ContextKiro is a Coptic Orthodox Christian from Egypt, where Christians make up about 16% of the population and face systematic discrimination. From childhood, he endured harassment at school for his faith, being beaten by teachers and forced to work as a cleaner while other students had recess. His mother, an English and religion teacher, taught him that suffering for the name of Jesus was a privilege.
The TrialOn New Year's Eve 2011, Kiro was at church with his mother, two sisters, and an aunt. As they left, a suicide bomber parked a car in front of the church and detonated explosives packed with hundreds of small pellets to maximize lethality. The attack killed 28 and wounded 400; among the dead were Kiro's mother, one sister, and his aunt. He could not immediately recognize their bodies.
Faith and OutcomeAfter the tragedy, Kiro clung to the faith his mother had instilled in him. He says that instead of hatred, he chose to love his aggressors, seeing them as brothers who do not know the same Father. Today, Kiro continues his life as a Christian in Egypt, aware that at every major Christian holiday the community expects attacks, but he maintains the hope and courage his mother taught him.
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