Coptic Solidarity hosted its 12th Annual Conference The Coptic Problem: Hate Based on Religion in Washington, D.C., June 13-14. This leading policy event united legislators, academics, policy professionals, and activists to discuss the situation of human rights and democracy for Copts in Egypt as well as other indigenous minorities in the region. The Policy Day was hosted on Thursday, June 13 in the Cannon Caucus Room of the US House of Representatives and the second day of the event was held on June 14 at the Hilton Springfield.
Day-1: June 13, 2024
Cannon Caucus Room, Cannon House Office Building – Washington, DC
- US Representative French Hill (R-AR)
Representative Hill emphasized the United States’ significant influence on the government in Cairo and advocated for sustained pressure on the Egyptian administration to ensure equitable treatment of Coptic Christians. During his visit to Minya Province in Egypt last May, Representative Hill met with the Deputy Governor of Minya and a Coptic Bishop. He conveyed a firm message that the current situation is unacceptable. When the Deputy Governor cited common arguments, such as issues related to church registration, Representative Hill pointed out the disproportionate ratio of places of worship to the population and urged the elimination of religious identifiers from driver’s licenses and other government-issued IDs. While acknowledging the continuous improvements reported by the International Commission on Religious Freedom, Representative Hill remains committed to advocating for further progress, supported by concrete evidence.
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- Eric Ueland – Vice Chair, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)
Mr. Ueland highlighted ongoing systemic discrimination against Coptic Christians, particularly within the criminal justice system. He pointed to Article 98(f) of Egypt’s Penal Code, which pertains to blasphemy laws, and noted that religious minorities are often unfairly treated under this provision. Mr. Ueland provided specific cases of individuals affected, mentioning that some, even after release, face official or unofficial travel bans. Mr. Ueland urged measures to protect Coptic Christians and advocated for reform of the blasphemy laws and ID card process. He suggested that the U.S. government consider withholding a portion of the $1 billion allocated for foreign military aid to Egypt, contingent upon demonstrable improvements in these areas.
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- Session: Overcoming Challenges: Compound Persecution of Women
Moderator: Hulda Fahmi – International Director, Set My People Free
Judith E. Golub – Co-Founder FoRB Women’s Alliance
Caroline Doss JD – President, Coptic Solidarity
Jamileh Naso – Co-founder & President, Canadian Yezidi Association
Hilary Miller – Researcher, US Commission on International Religious Freedom
Judith Golub introduced the theme of compound persecution as when religious vulnerability is heightened by existing gender and other vulnerabilities. She explained how religion or belief, gender inequality, gender political and economic stressors, cultural norms often masquerade as religious dicta and that persecution takes place both publicly and in homes. The USCIRF’s groundbreaking report found “ a common misperception persists that women’s rights to equality and freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) are clashing rights, yet the two are actually indivisible and interrelated. FoRB is neither a right of “religion” as such, nor an instrument for support of religiously phrased limitations on women’s rights to equality. Harmful practices affecting women and girls cannot be accepted as legitimate manifestations of FoRB because the assertion of one human rights claim cannot be used to extinguish other rights. FoRB can play a role in responding to harmful practices by: mobilizing belief-based actors; supporting individuals to understand and interpret their religion in harmony with the rights of others; and encouraging everyone to consider whether their religious laws should be imposed on others.” Golub ended with recommendations to increase religious freedom for women and girls worldwide.
Doss discussed how Coptic women in Egypt face multifaceted challenges due to societal discrimination, violence, legal impunity, and traditional gender roles which necessitate comprehensive reform. She noted the prevalence of violence specifically targeting Coptic women and how attacks on their communities and individuals not only result in physical harm but also instill a pervasive fear that restricts their daily lives. When this violence is reported, the law enforcement and legal systems often fail to deliver justice for these women. This lack of accountability allows perpetrators to act with impunity, further perpetuating a culture of fear and oppression.
