By: S.K.

I remember when I was a kid at school that up till the 5th grade perhaps I couldn’t tell why at the religion period we’d be separated. It wasn’t until I was 10 that I realized that there’s actually 2 different religions.

I also recall that when I was 11 I went to ask my dad if Virgin Mary was Muslim, and when asked why I replied because she wore a veil.

And so, for a long time, I grew up with the notion that what differentiates Christians and Muslims was the fact that at school, we’d only be briefly separated during the religion period, and that on the other hand we have so much in common that I couldn’t even tell if Mother of Jesus was in fact Christian or Muslim.

My memories about Santa Claus and Christmas tree decorations, Ramadan lanterns, Eid cookies, and Edeya are all equally vivid and nostalgic, a Christian kid wouldn’t ask others about their religious views before handing them a golden star to put on top of the tree, nor a Muslim one would ask others what their names were for fear of sharing Eid cookies with Holy Trinity worshipers.

It wasn’t until recently that I became acquainted with the expressions “sectarian strife”, “persecution”, and “suppression”.

I don’t know much about politics, and I don’t recall having serious conversations about the Egyptian radical system before, but what I do remember, what I’m sure and positive of, is that 10 years back, these terms never existed, at least in my entourage!

So, to all of those who feel the urge to say/do/spread anything related to these far from true terms, I beseech you to pause and think a little bit…what good would it make? What good would it make?

This is not another clichéd literal attempt to stir emotions or to provoke sentiments, nor is it a vague trial to prove my patriotism through some words that I personally know won’t change the current situation. This is merely a pouring-out moment that I felt like sharing, and I can only hope that somewhere, someone but me is actually experiencing what I’m going through.

Last, but not least, I truly wish the days to come would hold pleasing, positive, and peaceful memories-to-be, however that’s what I would ask Santa for this year. But for now, I would excuse myself to go recalling eating Eid cookies underneath a sweet-smelling Christmas tree.