Between February 23 and 24, 2017, more than 90 Coptic Christian families fled Arish, North Sinai, after a series of killings targeted members of their community. They arrived in Ismailia carrying bags, blankets, and uncertainty. Most had left behind homes, businesses, and schools after a string of murders by armed militants, including shootings and a beheading, all within three weeks.
The exodus came after seven Copts were killed in Arish—two of them within 48 hours. The wave of attacks pushed entire families to leave quickly, without time to plan. Many had lived in North Sinai for generations.
In Ismailia, a church courtyard became a reception point. Volunteers and local church leaders offered emergency housing in hostels, unused apartments, and even unfinished buildings. Donations poured in from Coptic Orthodox churches and local residents: mattresses, food, clothing, baby supplies. Despite the support, families were crammed into small spaces—some 15 to 22 people per apartment—with limited privacy and few basic services.
One family shared that they hadn’t had a proper meal in three days. Another mother explained how she could not grieve for her murdered son—her only focus was keeping the rest of her children alive.
The displaced included university students who were forced to interrupt their studies, and older men who had spent their lives working in Arish. Several families refused to speak on record, fearful of retribution or repercussions if they ever returned.
Many criticized both the Church and the state for slow and insufficient responses. Some felt they were left to rely on personal networks and community solidarity. Though officials eventually offered modest monthly stipends and temporary housing, the infrastructure and protection needed to support the displaced remained lacking.
The original piece was reported by journalist Karoline Kamel and published by Mada Masr .Photographs by Georges & Samuel Mohsen document the moments of arrival, waiting, and uncertainty in Ismailia, bearing witness to a forced migration within Egypt’s borders.
- Published: February 26, 2017
- Written by Karoline Kamel
- Originally published by Mada Masr
- Photographed by Georges & Samuel Mohsen