Naso shared about the Yazidi experience, particularly what occurred in Iraq in August 2014 when Isis launched a genocidal campaign against their community. ISIS murdered approximately 7,000 men and abducted about 6,000 women and girls who were abused and sold as sex slaves. Young boys were taken, trained as child soldiers and forcibly converted to Islam. This event shattered the spirit of the Yazidi community, especially with the lack of justice for their families. It continues with over 250,000 Yazidi people living in displacement camps without food and proper sanitation. Steps are being taken towards reparations with the Iraqi Parliament passing the Yazidi Survivors Law, but only 27% of victims have received funding. Naso emphasized the urgent need for awareness and justice for the Yazidi community.
Hilary Miller discussed how current cultural expectations can impose restrictive gender roles on women, limiting their ability to engage in both religious practices and community life. This societal pressure curtails personal freedoms and reinforces patriarchal norms. Some examples included: mandatory hijab and male escort laws, and discrimination in marriage, divorce, and child custody cases. Miller also described the compound discrimination of Coptic women who can face abuse at home and are blamed. They are also ignored by police and the judicial system in cases of assault and trafficking by non-Copts. Egypt urgently needs to treat women equally under law, regardless of faith.
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- Ensaf Haidar – Saudi-Canadian human rights activist, Author, Wife of former Saudi prisoner of conscience, Raif Badawi
Haider shared about her husband’s blogging and writing about his personal beliefs, which led to flogging and 10 years imprisonment by Saudi authorities, for ‘insulting Islam through electronic channels.’ She explained how many governments exploit religion as a means to silence opponents when faced with criticism. Those governments violate the rights of their citizens by restricting freedom of speech and by imposing punishments such as jail sentences. Badawi was freed after serving 10 years imprisonment, but the government imposed a 10-year travel ban, preventing him from reuniting with his family who received asylum in Canada. Haider stressed that freedom of expression is the cornerstone of any democratic society, as it allows individuals to express their opinions without fear and is worth defending.
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- Coptic Solidarity Annual Leadership Award Presentation to His Beatitude Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans.
The award was given for being a witness to the truth and standing firm as the true leader of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq and worldwide. HE Emanual Hana Shaleta, Bishop of the Chaldean Catholic Diocese of St. Peter the Apostle in West USA, received Coptic Solidarity’s 2024 Leadership Award on behalf of Patriarch Sako and read a message from him expressing his gratitude to Coptic Solidarity for the award, and particularly to Executive Committee member Magdi Khalil, for leading an international statementfor the organization in 2023, urging the reinstatement of Patriarch Sako to his position as head of the Chaldean Church in Iraq.
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- Session: Lessons in Protecting Cultural Heritage
Moderator: Mariam Wahba – Associate Director of Communications, Foundation for Defense of Democracies
Michael Akladios PhD – Founder & Executive Director, Egypt Migrations
David Daoud JD – Senior Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies
Wahba commenced the panel by expressing gratitude to the audience for their engagement in a vital discussion on the preservation of Coptic culture and identity. She emphasized the significance of cultural heritage in maintaining a sense of community, particularly for Coptic Christians in the diaspora who face unique challenges in safeguarding their history and traditions.
Dr. Michael Akladios introduced the work of Egyptian Migrations in preserving Coptic history by creating archival collections that include photographs, documents, and educational resources aimed at enriching the understanding of Coptic heritage. He stressed the importance of both tangible (such as artifacts and documents) and intangible cultural heritage (such as language, customs, and traditions) in maintaining the identity of the Coptic diaspora and that these elements are crucial not only for historical remembrance but also for fostering a sense of belonging among younger generations.
David Doud offered insights from a Jewish perspective on the broader theme of cultural preservation through theological frameworks. He discussed how religion plays a pivotal role in sustaining identity, especially in the face of persecution and assimilation. Doud illustrated the historical context of the Holy Land, where Jewish identity was challenged under Christian and Muslim dominion after the Exile and noted how theological interpretations influenced views on Jewish sovereignty and identity, drawing parallels to the Coptic experience.
