Egypt: One year on from Alexandria Palm Sunday bomb

One year ago a bomb in a church in Alexandria on Palm Sunday killed 22 people and wounded many others. Magid, recalls the events of that day, how he lost his wife, Hannan, in the attack, and how the prayers and presence of others brings him hope.

All around the world, Christians are preparing to celebrate Easter. But for many Christians, along with the joy of the festival, there is the fear of potential attack. Or, too often, the memories of those whom they have lost.

One year ago, on Palm Sunday 2017, Magid was selling palm branches with his wife and son by the gate of St Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria, Egypt. As worshippers were leaving the cathedral, a suicide bomber blew himself up.

Among the casualties was Magid’s wife, Hannan.

Recently, World Watch Monitor visited Magid and his children, eight-year-old Youssef and six-year-old Maryam, and heard about their life after Hannan’s death.

The blast killed 18 worshippers and four police officers, including Magid's uncle and nephew. Some 35 others were injured.

“After the blast there was smoke,” Magid recalls. “And when the smoke cleared I saw body parts everywhere… And then I saw Hannan, my dear wife, in a pool of blood.”

“God sends us people to help us and pray for us,” he says. “That is comforting me.”

Please Pray

• For security for Christians at this time of year, in Egypt and in other countries around the world
• For people like Magic, who have lost loved ones through violent persecution
• For the work of Open Doors partners in Egypt, bringing hope to Christians in the midst of suffering

Please help

In Egypt, violence against Christians is increasing. On the Open Doors 2018 World Watch List, Egypt rose four places – from number 21 to number 17. Your gift can help support your persecuted family who are suffering for their faith.