Unrest and violence in Egypt...

Most recent updates from BibleLands' partners

4 February 2011

As the world focuses on events in Egypt, the partner organisations of Christian charity BibleLands are doing everything they can to continue their humanitarian work in the midst of the unrest and violence.

Refuge Egypt, which provides emergency food parcels and healthcare for displaced people in Cairo, was already under increasing pressure due to an influx of refugees after the referendum in South Sudan.

Now curfews, transportation limitations and the threat to personal safety have prevented Refuge Egypt’s staff from getting to work and, at the time of writing, its centres are temporarily closed. The staff have internet and mobile phone services so are able to communicate with each other and with BibleLands’ UK head office, but there is no way of knowing how the situation will develop and they are prepared for communications to break down.

Their priority now is to meet the medical needs of the refugee community. Patients are able to contact Refuge Egypt’s doctors direct, in spite of the clinic’s closure, and staff are liaising with the larger hospitals to gain admittance there for those who need further care. Patients with serious health problems, however, are in danger because of the severe pressure on all medical services.

Reports suggest that, so far, relations between the refugees and Egyptians have been good, but as food supplies become scarce, there could be a build up of tension between the communities.

Bishop Mouneer, who oversees the BibleLands-supported humanitarian work of the Diocese of Egypt, witnessed the violence in Tahrir Square on the evening of 1 February. Clashes between demonstrators and Mubarak’s supporters resulted in three deaths and more than 600 casualties.

‘We with many other Egyptians,’ said Bishop Mouneer, ‘are very sad because of the violence and destruction within our beloved Egypt. Egypt is known in the region as ‘the mother of the world.’ Now, the mother is wounded by its own children, which is harder than the wounds of outside wars.'

We ask you to pray for our partners in Egypt and for the safety of the vulnerable people they serve, especially the children. Your support and prayers are helping to sustain them during this time of crisis. Please also pray for God’s protection for all the Egyptian people, for an end to violence and for the political situation to resolve into one of peace, justice and democracy.

To support BibleLands' work in Egypt and throughout the Middle East, please give a donation (either a one-off or regular gift). Your gift will help to bring hope and support to those who desperately need it.

Our partners have told us how much they appreciate our thoughts, concerns and prayers - read more here.