The discussion examined theological challenges faced by both communities, particularly regarding identity formation. Doud highlighted how the Holocaust transformed traditional beliefs about anti-Zionism within the Jewish community, emphasizing the risks associated with linking cultural identity solely to religious ideology. Panelists highlighted the urgent need for greater focus on cultural preservation efforts through initiatives to document and share the stories of the Coptic diaspora, asserting that these narratives are vital for safeguarding the community’s heritage. The conversation concluded with a shared commitment to fostering stronger connections among communities facing similar challenges, reinforcing the idea that cultural preservation is not only a matter of individual community survival but a collective responsibility to honor and protect shared histories.
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- Ambassador Nathan Sales – Former acting Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights
Ambassador Sales described the alarming decline of Christian communities in the Middle East, noting profound, historical roots of Christianity in the area with the Apostle Mark founded the Church of Alexandria and was also martyred there. He presented a stark statistical overview, indicating that in 1900, Christians comprised approximately 13% of the Middle East’s population, but today that figure has plummeted to around 4%. This dramatic decline reflects the severe persecution and violence Christians have faced, resulting in mass migrations and the near eradication of longstanding Christian communities in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Egypt.
Sales elaborated on the various forms of persecution that Christians endure, including violence from extremist groups, discrimination by government entities, and societal pressures that force individuals to abandon their faith. He shared harrowing examples, such as the 2011 bombing of a church in Alexandria that killed 23 people, and the coordinated ISIS attacks on churches in Tanta and Alexandria in 2017, which resulted in the deaths of dozens. These incidents, he argued, are not isolated events but part of a broader pattern of violence that threatens the very existence of Christian communities in the region. Moreover, Sales highlighted the issue of biased legal systems that fail to protect Christians, citing the case of Patrick Zaki, a young activist imprisoned for speaking out about the plight of Copts in Egypt—exemplifying the broader repression faced by advocates for religious freedom. In closing, Sales emphasized the importance of international advocacy, calling on the U.S. government to prioritize religious freedom in its foreign policy.
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- Lindsay Rodriguez – Director of Development & Advocacy, Coptic Solidarity
Rodriguez provided an overview of Coptic Solidarity’s work in the past year since the 2024 Annual Conference, which is focused on achieving equal citizenship rights for the indigenous Copts of Egypt. She explained how the Egyptian government narrative is not reality for Copts, who actually live as 2nd class citizens. This status is perpetuated by the broad impunity enjoyed by government officials, the judiciary, police and regular individuals who abuse Copts and their properties. It extends to every aspect of life including the burning of churches, unwarranted closure of churches, inability to repair or build new churches, education, employment, athletics, and more.
Coptic Solidarity continues to focus on creating awareness that Copts are the indigenous peoples of Egypt and that they are entitled to additional rights and protections under UN conventions. CS also advocated for the reinstatement of Chaldean Patriarch Sako (which was achieved the week of the CS conference), to end the trafficking of Coptic women and girls, and for protection for Copts and their properties against mob-violence while practicing their right to worship.
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- Session: Current Dynamics: Indigenous & Religious Minorities in the Middle East
Moderator: Raymond Ibrahim – Author, Public Speaker, Middle East and Islam specialist
Ambassador Alberto Fernandez – Vice President, MEMRI
Rachid Hammami – Author & Host of With Clarity Weekly TV Program
Hussein Aboubakr Mansour – Senior Fellow at the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs
Raymond Ibrahim:
Prior to introducing the panelists, Ibrahim provided a brief overview of Christianity in the Middle East, between the sixth to fourteenth centuries, describing the transition from being the cradle of Christianity to a region where Christians are systematically persecuted. With the introduction of Islam to this region of Egypt, Asyria, and Morocco in the 6th century, Christians were forced to convert, live as lower-class citizens, or flee. The systematic persecution of Christians persists until now, where fixing a toilet in a church in Egypt requires a special permit. It is common for churches in Egypt and in the MENA region to be burned by mobs or bombed. Despite these trials, the early Christian influence in Egypt and contributions to Christianity are both rich and multifaceted including: The first council was held in Alexandria. Augustine, the articulator of western theology was Algerian. Early Monasticism is rightly attributed to Anthony, the Egyptian monk. The Nicaean creed was articulated solely or mostly by Athanasius who was Egyptian. The oldest drawing of Jesus was found in Egypt. Egypt’s Christian roots are deep, but Christians still face systematic discrimination and persecution. The source of this can best be summed up by Shari’a Law and the Codes of Omar which require that non-Muslims be treated unequally.
