The New York Daily News is reporting that on Friday, the holy day for Islam, Christian protesters in Tahir Square joined hands to form a protective cordon around their Muslim countrymen so they could pray in safety. Sunday, the Muslims returned the favor. They surrounded Christians celebrating Mass in Cairo's central plaza, ground zero for the secular pro-democracy protests reverberating throughout the region. "In the name of Jesus and Muhammed, we unify our ranks," the Rev. Ihab al-Kharat told the crowd in his sermon, reports Helen Kennedy of the New York Daily News. "We will keep protesting until the fall of the tyranny," he said.
Some of the worshippers began to cry as the congregation sang, "Bless our country, listen to the cries of our hearts," writes Kennedy. Afterward, the crowd of both Muslims and Christians chanted "one hand" — meaning "we are one" — and held up a Quran and a cross.
We're wondering why this story, which contradicts the way that many of the protesters have been characterized in the media, has not gotten more play. It demonstrates the best of humanity even in the worst of circumstances.
Read more at the New York Daily News.
In other news: CIA: Major Mistakes, Few Repercussions.