: "massacres are taking place for no reason and without any justification against Christians. It is only because they are Christians. What is happening to Christians is a genocide."Political leaders call for Arab strategy to protect Christians http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=123211#ixzz1A8TLbloK 5 January 2011 Daily Star 4 January 2011 Walid Jumblatt, leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, condemned the attack, calling on Egypt to boost the political participation of Christians in state institutions in a bid to counter attempts to spark strife and tamper with civil peace. A spokesman of the Movement of the Future condemned the massacre as a delegation from the movement visited the Coptic church in Beirut to offer their condolences to members of the Coptic community. Maronite Archbishop of Byblos, Bchara al-Raii, condemned the massacre, and called for a Muslim summit to condemn attacks carried out by radical movements against Christians under the guise of Islam. He also urged the Egyptian government to protect Christians and ensure equal treatment for them. Separate condemnations came from the Sunni Mufti of the Republic Mohammad Qabbani and Deputy Head of the Shiite Supreme Council Abdul Amir Qabalan.Lebanese Leaders Condemn Alexandria Church Massacre http://www.iloubnan.info/politics/actualite/id/53775 1 January 2011 iLoubnan 1 January 2011 6 November 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201106232834/http://www.iloubnan.info/not_found.php dead Israel: In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his "great shock" and reaffirmed his conviction of "the need for a common front by all countries that believe in freedom in the face of terrorism." Syria: In Syria, an official source spoke against "such terrorist crimes" and expressed "condolences to Egypt and the families of the innocent victims".Syria Strongly Condemns Alexandria Terrorist Attack R. al-Jazaeri / Zahra Syrian Arab News Agency 1 January 2011 http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2011/01/01/324407.htm 1 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110104070818/http://sana.sy/eng/21/2011/01/01/324407.htm 4 January 2011 dead Condemnation came as well from the Eastern Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and the Orient Ignatius IV Hazim.Lebanese Shia, Sunni Leaders Condemn Alexandria Church Massacre https://web.archive.org/web/20110722014340/http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&id=219424 22 July 2011 Ahlul Bayt News Agency 2 January 2011 Retrieved 3 January 2011 Palestine: PLO chairman Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attacks calling them a "work of the criminal and inhumane, which aims to destabilize security and stability in our sister country Egypt, and to cause tensions between Muslims and Christians". Hamas condemned the bombing in Alexandria, assigning the blame to hidden hands that do not wish well for Egypt and its Muslim and Christian people and seek to inflame sectarian strife. Hamas in its statement sent condolences to Egypt and the victims' families, and hoped that facts would be disclosed the soonest and that those responsible would be brought to justice.http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&id=219398 Hamas condemns Alexandria church bombing Ahlul Bayt News Agency 2 January 2011 2 January 2011 5 October 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161005201115/http://en.abna24.com/service/middle-east-west-asia/archive/2011/01/02/219398/story.html dead The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal called on Christians to show courage in the face of the attack, declaring that "This latest massacre must lead us to reflect on our vocation as Christians in this region, which cannot be allowed to turn its back on the Cross." The attacks were also condemned by the UK,http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2134996&Language=en UK denounces Alexandria bombing Kuwait News Agency 1 January 2011 Iraq, Jordan,Large Condemnation of Alexandria Bombing https://web.archive.org/web/20110206130920/http://www.qnaol.net/QNAEn/Foreign_News/Politics2/Pages/BahrainCondemnsAlexandriaBombing01012011.aspx 6 February 2011 1 January 2011, Qatar News Agency Bahrain, Poland,http://www.msz.gov.pl/Oswiadczenie,MSZ,w,sprawie,zamachu,w,Aleksandrii,40189.html Oświadczenie MSZ w sprawie zamachu w Aleksandrii Ministerstwo Spraw Zagranicznych 3 January 2011 Kuwait, the GCC, Saudi Arabia, Qatar,http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=407689&version=1&template_id=57&parent_id=56 Qatar condemns Alexandria bombing Gulf Times 2 January 2011 2 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120916004430/http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=407689&version=1&template_id=57&parent_id=56 16 September 2012 dead dmy-all and Iran. Funeral The funeral of the victims was held in the Monastery of Saint Mina, about 30 km west of Alexandria.الهدوء يعود للإسكندرية وإجراءات أمنيّة مشددة على الكنائس http://www.elaph.com/Web/news/2011/1/622047.html 1 January 2011 Elaph 1 January 2011(in Arabic) Between 5,000 and 10,000 people attended the funeral, all of whom adamantly rejected the condolences of president Hosni Mubarak, shouting "No! No! No!" as bishop Youanis attempted to thank Mubarak for his condolences and his statement regarding the bombing. In addition to Bishop Youanis, Pope Shenouda III delegated Metropolitan Bakhomios to preside over the funeral of those killed in Alexandria. Further threats In Europe, Coptic churches have been threatened with further attacks. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12108677 Coptic churches in Europe report attack threats BBC News 3 January 2011 Coptic bishops and priests in France and Germany filed complaints and called for governmental protection. In the UK, officials reported that threats were outlined against two Coptic churches in the country. In Canada, Coptic churches were on high alert following threats by Al-Qaeda against Copts in Canada.https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/coptic-churches-in-canada-on-alert-1.1080545 Coptic churches in Canada on alert CBC News 4 January 2011 All five Coptic churches in Montreal decided to proceed under tightened security with the Eastern Christmas Eve mass on the eve of Eastern Christmas. Following Coptic Christmas, Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper met with Coptic Christian leaders to condemn the Alexandria massacre and to confirm that Canada stands behind the right of the Copts to safely practice their faith. He also declared that the international community must stay vigilant against such violence against Coptic Christians. The bombing also raised fears that jihadists would increase violence against Christians worldwide.Topol Sarah http://www.newsweek.com/2011/01/03/in-egypt-a-widening-sectarian-crisis.html In Egypt, a Widening Sectarian Crisis Newsweek 3 January 2011 Radical Islamic hostility to the Copts has been an ongoing problem. A "death list" of the names and personal information of more than a hundred Copts, many of whom live in Egypt, Europe and North America, was published in 2010 on an Al-Qaeda-affiliated website.Youssef Marten https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/910167--al-qaeda-affiliated-website-targets-arab-christians-in-canada?bn=1 Al Qaeda-affiliated website targets Arab Christians in Canada The Canadian Press 21 December 2010 The website called for the murder of all those whose names appear on the list, accusing them of defaming Islam and converting Muslims to Christianity. See also Egypt Christianity Persecution of Copts Nag Hammadi massacre Kosheh massacres 2011 Imbaba Church Attacks 2016 Cairo Cathedral bombing Christianity in Egypt References 30em External links Daragahi Borzou http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-egypt-church-attack-20110102,0,2931888.story Coptic church bombing in Egypt is latest assault on Mideast Christians Los Angeles Times 1 January 2011 Hauslohner Abigail http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2040449,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110103113815/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2040449,00.html dead 3 January 2011 Egypt Bombing Raises Fears of Growing Sectarian Bloodshed Time 1 January 2011 Shahine Alaa https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-02/egypt-detains-17-people-after-bomb-kills-21-at-church-al-jazeera-reports.html Egypt Detains 17 People After Bomb Kills 21 at Church, Al Jazeera Reports Bloomberg 1 January 2011 27 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110201063704/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-02/egypt-detains-17-people-after-bomb-kills-21-at-church-al-jazeera-reports.html 1 February 2011 live Chick Kristen https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/0102/Egypt-s-Christians-pick-up-the-pieces-after-deadly-News-Year-s-Eve-church-bombing Egypt's Christians pick up the pieces after deadly News Year's Eve church bombing The Christian Science Monitor 2 January 2011 Shahine Alaa https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-02/egyptian-christians-in-clashes-with-police-after-church-attack.html Egyptian Christians Clash With Police in Cairo After Deadly Church Bombing Bloomberg 2 January 2011 27 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110201063720/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-02/egyptian-christians-in-clashes-with-police-after-church-attack.html 1 February 2011 live Fahim Kareem https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/03/world/middleeast/03egypt.html?partner=rss&emc=rss Egyptians Back at Services After Bomb The New York Times 2 January 2011 Hauslohner Abigail http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2040491,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110105192023/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2040491,00.html dead 5 January 2011 Mourning in Alexandria: Egypt's Christians Worship and Worry Time 2 January 2011 Category:2011 in Christianity Category:21st century in Alexandria Category:21st-century mass murders in Egypt Category:Attacks during New Year celebrations Category:Church bombings by Islamists Category:Copts in Alexandria Category:Islamic terrorism in Egypt Category:Islamic terrorist incidents in 2011 Category:January 2011 crimes in Africa Category:January 2011 in Africa Category:Church massacres in Africa Egypt Category:Persecution of Copts Category:Attacks on churches in Egypt Category:Suicide bombings in 2011 Category:Suicide bombings in Egypt Category:Terrorist incidents in Egypt in 2011 Category:Building bombings in Egypt Category:2011 building bombings Category:21st century in Oriental Orthodoxy Category:Massacres in Egypt Category:Persecution of Christians by Muslims Category:Unsolved mass murders