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Amb. Alberto Fernandez:
Ambassador Fernandez started his reflection by sharing Ernest Hemingway quote “How did you go bankrupt?” Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.” He proceeded to explain how from North Africa to Pakistan , the phenomena is one and the same… a slow-motion genocidal crisis for Christians.
Despite occurring in different countries (Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt Algeria ), with different ideologies and different versions of Islam, the result is the same, that Christian minorities are at risk. The systematic persecution of Christians is carried out through a combination of circumstances, whether being robbed at gunpoint as in Iraq Mosul or forced out as in Syria or through violence & harassment and destruction of religious property and cultural heritage as in Lebanon, Algeria and Egypt.
We might wonder what motivates even secular states opposed to religious hatred such as Egypt and Algeria to carry out the same treatment against Christians. Fernandez argued that it is based in policy, not hatred, and motivated by the desire to stay in power and therefore excuses religious violence to appease the masses. He concluded that the Middle East lacks the soul searching and chest pounding of the West where you see Americans condemning America to the point of burning the American flag. What makes the world we live in even more dangerous is that the same oppressors of the east are immigrating to the West.
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Brother Rachid posited that the decline of Christianity in North Africa is a complex historical process influenced by various factors over centuries. He discussed the historical persecution of Christians and Jews in the MENA region, explaining the link to Islamic teachings and societal norms. By the end of the medieval period, Christianity was largely reduced to small, marginalized communities in North Africa, with Islam becoming the predominant faith across the region. Rachid also emphasized the need for reform in religious education and media to address the root causes of hatred, urging a candid conversation about the relationship between Islam and religious persecution. He mentioned several key strategies for reforming religious education to reduce hatred that can promote tolerance and encourage students to build bridges, rather than walls between different faith communities. Rachid discussed the significant role the media plays in shaping religious perceptions in many ways, including representation, framing, and access to information. In closing, he addressed the powerful impact of media on how religions are perceived, encouraging either division or unity among different faith groups based on the narratives presented.
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Hussein Aboubakr Mansour discussed the challenges contributing to a complex landscape for Copts in Egypt, impacting their daily lives and long-term prospects within the society. He argued that the US can play a significant role in protecting minority rights in Egypt through various strategies, such as diplomatic pressure, fostering economic development, and public advocacy and awareness campaigns. Mansour highlighted the complex dynamics between state sovereignty, religious minority rights, and radical ideologies, urging the U.S. to leverage its influence to protect Copts and uphold human rights in the region. He posited that Copts, who are the largest Christian community in Egypt and one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, play a significant role in Middle Eastern politics for several reasons, including cultural heritage, political representation, and interfaith Dialogue. Mansour concluded expressing that the significance of Copts in Middle Eastern politics extends beyond their numbers; it encompasses issues of identity, rights, and the broader quest for a just and equitable society in a tumultuous region.
