In pics: Egyptians celebrate Christmas amid high security, medical alert

CAIRO – 7 January 2019: As usual, Egyptians have rushed into public parks mainly the Giza Zoo and Nasr City's International Garden in Cairo, not necessarily to celebrate the Christmas, but to make use of the national holiday they take on this occasion every year.

In Egypt, especially in the past six years, celebrations, especially those related to religious occasions, have been always accompanied with high security protection and state of high alert in hospitals for the growing injuries.



Egyptians celebrate Christmas in public parks, January 7 - Egypt Today



Since 2013, terror groups used to plan for armed attacks during Egyptians' celebrations. However, Egyptians have not quitted going out in public places to celebrate.

In an interview with Egypt Today, Giza Zoo manager Rashad Rahim said that visitors are expected to reach 20 thousand people by the end of the day.



Egyptians celebrate Christmas in public parks, January 7 - Egypt Today


Rahim said that ambulance cars and civil defense vehicles park inside the zoo to operate in case of emergency, and to prevent harassments and riot.

In parallel, the security services on Monday reinforced their presence in public squares, parks, cinemas in addition to public transport means and subway stations to secure Christmas celebrations.

Policewomen have been also involved to combat harassment, and create a good atmosphere for citizens to celebrate holidays.


Egyptians celebrate Christmas in public parks, January 7 - Egypt Today



Moreover, Egypt's Interior Minister Mahmoud Tawfik has followed up on preparations of the security departments for securing citizens during the Christmas celebrations, accompanied with security leaders.

Concerning the third side of celebrations, a number of hospitals declared state of high alert to receive injured people nationwide.




Egyptians celebrate Christmas in public parks, January 7 - Egypt Today


Mostafa al-Kadi, dean of Benha University's Faculty of Medicine, and Chairman of Board of Directors of Benha university hospitals affirmed the hospital's preparation amid the Christmas celebrations.

The preparations include having medical staff at night and being provided all necessary medical requirements, Kadi said. He added that he carried out a sudden visit to the university hospitals this morning to make sure everything is going in order.

Beating terrorism


Egyptians celebrate Christmas in public parks, January 7 - Egypt Today


A day after an Egyptian police major died while diffusing three explosive devices that were implanted on one of the roofs of Nasr City's Ezbet al-Hagana near a church, Egypt managed on Sunday to open the Middle East's largest Cathedral in its New Administrative Capital.

President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi along with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas who has recently been keen to attend such touching occasions, inaugurated al-Fattah al-Alim Mosque and the Cathedral of Milad al-Masih (Nativity) which reportedly accommodates eight thousand people.


Egyptians celebrate Christmas in public parks, January 7 - Egypt Today


In a recorded message, Pope Francis of the Vatican congratulated Egypt on the opening of the cathedral, thanking President Sisi and the Egyptian government for accomplishing such historic work.

"I offer a special tribute to my dear brother, His Holiness Pope Twadrous II, and to the Coptic Orthodox Church, which knows how to give a true testimony of faith and love in times of crisis," Pope Francis said.



Egyptians celebrate Christmas in public parks, January 7 - Egypt Today


Before the celebration, which coincided with the eve of Coptic Christmas, US President Donald Trump said he is excited to see the inauguration of the Church of Nativity, praising his Egyptian counterpart for the step.




Egyptians celebrate Christmas in public parks, January 7 - Egypt Today