Egyptian Copts finally fulfilling dream of being pilgrims in Jerusalem

For decades, Refaat El-Sayeh, a Coptic Christian merchant in el-Kosheh, Egypt, had wanted to see the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and visit the Church of the Nativity in nearby Beth­lehem. He wanted to feel closer to God.

But for years those pilgrimages were discouraged for Egypt’s Coptic Christians.

“To visit Jerusalem and the holy places was always my wish,” El-Sayeh said. “You feel the hand of God. This is the lifelong dream of every Christian in el-Kosheh.”