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Day-2: June 14, 2024
Hilton Springfield
- Aram Hamparian – Executive Director, Armenian National Committee of America
Hamparian presented on the evolution of the Armenian community in the US, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy, community engagement, and political participation. Hamparian discussed several historical challenges that Armenians have faced in America, which have shaped the Armenian American experience, leading to a resilient community focused on advocacy, cultural preservation, and social cohesion. He outlined five key steps for diaspora communities including: recognizing limits of pity, tactical alliances, protest, pressure, and participation in decision-making, urging the Coptic community to own their issues and advocate effectively. By following these steps, Coptic communities can be more effective in advocating for their needs and influencing decision-making processes. Hamparian also suggested that the Coptic community strengthen its political engagement and advocate effectively for its needs and concerns through strategies including: voter registration and participation, engaging with local leadership, and forming political action committees.
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- Sarah Raviani – Fellow & Engagement Coordinator, National Union for Democracy in Iran
Raviani, an Iranian American activist, shared about her journey advocating for human rights in Iran following the 2022 uprising, which was sparked by the murder of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old female who died after being detained by the morality police for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code for women. Amini’s death on September 16, 2022, ignited widespread protests across the country, as it became a symbol of the broader discontent with the Islamic Republic’s oppressive policies, particularly regarding women’s rights and personal freedoms. Raviani emphasized the youth’s desire for freedom from the Islamic Republic, highlighting the need for international support and understanding of the Iranian people’s struggles against oppression and misinformation. The international community can support Iranian activists in many ways, such as by imposing sanctions against officials, providing humanitarian aid, and promoting solidarity movements. By combining these efforts, the international community could create an environment that supports Iranian activists and pressures the regime to reconsider its oppressive policies. Raviani concluded with the crucial role social media is playing in Iranian activism as it allows for greater connectivity, visibility, and advocacy, albeit under the constant threat of surveillance and repression by the government.
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- Coptic Solidarity Annual Atef Jacoub Leadership Award Presentation to Tereza Haroun – Founder of The Panorama El-Barsha Troupe featured in The Brink of Dreams,which won the Golden Eye Award for Best Documentary at the 77th Cannes Film Festival
Haroun expressed gratitude for receiving Coptic Solidarity’s Atef Jacoub Leadership Award, sharing her journey of empowering young women through theater in her village. She discussed the challenges to establish a community association and promoting women’s rights, emphasizing the transformative power of dreams and the importance of support for continued progress and change. Some of the challenges Haroun faced in her community included: resistance to change, access to resources, and lack of support. Despite these obstacles, she remained committed to her mission of empowering young women through theater and fostering positive change in her community. Theater empowered young women in Haroun’s village by providing them with a platform to express themselves, share their stories, and build confidence. It served as a space for creativity and self-discovery, allowing participants to explore social issues and their own identities. Haroun aspires to continue empowering young women in her community through theater and education. She also envisions a future where women have equal rights and opportunities, fostering a supportive environment for their personal and professional growth in Egypt.
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- Session: Minority Voices: 10 Years Since the Rise of ISIS
Moderator: Magdi Khalil – Political Analyst on International Affairs; Co-founder of Coptic Solidarity & Co-founder of Middle East Freedom Forum
Ramsin Toma – President DC Chapter, Assyrian Aid
Nafiya Naso – Settlement Coordinator, Operation Ezra
Gabriel Sawma JD– Attorney, Professor & Specialist in Shari’a Divorce and Finance
Magdi Khalil opened the session, articulating the pressing need to address the preservation of cultural identities for non-Muslim minorities in the Middle East, particularly in light of historical and contemporary challenges. He emphasized that the last two decades have seen significant upheaval, including the rise of extremist groups, which have contributed to the marginalization and persecution of communities like the Copts, Yazidis, and Assyrians. Khalil stressed the importance of solidarity among these groups to maintain their cultural heritage and address their shared struggles.
Ramsin Toma highlighted the severe conditions faced by Assyrians in Iraq over the past decade. He detailed the intense displacement following ISIS’s occupation of Mosul in 2014, which resulted in a drastic decline in the Assyrian population in their ancestral homeland. Out of nearly 1,200 families that fled Mosul, only about 50 have returned due to ongoing security concerns and the lack of opportunities for a stable life. He stressed that international and local support is crucial for Assyrians to rebuild their lives, advocating for political representation and the protection of minority rights in the Iraqi government.
Nafiya Naso shared her experiences as the Settlement Coordinator for Operation Ezra, which focuses on supporting Yazidi survivors of genocide. Naso provided insight into the challenges Yazidis face during resettlement, including trauma from their experiences under ISIS and the need for community support to foster healing. She described various initiatives, such as mental health programs and community integration efforts, to provide comprehensive support to Yazidi refugees in Canada. Naso emphasized the power of collective action and the importance of creating a welcoming environment for survivors to rebuild their lives.
Gabriel Sawma offered a unique perspective as an attorney specializing in Shari’a law, discussing its implications for minority rights, especially in family law. He explained how Shari’a law can complicate matters for non-Muslim minorities, particularly regarding issues like divorce and inheritance. Sawma highlighted the necessity of navigating these legal frameworks to ensure that minority rights are respected within local laws. He argued that increasing awareness and understanding of Shari’a principles among minority communities can empower them to advocate for their rights more effectively.
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- Session & Workshop: Empowering Coptic Youth Activists
Beshoy Botros PharmD – Candidate PhD in Government, Regent University; MA Law & Public Policy
Fady Nakhla – Candidate MA International Affairs, concentration in Middle Eastern Studies, George Washington University; Legal Assistant, Word Organization
Merna Nakhla – Candidate MA International Affairs, concentration in Middle Eastern Studies, George Washington University; Researcher, Word Organization
Merna Nakhla
Merna Nakhla presented on the trafficking and persecution of Coptic women and girls in Egypt, utilzing the UN definition of human trafficking as well as citing Coptic Solidarity’s report, Jihad of the Womb, which claims that more than 500 Coptic women and girls have been trafficked between 2010 to 2020. M. Nakhla stressed that females are targeted in everyday situations, by radical Muslims who specifically target non-hijab-wearing Coptic women and girls, leading them into deceptive romantic relationships that result in abduction and often sexual abuse. The victims may be pressured to convert to Islam or have their families’ pay ransoms. Police in Egypt often refuse to take reports from families of victims and fail to investigate trafficking cases. The government does not hold traffickers accountable and actively works to suppress information about these incidents. M. Nakhla presented five examples of violent crimes committed against Coptic women over the past five years including murder, torture, and public humiliation, emphasizing a pattern of violence and discrimination. She emphasized that no family should live in fear for their daughters’ safety due to her appearance or faith. M. Nakhla concluded with an urgent call for greater awareness and intervention from authorities and international bodies.
Fady Nakhla
Fady Nakhla presented a more broadly on the persecution of Copts in Egypt and how they face significant restrictions on their freedom of expression, a legitimate human right. Common types of oppression include attacks on churches and the kidnapping of minors. He emphasizes what the Copts Nakhla provides an example of Christian activist Muhammad Hijazi, who, after announcing his apostasy from Islam, was arrested and tortured, and later released with restrictions on his media presence. Another case mentioned is that of Lucas Ayed Lamei, a young Coptic man kidnapped for six months after denouncing extremist groups online. Nakhla cites the example of Brother Mukhles, who was arrested for criticizing Islamic texts and sharing content deemed blasphemous. Additionally, Sherif Gaber faced accusations of contempt of Islam and incitement to atheism, raising concerns about the integrity of the Egyptian judiciary. Nakhla addresses the existence of a double standard in Egypt, where individuals in official media can incite violence against Copts without facing legal consequences, while many Copts are punished for their expressions of faith or dissent. Nakhla emphasizes the need to regulate content on public media platforms to prevent incitement against religious minorities, noting that actions taken by countries like the United States can successfully reduce terrorist content. Nakhla calls for Western countries to act against pages that promote terrorism in alignment with international human rights laws. Nakhla concludes with a hope for solutions to the ongoing persecution faced by Copts, stressing the urgent need for protection and support for religious and ethnic minorities in Egypt.
